Contribution of Journals to Academic Disciplines

Abstract

This research uses a new approach to analyze the extent of influence journal papers have on the progress of varied research fields by estimation of subject-based influence on research other than impact factor that relies on citation index. It is initiated with the hypothesis that earlier established citation relations between journal and citing paper, which reveals the research field that contains the highest citation index and hence has received the greatest contribution from a particular journal, would have inconsistent contribution to the research field over the year of journal publication. The target research is primarily 128 journal papers and 4,123 citing papers from Information Systems Research published in the years 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2010. The characteristics of citation history and hallmarks of research field of citing papers were studied and analysis on significant distinction between citing fields based on the year of publication was performed. The analysis results show the order of citation rate to be highest from Computer Science (2,221 cases), Business & Economics (2,191 cases), and Information Science & Library Science (1,901 cases). The citation history of the journal, nonetheless, indicates increase in citation during 2-3 years after the earliest publication till it achieves constant citation. The statistical analysis shows significant variation in citing fields in accordance with the publication year; especially in 2010, journal contribution has increased in the fields of Business & Economics, Operations Research & Management Science, and Health Care Sciences & Services but, however, is reduced in Education & Educational Research and Social Sciences - Other Topics.