Research Evaluation

Evaluation is fundamental for the assurance of high quality research. WU’s research performance is evaluated annually through standardized key data reported to the Ministry in the form of an Intellectual Capital Report (Wissensbilanz) as well as through Activity Reports and Department evaluations.

Department Evaluations

According to WU’s plan and based on the legal requirement to evaluate individual research every five years, research activities of all Departments are being systematically evaluated between 2008 and 2014. The evaluation includes a self-assessment and a peer review. Subjects of evaluation are scientific publications, conference presentations, research funding, research cooperation and positions in the scientific community, as well as the respective research strategy and policy of the Department. The main goal of the evaluations is to foster the development of excellence in research and research management of the Departments. Therefore, evaluation reports stay within the Departments and are deliberately not shared with the Rector’s Council.

Activity Reports

Individual performance (including research) of faculty members is documented through WU’s annual Activity Reports. These Reports – which were introduced in 2007 - include detailed documentation of scholarly work, courses taught as well as other external activities. Research activities include publications, conference participations, acquired research funds, awards and prizes, positions in scientific boards, memberships in research associations, leaves of absence for research and teaching, and supervised doctoral theses. Every year, more than 400 Activity Reports are sent to the Department Chairs and the Rector’s Council. This pool of information provides detailed insights into the achievements and the performance of WU’s faculty. Mainly, they are used for yearly appraisal interviews within the Departments.

Evaluation is fundamental for the assurance of high quality research. WU’s research performance is evaluated annually through standardized key data reported to the Ministry in the form of an Intellectual Capital Report (Wissensbilanz) as well as through Activity Reports and Department evaluations.

WU-Journal-Rating

The WU-Journal-Rating includes 32 internationally highly reputed journals (rated A+) and 351 very good journals of international standing (A) in the fields of business, management, and economics. WU’s Journal-Rating is used to award yearly bonuses to faculty members and for internal and external reporting as well as for grant proposals, research evaluation, and public relations. It also serves as a major orientation for junior faculty members who are starting an academic career and need to develop a publication record.

Further information: WU-Journal-Rating