Transparency and Openness in High Impact Scientific Publishing: Development of Web-based Assessment Tool (TOSP Index)

Authors

  • Noor Masliana Razlan Faculty of Information Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA Kelantan Branch
  • Mohd Akmal Faiz Osman
  • Mohamad Rahimi Mohamad Rosman
  • Ali Fauzi Ahmad Khan
  • Samsulfarid Samsuddin
  • Abrizah Abdullah

Keywords:

Transparency and Openness in High Impact Scientific Publishing: Development of Web-based Assessment Tool (TOSP Index)

Abstract

Scientific publication often refers to tackling the real-world problem. In the context of social sciences, scientific publication explains a phenomenon and provides contributing factors that need attention. However, the contributors of this scientific publication, the academicians, lecturers, or professors often have significant issues in publishing their research papers in reputable journals. The literature has confirmed that one of the proven and significant issues is author’s transparency and openness in writing. To this end, this project developed a web-based self-assessment tool to allow authors to feasibly evaluate their transparency and openness in publishing scientific articles. In total, 8 important constructs were determined and empirically proven to have significant influence on transparency and openness through surveys with more than 300 authors. This tool would calculate the total score and provide meaningful suggestions to authors to increase their chances of getting their articles published in reputable journal, boost citation index, and improve global visibility.

Author Biography

  • Noor Masliana Razlan, Faculty of Information Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA Kelantan Branch

    Noor Masliana Razlan is a Senior Lecturer in Information Science at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya. Her research focuses on scholarly communication, transparency and openness in scientific publishing, digital information management, and open science practices. She has authored several peer-reviewed articles on Transparent and Open Scientific Publishing (TOSP) and research integrity, contributing to evidence-based strategies that enhance research visibility, reproducibility, and professional development in Malaysian social sciences.

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Published

2026-01-05