The bibliometric data used to develop the citation-based metrics informing the ranking were collected on January 12, 2026. This ensures the ranking reflects the most current and relevant information available at the time of analysis. Central to the ranking methodology is the utilization of the D-index (Discipline H-index), a metric that focuses exclusively on publications and citation counts within the examined discipline, in this case, Business and Management. This approach allows for an accurate representation of a researcher’s impact specific to their field.
Scope of Research and Qualification Criteria
For the construction of this ranking, a total of 279,971 scientist profiles spanning all disciplines were thoroughly examined. Specifically, 1,000 scientists identified within Business and Management were evaluated to determine their eligibility for inclusion.
To qualify for the ranking, a scientist’s D-index was required to be at least 30. In addition, the majority of their tier publications had to be directly within the domain of Business and Management, ensuring a focused and relevant scholarly portfolio. Recognition in terms of awards and professional achievements within the discipline also contributed to the evaluation process.
The threshold for the D-index is dynamically set in increments of 10, reflecting disciplinary differences in scholar population size. This methodology guarantees that the top 1% of leading scholars within Business and Management are incorporated into the ranking. Furthermore, to safeguard the discipline-specific relevance and avoid distortion by cross-disciplinary work, the proximity between a scientist's general H-index and their D-index must not exceed 30%.
Verification Practices and Methodological Rigor
The Research.com team acknowledges that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute tool for evaluating scholars’ outputs. To strengthen the validity of the ranking, all scientist profiles underwent meticulous manual verification. This included cross-correlation of publication records across a wide range of trustworthy academic sources to ascertain accuracy and completeness.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly influence a researcher’s position in the ranking, it remains a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s contribution to their field. The primary determinant of ranking position is the D-index, calculated using data from OpenAlex and CrossRef, the foremost and most trusted bibliometric databases accessible to the research community worldwide.
Researchers and institutional representatives interested in a detailed description of the ranking's methodology are encouraged to visit our methodology page for comprehensive insights.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
At Research.com, our mission is to motivate researchers, companies, and policymakers globally to engage with emerging trends by examining the trajectories of leading experts. We strive to provide a transparent and reliable means for the scientific community and affiliated stakeholders to identify who the foremost authorities are in specific areas of study, within countries, and among research institutions.
This ranking reflects our commitment to fostering informed decision-making and promoting academic excellence by highlighting the impact and leadership of scientists dedicated to advancing Business and Management in Nigeria and beyond.
