Research, as one of the fundamental pillars of scientific and social development, can lead to desirable outcomes only when it is characterized by an appropriate level of efficiency and effectiveness. Despite the allocation of research resources in the country, particularly in the field of higher education, a fundamental question remains as to why some research projects, including theses, doctoral dissertations, and commissioned research, fail to produce practical and applicable outcomes. Research efficiency depends, on the one hand, on the quality of the research methodology, data collection procedures, and methods of data analysis and, on the other hand, on the quality of implementation and supervision throughout the research process. Research effectiveness is also largely associated with the selection of research topics and titles and the extent to which they address the past, current, and future issues of the country, organizations, and enterprises. Accordingly, simultaneous attention to the dimensions of research efficiency and effectiveness, as well as the precise definition of relevant criteria and indicators, is essential. Academic journals can play an important role in improving the quality and applicability of research, particularly academic research, by providing a platform for the presentation, evaluation, publication, and critical examination of research findings. Therefore, examining the criteria and indicators of research efficiency and effectiveness and clarifying the role of academic journals in this regard can contribute to improving the process of knowledge production and the utilization of research findings.