Butler, Linda2015-12-070302-3427http://hdl.handle.net/1885/20720The use of quantitative performance measures to assess the quality of university research is being introduced in Australia and the UK. This paper presents the case for maintaining a balanced approach. It argues that 'metrics' have their place, and can make the process more efficient and cost-effective, but that peer review must be retained as a central element in any research assessment exercise. The role of metrics is as 'a trigger to the recognition of anomalies', rather than as a straight replacement for peer review.Keywords: academic research; cost-benefit analysis; performance assessment; quantitative analysis; university sector; Australasia; Australia; Eurasia; Europe; United Kingdom; Western Europe200710.3152/030234207X2544042015-12-07