The paper focuses on the iterative relationship between planning and review, and the use of performance indicators in annual cycles of research review and realignment. In a large, complex institution such as the University of Pretoria, a further strategy central to research productivity is the internal differentiation of academic activity. Not only is this a
necessary condition in shaping the research profile of the University, but also in harnessing the diversity of research activity and, critically, ensuring sufficient high-end research capacity to comp\ete in the global world of research and innovation. The paper includes a discussion of the value and shortcomings of external indices including world rankings of universities, in benchmarking the performance of individual institutions.Paper presented at REPM 2014: Research evaluation and performance measurement conference 2014, Cape Town, 5-7 May 2014.http://www.repm2014.co.za
