Unveiling Research Publication Trends: The Bicol University Analysis (2010-2021)

Benedicto B. Balilo Jr.; Gremil Alessandro A. Naz

Benedicto B. Balilo Jr. Bicol University, Philippines
Gremil Alessandro A. Naz Center for Policy Studies and Development, Bicol University, Philippines

Abstract

Purpose – Publication is considered one of the most influential factors and requirements in a higher education institution’s (HEI’s) merit and promotion system. Some HEIs struggle in terms of publications in reputable national and international journals. This study aims to analyze the trends of research publications of Bicol University from 2010 to 2021.

Method – The study is a descriptive type of research. The publication articles from 2010 to 2021 or 237 articles were subjected to analysis to determine the research publication productivity. The study used frequency count to determine the distribution and classification of published articles.

Results – The results showed that the university has a considerably low productivity in terms of published papers in national and international-refereed journal publications which served as the basis for institutional improvement and development. However, the BU (Bicol University) R&D Journal significantly contributed to the attainment of the institution's targets and served as a faculty option for publication.

Conclusion – Bicol University needs to increase the number of publications of faculty members.

Recommendations – Strong support of the top management, sustaining and building strong linkages, partnerships, and collaborations with top HEIs in the country and abroad, publication assistance, subscription to journals and databases, sourcing externally funded research, improvements in the publication incentive system, and the institutionalization of publication training and mentoring programs are recommended.

Research Implications – The findings have significant implications for the university’s policies to improve publication performance and provide an environment where senior researchers should lead as prime movers or influencers to cultivate a research and publication culture in the university.

Author Biographies

Benedicto B. Balilo Jr., Bicol University, Philippines

A Doctor in Information Technology graduate at the Technological Institute of the Philippines, Quezon City (TIP-QC) last March 28, 2018. He was a CHED scholar under the CHED FDP-II program. A graduate of the Master in Information Technology (MIT) program from the University of the Cordilleras in 2015 as a CHED FDP-II Scholar, earned a Master’s degree program in Business Administration (MBA) at Aquinas University of Legazpi in 2012 and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at DCC in 1994. He also earned units in Master in Information Systems (MIS) at UPOU-LB and a Bachelor of Laws (LLb) at Aquinas University of Legazpi.

He is the Dean of the BU Open University, Director of the Publication and Knowledge Management Division (PKMD) under the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE), and ETEEAP Coordinator of the University. A Professor II of the College of Science, Bicol University, Legazpi City. The internal vice president of the Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE) Region V, a former Municipal Councilor (9 years), and a Consultant of Sto. Domingo, Albay from 2010-2013. A member of various professional organizations such as PSITE, PeLS, Philippine Cyber Professional, National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), and PAEDA. His interest is in the fields of Information/Cyber Security, Information Technology, and Emerging Trends.

Gremil Alessandro A. Naz, Center for Policy Studies and Development, Bicol University, Philippines

Gremil Alessandro Alcazar Naz is an associate professor at the Bicol University Center for Policy Studies and Development. He conducts research and teaches courses on communication and allied fields. He is also the editor-in-chief of the university’s research journal and the technical adviser of the official student publication.

Dr. Naz finished his Doctor of Communication degree at the University of the Philippines Open University as a CHED dissertation grant awardee. He completed his master’s degree in Development Communication as class valedictorian from the same university. He has another master’s degree in Media, Culture, and Communication from New York University, where he was a full scholar of the Ford Fou