An insider’s guide to
getting published in
research journals
• David Weir
• Professor of Management, CERAM, France
• Visiting Professor in Management Development,
Lancaster University, UK
• Senior Academic Advisor to the Emerald Group
dweir@runbox.com
+33 4 9395 4576
+33 4 9295 1331
Emerald Group Publishing –
company background
• Emerald Group Publishing Limited (formerly MCB
University Press)
• Founded in 1967 in Bradford, West Yorkshire
• Over 150 employees. Offices in China, Malaysia, Australia,
Japan
• 1996 launched the Emerald Fulltext database
• 2005 launch of Emerald Management Xtra – developed
with and for business schools
• As a publisher we are …
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International
Inclusive (theory and practice, rigour and relevance)
Supportive of scholarly research
Committed to improve author, reader and customer
experience
The Emerald portfolio
Journals:
• 120+ business and management; 19 library and information science.
• 15 engineering, mathematical and materials science journals.
• 36 journals are ISI-ranked.
• Almost all are peer reviewed (normally double blind), except
practitioner titles.
Electronic databases:
• Emerald Fulltext
• Emerald Management Reviews – e.g. Harvard Business Review, MIS
Quarterly
• Emerald Abstracts – e.g. Computer Abstracts International Database
• ManagementFirst.com
• Emerald Management Xtra
Coverage:
• Over 1,400 university libraries worldwide, including 96 of the FT top
100 business schools (2006 figures). Potential readership of 15
million.
Editorial supply chain and
journal management
structure
Author
Quality research
papers
Editor
Managing
editor
Production
Users
QA – sub-editing
and proof reading
Access via
library
Convert to SGML
Helps editors succeed for online
process
in their role and build databases
a first class journal
Promotes journal to
Print production
peers
Overall responsibility
Despatch
for journal
Attends
conferences
Added value from
Promotion and
publisher
marketing
Develops new
areas of coverage
Attends conferences
Hard copy
EAB and reviewers
The link between the
publisher and the
Solicits new papers editor
Research
Handles review
Handles production
Database
Third party
Online usage and
dissemination of authors’
work
• 62,000 articles online, over 12 years of
content
• 9,000 abstracts from 1989-1994
• 7.2 million downloads per year
• 600,000 articles are downloaded each month
• 86 per cent of usage occurs outside the UK
Being published means…
• Your paper is permanent – published material enters a
permanent and accessible knowledge archive – the
“body of knowledge”.
• Your paper is improved – through the interventions of
editors, reviewers, sub-editors and proof-readers.
• Your paper is actively promoted - it becomes available
to a far greater audience.
• Your writing is trustworthy – material which has been
published carries a QA stamp. Someone apart from the
author thinks it’s good.
Ideas: where to start
• As well as ‘traditional’ research…
• Are you working on a Doctoral or Master’s thesis?
• Have you completed a project which concluded
successfully?
• Are you wrestling with a problem with no clear
solution?
• Do you have an opinion or observation on a
subject?
• Have you given a presentation or conference
paper?
• If so, you have the basis for a publishable paper.
Target!
“Many papers are rejected simply because they don’t
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fulfil journal requirements.
They don’t even go into the review process.”
Identify a few possible target journals but be realistic.
Follow the Author Guidelines – scope, type of paper, word
length, references style, etc.
Find where to send your paper (editor, regional editor, subject
area editor). Check a copy of the journal or the publisher’s
web site.
Send an outline or abstract and ask if this looks suitable and
interesting (or how it could be made so).
Confirm how an editor would like a submission, e.g. e-mail;
hard copy.
Read at least one issue of the journal – visit your library for
access.
Example of author guidelines
Every journal
published will
have detailed
noted and
guidelines
Editors and reviewers look
for …
• Originality – what’s new about subject,
treatment or results
• Relevance to and extension of existing
knowledge
• Research methodology – are conclusions valid
and objective?
• Clarity, structure and quality of writing – does it
communicate well?
• Sound, logical progression of argument
• Theoretical and practical implications (the “so
what” factors!)
• Recency and relevance of references
• Adherence to the editorial scope and
objectives of the journal
Some essentials of a
research paper
• Purpose of the paper/Introduction
• Research methodology used – the “whys and
hows”
• Literature review – critical examination of
what has gone before
• References should be:
– complete
– consistent with the style used in the journal
– included in the list (anything not cited can be listed
as further reading)
• Argument and findings
• Conclusion should – restate the purpose,
encapsulate the main findings and include the
most interesting bits
Emerald has introduced
structured abstracts
• A structured abstract – in 250 (no more than
100 in any one section) words or less
• Purpose – Reasons/aims of paper
• Design – Methodology/’how it was done’/scope of
study
• Findings – Discussion/results
• Research limitations/Implications –
Exclusions/next steps
• Practical implications – Applications to
practice/’So what?’
• Originality/value – Who would benefit from this
and what is new about it
Some key questions
• Readability - Does it communicate? Is it
clear? Is there a logical progression without
unnecessary duplication?
• Originality - Why was it written? What’s new?
