Whilst journal ranking systems and league tables are controversial, and not all disciplines have them, they can be very useful in giving a quick indication of whether a journal is respectable if you are in doubt. The discipline of Business and Management has lists that compare different tables. Check several lists, and check for an WoS impact factor. Fake journals will often cite an impact factor but will not give the source - I have several times enquired on behalf of students that the editors give the source and not one has replied. The University of the editor, their seniority (check their citations on GSC and RG score), and the reputations of the editorial board may be indicators, as is likely to be the publisher. Short times to publication (ie no time to properly review) and a general title combining two or more discipline areas might also be a clue. The word "International" or "Global" the title might also be a clue (although there are notable exceptions, they are easily identifiable). Another test might be whether works from these journals appear on the reading lists of good universities. Also does the publisher publish a raft of other journals with similar titles, that you have never heard of? But usually, the fact that a journal approaches you should be enough to warn you off.
Modestus - a simple answer really. It's the same answer as 'how to avoid being scammed with promises of huge amounts of money into your bank account'. Don't respond and delete the unsolicited email invitation. Scams are usually 'easy to spot from a mile away'. If unsure - the answer remains the same - don't do anything until you are sure. These 'organisations' will only continue to exist where individuals are reactive and not vigilant in terms of what is genuine and what is fake. There are many resources, including threads on RG, that detail how to avoid 'false' journals and texts.
Whilst journal ranking systems and league tables are controversial, and not all disciplines have them, they can be very useful in giving a quick indication of whether a journal is respectable if you are in doubt. The discipline of Business and Management has lists that compare different tables. Check several lists, and check for an WoS impact factor. Fake journals will often cite an impact factor but will not give the source - I have several times enquired on behalf of students that the editors give the source and not one has replied. The University of the editor, their seniority (check their citations on GSC and RG score), and the reputations of the editorial board may be indicators, as is likely to be the publisher. Short times to publication (ie no time to properly review) and a general title combining two or more discipline areas might also be a clue. The word "International" or "Global" the title might also be a clue (although there are notable exceptions, they are easily identifiable). Another test might be whether works from these journals appear on the reading lists of good universities. Also does the publisher publish a raft of other journals with similar titles, that you have never heard of? But usually, the fact that a journal approaches you should be enough to warn you off.
Thank you so much Prof. Stephen Andrew Linstead. Your response to my question is laudable. The information you shared is very useful. Happy weekend Prof.
I appreciate your response Prof. Dean Whitehead. Glad to know that paying so much to publish articles with fake publishers is just like being scammed by these vanity publishers. Thank you for the information Prof.
I agree with Prof.Stephen Andrew Linstead ,Prof.Dean Whitehead and Dr.Felicia Nwulu.
They prey on people who are under a lot of pressure to publish by charging high author fees for promises of quick publication.
Ignore coercive publishers.
Rely on Clarivate Analytics and ESCI, WoS, and Scopus indexed journals.
I equally agree with Prof. Michael John McAleer . WoS, SCI and Scopus Indexed J.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Books