Do impact factor, h-index and Eigenfactor (TM) of chemical engineering journals correlate well with each other and indicate the journals' influence and prestige?

Yin, C-Y (2011) Do impact factor, h-index and Eigenfactor (TM) of chemical engineering journals correlate well with each other and indicate the journals' influence and prestige? Current Science, 100 (5). pp. 648-653.

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Abstract

This study aims to determine the correlation strength between impact factor (JIF), h-index and Eigenfactor (TM) of chemical engineering (CE) journals and its subsequent relevance in indicating the influence and prestige of the journals. Five-year JIFs, Eigenfactor (TM) and Article Influencer (TM) score for the journals are extracted from the 2008 Journal Citation Reports (R) whereas h-indices are determined from SCImago Journal & Country Rank and ISI Web of Knowledge. It is found that all the aforesaid metrics are highly correlated with one another (Spearman 's rho > 0.8) and it is especially true for broad-based CE journals. The Eigenfactor (TM) and h-index exhibit a power-law correlation and their combination is revealed to be the best indicator of prestige and impact of broad-based CE journals. Findings from this study shed some light on the suitability of the aforesaid metrics to complement each other when used as collective indicators to evaluate the influence or prestige of CE journals or journals of other categories.