Evaluation of the Performance of Non-governmental Research Institutions: Comparative Study of Humanities and Engineering Fields

Performance indicators are a suitable tool for the implementation of infrastructural, research and process-oriented management projects in universities and higher education institutions, as well as the evaluation of these institutions, which can be used to compare the past performance, current and desired status of the institutions with the standards. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of non-governmental research institutions in Iran in the fields of humanities and engineering. This is an applied research that was conducted with a scientometrics approach and based on the evaluation model of the Sanandaj handbook. The research community are non-governmental research institutions that have received permission from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. In this study, two institutes from both fields that had better performance among their peers were selected for comprehensive evaluation. In general, the evaluation results showed that the "B" engineering field institute has a good situation compared to the "A" humanities institute. Undoubtedly, the use of short-term, medium-term and long-term strategic plans and the promotion of research activities in the Institute of Engineering have not been without influence. It is necessary for non-governmental research institutions to prepare or revise the strategic plan and annual self-evaluations in accordance with the dimensions and indicators of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, to provide the basis for growth and promotion in order to be effective and fulfill their mission in the research field of the country.