Articles

Building a publication portfolio is an integral part of a scientist's academic path. What does publishing in HAC CIS journals offer, and how does it differ from entering Scopus or Web of Science? We examine the role this format plays in academic development and why publications in HAC CIS journals are regarded as international.

The Scopus database has updated the list of indexed scientific publications. How many journals were excluded in May 2026 and for what reasons? We examine all the details in our article.

A dissertation and a monograph are two formats of scholarly work that are often confused. How do they differ in purpose and structure? When does a scholar need a monograph, and when a dissertation? We examine the key differences and what they mean for an academic career.

Who should stand first in the list of authors, and who should come last? Why does the position of a name in a publication affect a scientist's career and the distribution of academic recognition? And how can disputes over contribution be avoided even before the manuscript reaches the journal?

Joint publications can noticeably speed up the growth of the h-index, yet in a number of cases they distort its value. We examine how co-authorship is reflected in this scientometric indicator, why the standard formula does not account for each researcher's contribution and which alternative metrics help to gauge an author's real input.

Fourth-quartile journals are perceived as the most accessible path to indexing in Scopus. However, it is not always obvious in exactly which academic situations this choice is appropriate. When is publishing in Q4 a justified decision? How to distinguish a reliable publication from a questionable one? We explore under what conditions a Q4 journal – a suitable option, and what needs to be checked prior to manuscript submission.