Illustrative best-practice case study

Turn institutional research evidence into a support decision

A hypothetical university wants to use publication and collaboration evidence to identify practical support priorities.

An illustrative academic library and shared study space
Research in focus · Illustrative imagery

01

Starting situation

Departments have different research profiles, and database totals disagree. A dashboard has been proposed, but there is no agreed statement of the decisions it should support. This is an illustrative institutional scenario, not a client testimonial.

02

Best-practice intervention

  1. Agree the decision: for example, where to prioritise research-support capacity in the next planning cycle.
  2. Define periods, output types, institutional name variants and source coverage.
  3. Inspect a sample of identity matches and compare database records with departmental context. Use OpenAlex as an additional discovery source where appropriate.
  4. Use the DORA declaration to frame responsible assessment and avoid treating journal metrics as a judgement of individual work.
  5. Pair the evidence with departmental consultation and assign a support action, owner and review date.

03

Illustrative handover

The resulting record explains definitions and limitations, identifies unresolved data issues and connects each proposed action to evidence. A dashboard is useful only if a decision-maker can interpret the measures and question the assumptions.

04

How to assess the workflow

Check whether counts can be traced to saved queries and exports, whether name-matching decisions were reviewed and whether the selected action responds to an evidenced need. Review progress through an agreed mixture of contextual and quantitative information. This example claims no ranking or publication uplift.

05

Apply it to your institution

Start with the responsible metrics guide and self-assessment checklist. Where the institution needs a broader baseline, a research performance audit can define what is known, what is uncertain and which priorities require further investigation.

06

Sources and tools

  • OpenAlex — Explore research records while checking coverage and identity matching.
  • DORA declaration — Use research content and context when assessing contributions.

07

Continue with your research

External resources reviewed 22 October 2026. Check the current instructions for the selected journal, tool or institution before acting. These links identify independent resources and do not imply an affiliation with or endorsement by their providers.