Moving from Conference Paper to Journal
Article:
Strategies for Success as an Author &
Developing a Reputation as a Good Reviewer
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John Humphreys, Eastern New Mexico University, Editor, Journal of
Behavioral and Applied Management
Herbert Sherman, Southampton College – LIU, Editor, The CASE
Journal
John J. Sosik, The Pennsylvania State University- Great Valley,
Associate Editor, Group and Organizational Management
Marko Grünhagen, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville,
Associate Editor, Journal of Small Business Management
Daniel J. Rowley, University of Northern Colorado, former Editor,
Journal of Behavior and Applied Management
Panel Chair: Melody L. Wollan, Touro University International
IBAM 12 – Providence 2004
Group & Organization Management
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Innovative and diverse
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Rigorous and relevant
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30 years of research on group dynamics,
leadership and organizational development
6 issues published per year
Strong impact factor, ranked as A- journal, fast
approaching the top tier
Deep submission stream and solid ISI rankings
Internationally recognized Editorial Board
A distinguished sponsor
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Eastern Academy of Management
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Oldest journal in small business and entrepreneurship
Consistently ranked among the top journals in small
business research
2500+ subscribers around the globe
Acceptance rate < 10% (20-25 published out of 300-400
received)
High quality, mostly empirical manuscripts
Interdisciplinary focus
Progress toward positioning as number one journal in
small business
The CASE Journal
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The audience for this journal includes both practitioners
and academics and thus encourages submissions from a
broad range of individuals.
SCHOLARLY WORKS: Cases with teaching notes;
conceptual papers and papers reporting original
research as well as the applied implications of others'
research in terms of case teaching, research, and
instruction; and creative learning, research and writing
methods are encouraged. We request that submitters of
empirical research provide appropriate data set analyses
to allow for meta-studies (i.e. correlations matrices and
chi-alphas).
First Edition just released.
Journal of Behavioral and
Applied Management
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The Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management is
the online journal of the Institute of Behavioral and
Applied Management
Currently three editions are published each year
(January, May, & September)
Strives to maintain academic excellence while
emphasizing the continuing development of academics,
practitioners, and students
Publishes peer-reviewed management articles and case
studies – acceptance rate approximately 25%
Content of Successful Submissions …
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have clear objectives… and findings that answer the
research question(s)
Ground the paper in solid theoretical framework and
support hypotheses with strong theory and logical
arguments
Methods: sample size, power, measurement and data
analytical issues are VERY important
Make sure the discussion section does three things: (a)
integrates results into extant literature, (b) reframes
limitations in terms of opportunities for future research,
and (c) provides meaningful practical implications
balance rigor & relevance
Expectations of Publishing…
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Don’t expect acceptance on the first go round;
very few journals accept papers as is!
If you receive a “rewrite/resubmit” – do just that
– many papers are not published form lack of
perseverance.
Research the journal before you send a
manuscript; call the editor if need be to make
sure there is a good fit.
Presentation and Impression of
Successful submissions …
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are well organized, including “familiar” and
“distinct” sections
are “clean” – with regards to format,
spelling/grammar etc.
answer the “so what?” question – “Why should I
read this?”
Cite an article or two from the journal you are
submitting to. Every citation counts for
increasing the journal’s impact factor.
Responding to revisions-Successful submissions
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Pay close attention to the instructions of the editor and
reviewers and respond to their comments directly in a
separate letter, using an appropriate tone (polite and
scholarly)
Work on point-by-point response letter systematically
before you attempt to revise the paper
You do not have to agree with their comments; you do
have to explain why you have or have not changed your
manuscript given their feedback.
Submit revisions in a timely manner
Don’t make any changes to original paper except for
those requested by reviewers – don’t open up a can of
worms when you don’t have to.
Thank the reviewers – their unselfish work goes
unrewarded and they deserve great credit for their hard
work and effort.
Good reviewers …
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know their literature and evaluate the contribution of the
paper to the overall field. Good reviewers research the
topic before they review the case/article.
are developmental/provide guidance
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(content)
critique alone is not enough – make suggestions how to fix
things
Pay attention to both theoretical and empirical issues.
Demand practical implications and solid integration of
results in discussion section.
Realize that no research study is perfect. Reviewers talk
about the strengths as well as the need for improvement.
Good reviewers …
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are constructive, developmental, and polite, not just
critical. A few positive comments also go a long way in
motivating authors to persist through the revisions.
Good reviewers show that they care.
distinguish “big” from “small” issues
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(process)
start with crucial points, end with grammar/spelling
are on time! Meet deadlines for reviews: the faster the
reviews are in, the faster the authors can get feedback.
provide 2 sets of review comments – 1 for author(s) &
1 for editor
Point out style and formatting issues to authors.