Webometric Analysis of Master’s Theses in Information and Knowledge Technologies at the University of Mosul (2012–2023): An Analytical Study

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the electronic citations utilized by researchers in 31 master’s theses in the field of information and knowledge technologies to determine the structural characteristics of intellectual output. It focuses on qualitative, linguistic, temporal, and subject distribution, as well as identifying the most cited journals and websites in both Arabic and foreign languages relied upon by researchers. The study employs statistical and content analysis methods to examine and analyze the intellectual output referenced in the master’s theses completed in the Department of Information and Knowledge Technologies during the period 2012–2023.The findings reveal that the total number of electronic citations in the analyzed theses was 1,484, with Arabic intellectual output being more prevalent, comprising 1,034 citations, compared to 450 citations for foreign electronic sources. Among the key recommendations is the necessity of organizing training courses and workshops for researchers prior to the research phase. These sessions should focus on effective search strategies and utilization of electronic resources, including reliable databases and websites, to enhance the quality of research.