Journal Quality Assessment for Performance Based Funding

Abstract

Journal quality is growing in importance with increasing emphasis on publications output as a basis for research funding. In Australia the output of journal articles forms part of a composite index for distributing to universities the research quantum of operating grants. All articles currently are valued equally, although the nature and quality of journals used for publication comprises wide variation in a range of attributes. This paper selectively reports a study commissioned by the Australian Research Council. Completed in January 1996, the study surveyed the editing and reviewing practices of 860 journal editors in 33 countries. A selection of the findings are presented, the critical factors which distinguish quality assured journals from others are identified, and the importance of journal quality assessment is discussed. The significance for prospective authors, for universities and for the Australian higher education system are explained.