Lecture on Bibliometric Analysis for Beginners

Introduction

• Host: Dr. Heather Shah
• Guest Speaker: Dr. Hafiza Hammer Ahmad Khan, Senior Lecturer in Economics at University Technology Mara, Malaysia
• Topic: Bibliometric Analysis for Beginners
• Purpose: Measuring properties of documents (journal articles, conference proceedings, books) from academic databases like Scopus

Speaker Background

• PhD in Economics from University Utara Malaysia (2017)
• Professional Certificate in Business Analytics from University Science Malaysia (2021)
• Research Focus: Monetary and Financial Economics
• Publications: High-index journals, editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Economics and Business Innovation
• Experience: Senior Lecturer, author, researcher

Bibliometric Analysis Overview

• Definition: Quantitative analysis of collections of documents (books/articles)
• Purpose: Evaluate research performance, journals, authors, identify research gaps and experts
• Origin: Library and Information Science
• Growing Popularity: Among postgraduate students and scholars due to its benefits

Benefits of Bibliometric Analysis

• Easy data acquisition from databases like Scopus and Web of Science
• Cross-disciplinary applicability
• Minimal cost (requires laptop, internet, and database access)
• Freely available analysis tools (Harzing's Publish or Perish, VOSviewer)
• Findings can be published or presented at conferences
• Fast preparation (templates available)

Objectives of Bibliometric Analysis

• Examine research trends, growth patterns
• Evaluate scientific impact (papers, journals, authors)
• Identify collaboration patterns (authors, institutions)
• Assess author productivity
• Identify research gaps and future research directions

Research Questions Addressed

• Current publication trends in a research area
• Most influential articles and themes
• Expert authors and their collaborations
• Current state of research collaboration

Steps to Conduct Bibliometric Analysis

1. Identify Keywords: Related to research topic (e.g., FDI, online learning)
2. Database Search: Use databases like Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar
3. Screening: Filter results by document type, language, etc.
4. Extract Data: Download relevant files (Export Refine, CSV, RIS)
5. Analysis:
   • Performance Analysis: Trends, influential articles, and authors
   • Citation Analysis: Using Publish or Perish
   • Visualization: Using VOSviewer for collaboration and keyword clusters
6. Report Findings: Prepare tables, graphs, and interpret data in a manuscript

Examples of Bibliometric Analysis

• Topic: Online Learning and COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Keywords: Online learning, e-learning, virtual learning
  • Data source: Scopus database
  • Trend: Exponential growth starting from 2019
  • High citation: Almost 7,000 citations in three years
  • Subject Areas: Social Sciences, Medicine
  • Countries: USA, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia
  • Highly Cited Articles: Top 10 articles in 2020 and 2021

• Topic: Digital Economy

  • General topic covering digital economy evolution
  • Data source: Scopus database
  • Trend: Slow growth starting from 1997, exponential rise after 2011
  • Subject Areas: Social Sciences, Business and Management
  • Visualization: Clustering of keywords such as technology, privacy, innovation
  • Highly Cited Articles: Citation metrics over 25 years

Tools and Software

• Scopus: For extracting bibliographic data
• Harzing's Publish or Perish: For citation analysis
• VOSviewer: For visualization (clustering of keywords, collaboration patterns)
• WordSift: For keyword cloud visualization

Procedure Summary

1. Search and download data from Scopus
2. Screen and refine results
3. Export and analyze data using software
4. Report findings in a structured manuscript template

Question & Answer Session Highlights

• Alternative Databases: Use Google Scholar, Dimensions if Scopus/Web of Science not accessible
• Reviewer Concerns: Focus on rigorous methodology, clear reporting of search criteria and processes
• Data Size: No minimum size but must justify methodology and thoroughness
• Preferred Software: Harzing's Publish or Perish, VOSviewer for ease of use

Final Message from Dr. Hafiza

• Keep Learning and Keep Sharing: Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and teaching. Sharing knowledge reinforces your own understanding and helps others.