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An informetric model for the success-index

Author

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  • Franceschini, Fiorenzo
  • Galetto, Maurizio
  • Maisano, Domenico
  • Mastrogiacomo, Luca

Abstract

Based on an idea by Kosmulski, Franceschini et al. (2012, Scientometrics 92(3), 621–641) propose to classify a publication as “successful” when it receives more citations than a specific comparison term (CT). In the intention of the authors CT should be a suitable estimate of the number of citations that a publication – in a certain scientific context and period of time – should potentially achieve. According to this definition, the success-index is defined as the number of successful papers, among a group of publications examined, such as those associated to a scientist or a journal. In the first part of the paper, the success-index is recalled, discussing its properties and limitations. Next, relying on the theory of Information Production Processes (IPPs), an informetric model of the index is formulated, for a better comprehension of the index and its properties. Particular emphasis is given to a theoretical sensitivity analysis of the index.

Suggested Citation

  • Franceschini, Fiorenzo & Galetto, Maurizio & Maisano, Domenico & Mastrogiacomo, Luca, 2013. "An informetric model for the success-index," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 7(1), pages 109-116.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:infome:v:7:y:2013:i:1:p:109-116
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joi.2012.09.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Péter Vinkler, 2011. "Application of the distribution of citations among publications in scientometric evaluations," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 62(10), pages 1963-1978, October.
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