Metrics for measuring the achievement likelihood of values in university R&D projects

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential for using metrics to measure the likelihood of achieving the values desired by project stakeholders of R&D projects in the university context and to propose a selection of metrics for practical application. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review was conducted to identify the metrics proposed for R&D projects and the values expected from such projects by stakeholders. Interviews with R&D project managers from universities were carried out to determine the current use of metrics in university-based R&D projects. Conceptual analysis was employed to propose a selection of metrics to be introduced, on an obligatory basis, into the management of R&D projects at universities. Findings: A very low maturity in value-based and metrics-based project management at universities was confirmed. While several metrics are used, they are not those related to project values, which is detrimental to the success rate of R&D projects at universities. The use of value-based metrics should be gradually embedded in the management of R&D projects at universities. Research limitations/implications: The findings described in the paper require case studies of practical application, through which the list of values and the corresponding metrics can be completed. Originality/value: The problem of the absence of value-based and metrics-based project management in the university context was emphasized, and an initial proposal was formulated regarding how these aspects should be implemented at universities. The targeted audience of this paper includes individuals involved in the management of R&D projects at universities, whether as project managers, project team members, university division managers, or employees of project funding institutions.