Data Sources and Bibliometric Foundations
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Business and Management Scientists in Malta Ranking is primarily grounded in bibliometric data collected from OpenAlex and CrossRef, two of the most prominent and widely respected databases available to the global research community. Additionally, multiple other reputable data sources were leveraged to enrich and cross-validate the information used. The bibliometric data, which serve as the basis for the citation-based metrics applied in this ranking, were collected on January 12, 2026. A scientist’s position within the ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), a specialized metric that accounts exclusively for papers and citations relevant to the examined discipline, ensuring discipline-specific rigor and relevance in the evaluation process.
Scope of Research and Inclusion Criteria
This ranking was constructed after examining 279,971 scientist profiles identified across a diverse range of bibliometric data sources spanning all academic disciplines. Specifically, for Business and Management, 1,000 scientists were evaluated. To qualify for inclusion, a scientist’s D-index had to meet or exceed the threshold of 30, while the majority of their tier publications needed to fall within the Business and Management discipline. Consideration was also given to each scientist’s awards and achievements pertinent to the field.
The threshold D-index is calibrated in increments of 10, adjusted relative to the total number of scholars estimated within each discipline. This ensures the inclusion of the top 1% of leading scholars within their respective fields. Furthermore, to maintain the integrity and relevance of the discipline-specific evaluation, candidates were required to exhibit a proximity of 30% or less between their general H-index and their D-index, safeguarding the focus on disciplinary excellence.
Additional Verification and Quality Assurance
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot constitute an absolute tool for evaluating scholarly output, the research team undertook extensive manual verification of all scientist profiles. Each profile was cross-correlated against publications indexed in a wide range of trustworthy sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher’s position in the Research.com ranking, it serves as a valuable secondary signal of a scientist’s impact and contribution within their specific area of research.
The final ranking position of each researcher is established using their D-index derived from OpenAlex and CrossRef data, underscoring the methodological soundness and consistency of this ranking. For a comprehensive outline of the methodology and data sources employed, readers are encouraged to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
The creation of the Business and Management Scientists Ranking aligns with Research.com’s broader mission to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers worldwide to closely examine the trajectories and contributions of leading experts. By providing a transparent, rigorously constructed ranking, Research.com offers the entire scientific community an accessible way to identify and engage with top scientists in specific fields, across various countries, and within academic and research institutions. This initiative not only fosters informed decision-making but also encourages collaboration and recognition within the global scientific ecosystem.
