Academic rankings as a source of metrics and benchmark tools for continuous improvement at Técnico Lisboa

Abstract

[EN] Academic rankings provide an opportunity to increase visibility and reputation of institutions and can be used as benchmark tools for quality improvement, despite much criticism of biased coverage and flawed methodologies. As part of the University of Lisbon, Técnico Lisboa – a leading Portuguese engineering and technology school – has monitored and examined rankings through its Rankings Observatory in the context of strategic options, but institutional transformations have been an obstacle to exactly measure Técnico’s worth or weight in the context of the University of Lisbon. Those transformations have not contributed to leverage the positioning of the University of Lisbon in major rankings either. This paper discusses the impact of institutional transformations on the University of Lisbon and Técnico in rankings, describes attempts made by Técnico to overcome these constraints and gives examples of how Técnico applies rankings as internal benchmark tools towards continuous improvement.