How great is the impact? A bibliometric analysis of XJTLU’s scholarly publications

Abstract

Focus & Purpose: This study aims to examine the research literacy output of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) from 2006 to 2018 in terms of published papers, and look into the development of XJTLU’s research capabilities and impact using various indicators and metrics. In addition, it uses two Sino-foreign joint venture universities, namely University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-SZ) as benchmarks to better evaluate XJTLU’s research performance among joint venture peer universities.

Method & Tools: This study uses the quantitative method of bibliometric anaylsis to evaluate XJTLU's research performance. Statistics on publication output were collected from the Web of Science Core Collections on July 17th, 2019, while statistics on research impact and performance were obtained from InCites. Interdisciplinarity of research areas, keywords and network of cited journals were analysed using CiteSpace. Tableau was used for data visualisation.

Findings & Research: XJTLU's research output in terms of papers has increased steadily year by year after its establishment. The number of open access papers published annually has increased as well year by year. The most productive research areas with XJTLU are Engineering, Computer Science, Economics and Management. It is also found that XJTLU researchers have extensive collaboration with institutions and organisations at home and abroad, and this might help to increase the impact of the published research. The comparison with UNNC and CUHK-SZ has offered insights into the development of XJTLU's research capability within the recent five years. Besides, several variations or inaccuracy of author affiliation names were found during the analysis of bibliometric data, which might have an impact on the counting XJTLU's research output.

Conclusion & Implications: The bibliometric analysis has provided objective data on XJTLU's research paper output and performance, which might help to lay a solid foundation for XJTLU's making fo a better research strategy and comprehensive development of all disciplines in future. The study also offers opportunities for the Library to expand and deepen its research support services, further reach out to the University's research community, and be engaged in the research performance evaluation process. As for the affiliation name into the official name of XJTLU and use the correct affiliation name in future publications under the guidance of certain research policies.