A bibliometric analysis of research at the University of Namibia

Bibliometric analyses of journals and research institutions have been carried out in several studies and countries. These studies mainly use mainstream bibliographic databases (Scopus and Web of Science [WoS]) as the primary sources for their bibliometric analysis. However, such studies are yet to be conducted for Namibian journals, research institutions, and Namibia as a country. Much more, bibliometric analyses and mapping to examine the research output of a research institution in Namibia are yet to take place. In addition, no existing bibliometric studies in Africa have combined data from Scopus, WoS, and Institutional Library Repositories. This thesis addresses these limitations within a study on research output, specifically, the evaluation of the University of Namibia. In order to achieve this aim, this thesis conducted a bibliometric analysis of the University of Namibia (UNAM)’s research output for the duration of (2010 to 2019). The investigation included various research aspects such as the volume of research output, authorship patterns, and whether the publication outlets are national or international. In doing so, the study developed the first comprehensive database of UNAM’s research output from 2010-2019 and the first such knowledge database in Namibia. Data for the bibliometric analysis were obtained from three bibliographic databases: UNAM-IR, Scopus, and WoS. UNAM-IR was added to reflect the value of using institutional research databases as additional bibliometric data sources. Patterns of research production and research collaboration of UNAM staff members were profiled. This enabled the identification of the collaboration patterns of UNAM staff members as depicted in the publications. The author-level analysis compared the percentages of articles with research collaboration and the authors involved in research and publication. The study’s results can potentially enrich further bibliometric studies on research evaluation for other research institutions in general and in Namibia particularly. They equally have the potential to further the national bibliometric studies for Namibia as a whole. The developed comprehensive database of UNAM’s research output can also be used as a background for developing a national knowledge database. However, the study’s most significant contribution is integrating two mainstream bibliographic databases (Scopus and WoS) with the UNAM IR to create a new database of Namibian-authored articles. Fittingly, recommendations with a view of further study and research policy generally and specifically for UNAM have been made

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Katukula, Kelvin Mubiana

• Bibliometric analyses
• Bibliographic databases
• Primary sources
• University of Namibia
• Research output
• Research institution

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3923

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/3923