Administering a cryptology centre by means of scientometric indicators

Abstract

Cryptology is basically the science of secret messages that underlies cryptography and more glamorous cryptanalysis; refers to the numerous ways of hiding or breaking information in storage and transit, thus enables users to transmit information securely over the insecure channel. This paper quantitatively analyzes the scholarly publications of cryptology research over a decade-long period from 2001 to 2010. It provides an insight to the cognitive structure and scientific behavior of cryptology research; thus suggests an innovative way of connecting various aspects for governing and administering a cryptology centre. The study examines the growth-trend of publications, extent of collabo- ration, focused areas of research based on scientometric techniques and related indices. The productive-authors, potential-collaborators, pre- dominant-institutions, prolific-countries, and prevalent topics of cryptology research have been identified using fractional counting method. Critical analyzes have also been made to determine the activity-index (performance indicator), collaboration index, degree-of-collaboration, and collaboration density. Empirical validation of Lotka's law is tested and the value of α (productivity parameter) is carried out. It also demonstrates on highly cited materials and identifies the core journals to be earmarked for library collection of a cryptology research centre. Therefore, the study reveals a lot of useful information to develop strategies for enabling better administration in this emerging field of research.