This article first reviews the objectives/ends of research quality assessment in several countries to draw lessons for the UK Research Excellence Framework and similar exercises. It then reviews work on performance management as a framework for reviewing the views of participants on the means to the ends--the management of their experience in submitting to the 2014 REF. Finally, it examines the outcomes and considers how true a picture they paint of the quality of research, particularly in Education. It concludes with recommendations for change.