Praxis for Accelerated Improvement in Research (PAIR)

Abstract

This article introduces the Praxis for Accelerated Improvement in Research (PAIR) as a transformative research management paradigm drawn from the participatory action research program focused on research production and publication in a private higher education institution in Manila, Philippines. PAIR mentoring scheme upholds establishing a committed and caring relationship between the mentor and the mentee, thereby developing a shared vision towards research. PAIR mentoring further underscores the need to institute a university research infrastructure to support its research programs and initiatives. This participatory and transformative approach to research management tendered significant (and accelerated) improvement in the Scopus® metrics of the university. Reflecting from the researchers’ and research participants’ journey in implementing and embracing change and improvement in the university research programs, this article argues that researchers need to advance connectedness, conviviality, optimism, shared vision, and prudence in all aspects of research. This article thereby recommends learning and researching within the lens of participatory and transformative paradigm. The authors further recommend to higher education institutions establishment of a sustained mentoring program where mentors and mentees mutually agree and commit to advance the research vision of the university collectively. Finally, this article reasons in favor of an institutional research infrastructure that nurtures not just the knowledge and skills in research, but also the attitude and values of its research stakeholders towards research and the overall research program of the organization.

Evaluating the research productivity of a state university in Central Luzon, Philippines: Basis for policy recommendations

“…The institution recorded very few publications in Scopus-indexed journals. The results are parallel with Anito, Limjap, and Padagas [30], which revealed that their HEI-respondent registered only three Scopus 133 papers within a 10-year period (2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017). This implies that while the institution consciously endeavors to generate several studies, very few of these papers are published in refereed journals, including those indexed in Scopus.…”

“…HEIs may also consider subjecting their institutional journals for CHED accreditation and possible indexing to other citation databases such as ACI. While research is etched in government policies on higher education, Philippines HEIs need to introduce innovative research programs that could help accelerate the production and publication of research [30], specifically in Scopus-indexed journals.…”