Identifying scam journals and conferences Richard Watson Todd

Identifying scam journals and conferences Richard Watson Todd So. LA

Some cases • A Thai ajarn going to present in Italy • Articles published in international journals

Example 1

This paper was accepted by 17 different journals

Example 2

Some cases • A Thai ajarn going to present in Italy • Articles published in international journals • US universities lecturer employment conditions

Types of journal • Genuine academic journal – – In major database e. g. Scopus No publishing costs Well-known editor High impact factor • Scam journal – Not in major database – Open access – High publishing costs • BUT some quality journals are pay-to-publish open-access

Identifying scam journals • The publisher is on Beall’s list (http: //scholarlyoa. com/publishers/) • Publishing fee (normally in Author guidelines or Submission) • Wide range of articles accepted • Journal description the same as other journals

The publisher is on Beall’s list

Publishing fee

Wide range of articles accepted

Journal description the same as other journals

Journal description the same as other journals

• If a KMUTT staff member publishes in a scam journal: – Do NOT report the publication to the university – Do NOT include the publication in any faculty evaluation – Ask the Department Head to inform the staff member

Types of conferences • Genuine quality conferences • Tourism conferences • Fake conferences

Genuine quality conferences • Organised by major academic organisation or university • Specific area of interest • Well-published plenary speakers

Tourism conferences • Very broad areas of interest • Emphasis on social events or tourism • Conference description the same as other conferences • Publications in scam journals

Very broad areas of interest Emphasis on social events or tourism We invite proposals in all academic disciplines: Humanities and Social sciences, Education, Science and Technology, Business and Economics

Conference description the same as other conferences

Conference description the same as other conferences

Publications in scam journals

Fake conferences • • Advertised by spam e-mail Offer scholarships to cover travel costs Lots of different fees (e. g. charge for visa) Non-existent hotel (check from Google Streetview):

Fake invitations • Invitation to run an academic workshop • Request to pay visa costs • Request for a refundable downpayment guaranteeing attendance

Conference funding • Funding for conferences is expensive • Benefits from quality conferences justify the expense • Tourism and fake conferences are a waste of money • List of recommended and prohibited conferences