Evaluation and Challenges of Research Groups in Higher Education: A Study in Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sebelas Maret University

Abstract

This article presents evaluations and challenges in managing Research Groups in Higher Education: Studies at the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty, Sebelas Maret University (FMIPA UNS). Data were collected by an online survey conducted on FMIPA UNS lecturers included in the research group by filling a survey. The survey questions include 44 items classified into four groups, i.e. strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat. The questions were measured using the 5-point Likert scale. The obtained survey data were assessed using the Strengths, Weakness, Oppotunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. SWOT analysis was conducted by determining the position of the quadrants. Analysis result was in the second quadrant, which showed that the research group required a diversification strategy to grow. These data could provide information on the management needed. There should be a policy on the performance improvement of the research group, and the obtained data could aid in making a decision and changing management to be used for further investigations.