Jamal, T (Jamal, Tazim); Smith, B (Smith, Brian); Watson, E (Watson, Elizabeth) Ranking, rating and scoring of tourism journals: Interdisciplinary challenges and innovations TOURISM MANAGEMENT, 29 (1): 66-78 FEB 2008

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: tjamal at tamu.edu; touranalyst at shaw.ca; ejwatson at ucalgary.ca 

Author(s): Jamal, T (Jamal, Tazim); Smith, B (Smith, Brian); Watson, E 
(Watson, Elizabeth) 

Title: Ranking, rating and scoring of tourism journals: Interdisciplinary 
challenges and innovations 

Source: TOURISM MANAGEMENT, 29 (1): 66-78 FEB 2008 

Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

Author Keywords: journal impact factor; citation analysis; journal 
ranking; tourism studies; CAB international; social science citation index 
(SSCI); journal citation report (JCR) 

Keywords Plus: IMPACT-FACTOR; AUTHORSHIP ANALYSIS; CITATIONS; QUALITY 

Abstract: This paper provides a critical analysis of journal ranking and 
citation analysis in tourism studies. Authors and institutions using 
journal impact factors, citation frequency and hits as measures of 
academic productivity or importance should exercise great care in their 
use. A close look at Journal Citation Reports produced by Social Science 
Citation Index, 'hits' on CAB International, and citation analyses from 
several databases shows that the desire for a universal ranking system has 
so far only generated some imperfect systems and inconsistent applications 
to suit different needs. One size simply does not fit all. Drawing upon 
insights from other fields that have been addressing similar ranking and 
citation issues, concrete suggestions are offered for developing 
alternative evaluation parameters and processes for managing the diverse 
range of interdisciplinary journals in tourism and hospitality. 
Specifically, the analysis argues for differentiating journals by scope, 
influence, relevance and quality, and a scoring system that involves 
participation from the community of social scientists. Innovations for 
timely, effective dissemination of tourism knowledge are also forwarded. 
(C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 

Addresses: Texas A&M Univ, Dept Recreat Pk & Tourism Sci, College Stn, TX 
77843 USA; Univ Calgary, Haskayne Sch Business, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, 
Canada 

Reprint Address: Jamal, T, Texas A&M Univ, Dept Recreat Pk & Tourism Sci, 
College Stn, TX 77843 USA. 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD 

Publisher Address: THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 
1GB, OXON, ENGLAND 

ISSN: 0261-5177 

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