Wickremasinghe, SI Evaluating research productivity: a case study of the rice scientists in India and Sri Lanka JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION OF SRI LANKA, 36 (1): 59-68 MAR 2008

[Eugene Garfield]

Email Address: seethaiw at nsf.ac.lk 

Author(s): Wickremasinghe, SI (Wickremasinghe, Seetha I.) 

Title: Evaluating research productivity: a case study of the rice 
scientists in India and Sri Lanka 

Source: JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION OF SRI LANKA, 36 (1): 
59-68 MAR 2008 

Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

Author Keywords: India; research productivity; research publication; rice 
research; rice scientists; science policy; science & technology output; 
Sri Lanka 

Keywords Plus: RECOGNITION; SCIENCE; OUTPUT 

Abstract: Measuring research productivity of the scientific community is 
important because it gives an insight to the research and development 
(R&D) of a particular country. A common method used for this purpose is 
the evaluation of the output of the research publications viz., research 
articles published in the journals and bulletins; presentations at 
workshops/ conference proceedings; books or chapters in books; technical 
reports etc. The patents and the awards received by the scientists are 
also considered as research productivity indicators. The present case 
study is aimed at evaluation of the research productivity of rice 
scientists in India and Sri Lanka through their publications and other 
research outputs. A questionnaire survey was administered among the 
scientists at the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), at Cuttack in 
the Orissa State of India and at the Rice Research and Development 
Institute (RRDI), at Batalagoda, Ibbagamuwa in Sri Lanka. This was 
supplemented by direct interviews with senior scientists and research 
administrators in the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in 
both countries. The mean research productivity was found to be 
significantly higher (p <= 1) for Indian rice scientists compared to the 
Sri Lankan rice scientists. The possible reasons for this difference that 
emerged from this study are as follows. a) Publication of research is the 
most essential criterion for promotion and career development of Indian 
scientists; b) Many Indian journals are available for publication of rice 
research; and c) The majority of Indian rice scientists hold PhD degrees 
which is essential for conducting independent research. The study also 
indicated a policy insight for training Sri Lankan rice scientists up to 
PhD level for higher research productivity. 

Addresses: Natl Sci Fdn, Sci & Technol Policy Res Div, Colombo 07, Sri 
Lanka 

Reprint Address: Wickremasinghe, SI, Natl Sci Fdn, Sci & Technol Policy 
Res Div, 47-5 Maitland Pl, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka. 

Cited Reference Count: 18 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: NATL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SRI LANKA 

Publisher Address: 47/5 MAITLAND PLACE, COLOMBO, 00000, SRI LANKA 

ISSN: 1391-4588 

29-char Source Abbrev.: J NATL SCI FOUND SRI LANKA 

ISO Source Abbrev.: J. Natl. Sci. Found. Sri Lanka 

Source Item Page Count: 10 

Subject Category: Multidisciplinary Sciences 

ISI Document Delivery No.: 310DO 

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