Is the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology (IJRASET) a Legitimate Journal?
The credibility of academic journals is crucial for the dissemination of high-quality research and academic discourse. Recently, the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology (IJRASET) has been brought into question. This article will explore the factors that can help determine the legitimacy of IJRASET and provide a comprehensive overview of its potential status as a legitimate academic journal.
Indicators of Legitimacy
When evaluating the legitimacy of any academic journal, it is essential to consider multiple factors. Here are some key indicators:
Lack of Peer Review
1. Lack of Peer Review: Peer review is a critical feature of legitimate academic journals. It ensures that the research is rigorously evaluated by experts in the field before publication. If a journal does not mention or provide details about their peer review process, it may be a red flag. Peer review is typically an integral part of the submission process, and the absence of such details raises suspicions.
Unprofessional Website
2. Unprofessional Website: Legitimate journals usually have well-maintained and informative websites. A poorly designed or unprofessional website can be a sign of a questionable publication. Reputable journals invest in their online presence to attract submissions and readers.
Publication Fees
3. Publication Fees: Be cautious of journals that charge exorbitant fees for publication without providing adequate services or support. High fees do not necessarily indicate a reputable journal, but they can be a cause for concern if the services offered are minimal.
Indexing and Impact Factor
4. Indexing and Impact Factor: Legitimate journals are often indexed in reputable databases and have an impact factor, which indicates their influence and quality within the academic community. Databases like Scopus and Web of Science are well-known indexes to check for journal credibility.
Contact Information and Editorial Board
5. Contact Information and Editorial Board: Verify if the journal provides clear contact information and details about their editorial board members. Researching the names of the editorial board members can provide insight into their expertise and credibility. A legitimate journal will be transparent about these details.
Beall's List and IJRASET
According to the archived version of Beall's List, a well-known source that catalogues potentially predatory journals, the title of the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology (IJRASET) has been included. Beall's List was a critical resource for academics and researchers to identify possible predatory journals. While Beall's List is no longer maintained, its historical association with IJRASET is noteworthy.
It is important to note that IJRASET is not associated with any remarkable figures such as well-known professors, icons, or researchers. This further raises questions about the journal's legitimacy. Another notable aspect is the speed at which the journal publishes manuscripts. In many cases, submitting papers and receiving publication decisions can take months, even years. If a journal promises to publish manuscripts in just a few days without true peer review, this can be a significant warning sign.
First-Hand Experiences
On the other hand, there are reports of academics who have had positive experiences with publishing in IJRASET. They claim that the journal publishes original and high-quality papers and that the publishing process is swift and straightforward. For example, one reviewer mentioned, 'We are glad to publish our paper in IJRASET. The process of publishing a paper is really very easy, and the response time is great.'
Conclusion
Based on the criteria for evaluating academic journals, the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology (IJRASET) appears to be questionable. While some academics may find the journal legitimate and reliable, the lack of peer review, unprofessional website, and questionable practices raise significant concerns. If considering publication in this journal, it is advisable to conduct thorough research and consult with colleagues, research advisors, or librarians to ensure the credibility of the journal.