The meaning of the Impact Factor

"The impact factor and other bibliometric indicators are currently utilizedin most countries to evaluate institutions, scientific research, entire journals, and individualarticles. This article addresses some of the most frequently asked questionsabout the impact factor and its application. The impact factor’s origin and methods ofcalculating it are examined. Also, discussed are the effects of the impact factor on thefollowing issues: journal and article quality; ISI journal selection criteria; acceptancedifficulties; comparison of journals across disciplines, and language of publication.Finally, the article examines the generalization of a journal’s impact factor to thequality of its individual articles, as well as ways to enhance the impact factor of ajournal."