The Need for Practical Focus in Academia: Why We Must Prioritise Real-World Impact Over Publications.

In today’s fast-paced academic environment, a growing issue has emerged that significantly impacts the way education is approached and delivered: the overwhelming emphasis on publications and citations.

This metric-driven approach has led to the rise of a system where academic success is increasingly judged by the number of papers published in high-impact journals, such as Scopus and Web of Science (WOS), rather than the practical value of the work itself. While research and publications are undoubtedly important, many of the them (in recent years) often fall short of addressing the immediate needs of students, industries, and societies. The question we must ask ourselves is: Shouldn't practical experience and real-world application be the key driving force in education?

The Struggle Between Theory and Practicality

Academic institutions have long focused on theoretical knowledge. However, as industries and societies continue to evolve rapidly, the need for practical skills has never been more urgent. Students require more than just textbook knowledge; they need the ability to solve real problems, innovate, and adapt to changing environments. Yet, the modern academic system often places an inordinate amount of pressure on faculty members to produce publications, primarily for the sake of maintaining their positions or securing promotions. This focus on publications has led to a situation where lecturers and researchers are judged by the quantity of their scholarly work, rather than the relevance of their knowledge in the real world.

For instance, consider a lecturer with decades of hands-on experience in the industry who applies for a position at a university. Despite their practical expertise and ability to mentor students with valuable insights into the challenges of the real world, their application is often overshadowed by colleagues who have numerous published papers in "prestigious journals". The emphasis on citation numbers and publication counts often blinds universities to the immense value that such a candidate could bring to their students. This creates a disconnect between academia and practice. Many researchers, pressured to publish, end up contributing to theoretical work that, while intellectually valuable, often lacks immediate application. These papers, though extensively cited in academic circles, rarely make a tangible difference in the lives of students or the broader community.

The Dangers of the Current Model

The current publication-centric approach in academia can lead to several significant issues:

1. Lack of Real-World Relevance: Research that focuses solely on theory or abstract concepts can seem detached from the immediate needs of society. While academic journals may be filled with high-impact studies, the application of these studies to real-world problems is often minimal. As a result, students and industries are left with a wealth of knowledge that is not practically applicable.
2. Overlooking Practical Talent: When universities rely too heavily on publication metrics to evaluate faculty, they risk overlooking candidates who could offer more valuable contributions through their hands-on experience and practical expertise. This emphasis on numbers can create an environment where academic institutions fail to recognize the full potential of their staff and fail to enrich students with the skills and knowledge they truly need.
3. Pressure on Academics: The relentless drive for publications often leads to burnout and frustration among faculty members. Many experienced educators and professionals feel forced to prioritise publishing in journals over teaching or applying their knowledge to real-world challenges. This has a detrimental impact on both academic quality and the personal well-being of educators.

For example, some academic institutions prohibit faculty members from engaging in business activities. This policy can be viewed from two contrasting perspectives. On one hand, a lecturer teaching business-related subjects without prior experience in owning or managing a business may lack the practical insights needed to provide students with real-world applications of theoretical concepts. This raises questions about their ability to effectively prepare students for industry challenges. 

A Shift Towards Practicality: Empowering Students for the Future

The solution lies in shifting the focus from purely academic publications to a more balanced approach that values practical experience and the real-world impact of education. Universities and top management must understand that practicality is key to student empowerment, particularly in today’s rapidly changing world.

Consider the example of a lecturer who has spent years working in a field such as digital marketing, project management, or engineering. Their experience is invaluable because they have navigated the challenges of their industry firsthand. Their ability to provide students with practical knowledge, tools, and insights into how to apply theoretical concepts in real-life situations is critical for preparing them for the workforce. However, when universities prioritize publication records over experience, they often overlook candidates who could bring practical wisdom to the classroom.

A practical approach in academia not only benefits students, but it also nurtures innovation. Industry partnerships, internships, hands-on workshops, and case-based learning all offer students the chance to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Faculty with practical experience are better equipped to guide students through these experiences, making the learning process more impactful and relevant.

Rebalancing the System: A Call for Action

The time has come for academic institutions to reassess their hiring and evaluation practices. Instead of placing disproportionate weight on the number of publications and citations, universities should recognise and reward practical expertise and contributions to real-world challenges. Lecturers with a proven track record of real-world application should be seen as assets to the academic community, rather than as candidates who have “missed the mark” due to a lack of publications.

Institutions can also foster a culture of collaboration between academia and industry, where practical experiences become an integral part of academic programs. Encouraging research that is directly linked to solving current societal issues, rather than abstract problems, will lead to more meaningful and impactful contributions from both students and faculty. Let me use Digital Marketing as an example:

For instance, in some institutions, the assessment structure for Digital Marketing courses allocates 70% to written evaluations, with the remaining 30% left to the discretion of the tutor. This raises an important question: does such an approach truly empower students with the practical skills required for real-world applications? 

You may agree with me that while theoretical knowledge assessed through written tests is valuable, the heavy emphasis on this format may limit opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, experiential learning that mirrors the dynamic challenges of the digital marketing industry. Hence, a more balanced assessment framework, incorporating projects, simulations, and practical assignments, could better equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

In Conclusion

The future of education lies in its ability to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application. Universities and Institutions must evolve beyond the traditional metrics of publication count and citation numbers. By prioritizing practical experience and real-world impact, academic institutions can better prepare students for the challenges they will face in their careers. Ultimately, it is the pragmatic, hands-on approach to teaching and learning that will shape the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.

It’s time for academic management to see the value in practicality and embrace it as a core component of their educational mission. This will not only benefit students but also empower educators to make meaningful contributions that extend beyond the confines of academic journals, ultimately benefiting society at large.

As we step into 2025, I urge a shift in perspective—one that embraces "reality" as our guiding compass. It’s time for academia to fully acknowledge the transformative power of practical experience and its profound impact on students and society. Institutions must reconsider making publication records and high citation counts the primary criteria for hiring lecturers. While these metrics have their place, they often overshadow the value of hands-on expertise and the ability to translate knowledge into real-world applications. By prioritizing practical experience, institutions can foster educators who inspire innovation, address real-world challenges, and prepare students to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Let us champion research that addresses pressing issues and cultivate an environment where practical knowledge holds equal value to theoretical publications. Together, we can drive this change and shape an academic landscape that truly empowers the future. Wishing you a joyful and prosperous New Year (2025)!

First Published at Dr. AK SHEHU (PhD)