Muller, H. 2010. How valid is the Handelsblatt-BWL-Ranking? - Journal and citation based rankings of persons in comparison. BETRIEBSWIRTSCHAFTLICHE FORSCHUNG UND PRAXIS 62 (2): 150-164

[Eugene Garfield]

Muller, H. 2010. How valid is the Handelsblatt-BWL-Ranking? - Journal and 
citation based rankings of persons in comparison. BETRIEBSWIRTSCHAFTLICHE 
FORSCHUNG UND PRAXIS 62 (2): 150-164.

Author Full Name(s): Mueller, Harry
Language: German
Document Type: Article

KeyWords Plus: BUSINESS; IMPACT

Abstract: The Handelsblatt-BWL-Ranking 2009 is an attempt to evaluate and 
compare the research performance of all active members of the German 
Academic Association for Business Research (Verband der Hochschullehrer fur 
Betriebswirtschaft, VHB). This article discusses the two most relevant methods 
for creating a ranking of persons as well as their opportunities and 
shortcomings. From a conceptual point of view citation based rankings seem to 
be more appropriate than those based on journals. Against the background of 
this the methodology of the Handelsblatt-BWL-Ranking will be critically 
assessed. A comparative study shows that a citation based ranking on the 
basis of Google Scholar leads to completely different results. The citations, the 
publications of a scientist accumulate, do not predict his position in the 
Handelsblatt-BWL-Ranking. With that results in mind rankings of persons should 
be interpreted only with great caution.

Addresses: Univ Munster, Inst Okon Bldg, D-4400 Munster, Germany

Reprint Address: Muller, H, Univ Munster, Inst Okon Bldg, D-4400 Munster, 
Germany.

ISSN: 0340-5370