Quality, but not quantity

An article in Nanfang Daily (excerpts below) states that the authorities should reflect on the true causes for the downgrading in quality of academic journals by universities.

It is reported that the quality of academic journals published by universities has dropped remarkably in recent years due to them becoming increasingly used to bolster job prospects.

Few people read them but many apply to write for them.

If a teaching assistant applies to become a lecturer, he or she must publish a certain number of articles in certain journals.

Because of the lack of supervision and no pressure to sell these journals, the teachers publishing the journals may lower the standard for contributors. Some even take bribes from contributors.

There are more academic theses published in China than anywhere else. But few of them meet the requirements of being published in world-level academic journals.

The education authorities should take action.