• Credibility - Are the conclusions valid? Is the
methodology robust? Can it be replicated? Is it
honest – don’t hide any limitations of the
research? You’ll be found out.
• Applicability - How do findings apply to the
world of practice? Does it pinpoint the way
forward for future research?
• Internationality - Does it take an
international, global perspective?
Your own peer review
• Let someone else see it - Show a draft to one
or more friends or colleagues and ask for their
comments, advice and honest criticism.
• We are always too close to our own work to
see its failings.
• Always proof-check thoroughly – no incorrect
spellings, no incomplete references. Spell
checkers are not
fool-proof.
• Remember to check the very familiar
things EG: Leads Metropolitan University!
• (Correct title is Leeds Metropolitan University)
Co-authorship as a possibility
• With supervisor, across departments, someone
from a different institution
• Ensure paper is checked and edited so that it
reads as one voice
• Exploit your individual strengths
• Specially useful for cross-disciplinary research
• Demonstrates the authority and rigour of the
research
• Agree and clarify order of appearance of
authors and the person taking on the role of
corresponding author
Improve electronic
dissemination by …
• Using short descriptive titles containing main
keyword – don’t mislead
• Writing a clear and descriptive abstract
containing the main keywords and following
any instructions as to content and length
• Providing relevant and known keywords not obscure new jargon
• Making your references complete and
correct – vital for reference linking and
citation indices
• Ensuring your paper is word-perfect
Revising
• A request for revision is good news!
It really is.
• You are half-way there
• You are now in the publishing cycle.
Nearly every published paper is revised
at least once.
• Don’t panic!
• Even if the comments are sharp
or discouraging, they aren’t personal.
• Now you are on your way
Keep your promises!
• Now you are on your way
• But, now you have to keep to the
editor’s proposed timetable
• Don’t promise a date that is too soon to
enable you to rework the paper
properly
• But if you can get it in earlier, you may
“delight” the editor
• Delighted editors will ask you back
Process of acceptance
for a journal – just
one example
How to revise your paper
• Acknowledge the editor and set a revision
deadline
• Clarify understanding if in doubt - “This is
what I understand the comments to mean…”
• Consult with colleagues or co-authors and
tend to the points as requested
• Meet the revision deadline
• Attach a covering letter which identifies, point
by point, how revision requests have been met
(or if not, why not)
If your paper is rejected…
• Ask why, and listen carefully!
Most editors will give detailed comments about
a rejected paper. Take a deep breath, and
listen to what is being said.
• Try again!
Try to improve the paper, and re-submit
elsewhere. Do your homework and target your
paper as closely as possible.
• Don’t give up!
At least 50 per cent of papers in business and
management don’t get published. Everybody
has been rejected at least once. Even some
very Top Names.
• Keep trying!
The Emerald Literati Network
• More than 30,000 authors worldwide are
members – a huge ‘expert network’
• Authors’ Charter – uniquely provides authors
with a range of benefits and sets out levels
of service
• Complimentary journal issue and five
reprints upon publication
• Calls for Papers and news of publishing
opportunities
• Editing service
• Outstanding Doctoral Research Awards
• Annual Awards for Excellence
Emerald Management Xtra –
authors’ resources
•Comprehensive help and advice every step
of the way
•How to… guides
•Meet the Editor interviews and editor news
•Premium help with placing your paper for
publication
•Publishing opportunities and Calls for Papers
Talk to us, use us!
• Tell us how we can help you –
talk to us, give us ideas
• Use the Emerald database
• Use Emerald Management Xtra
• Use the Emerald Literati
Network
• Register with the Emerald
Connections
• Write for us!
Now for a personal example
• David’s recent and current writing
programme
David Weir’s current writing
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Abu-Doleh,J. and Weir, D.T.H Dimensions of Performance Appraisal Systems in
Jordanian Private and Public Organisations: International Journal of Human
Resource Management: in press: Spring 2007
Weir, D,T.H.,. James, J., Introduction to the Special Edition on Poetry and
Management, Management Decision, Vol. 44, Issue 4, Special issue: POEME ,
June 2006
Weir, D.T.H, Hutchings, K, Guanxi and Wasta: A comparison, Thunderbird
International Business Review, Vol. 48, Issue 1 , pp, 141-156,
January/February 2006
Weir, D.T.H, Hutchings, K., Issue Edited by D. Weir & K. Hutchings ,
Introduction to the Special issue -Journeys Along the Silk Road: Intercultural
Approaches to Comparative Business Systems and Practices, Thunderbird
International Business Review, Vol. 48, Issue 1 , pp, 1-8, January/February
2006
Weir, D.T.H, Demirbag, M., Issue Edited by D. Weir & K. Hutchings , Resources
and Equity Ownership in International Joint Ventures: An empirical analysis of
IJVs in Turkey, Thunderbird International Business Review, Vol. 48, Issue 1, pp.
55-76, January/February 2006
Weir, D.T.H. “Sequences of failure in complex socio-technical systems: Some
implications of decision and control”, KYBERNETES: Special Issue: Tribute to
Stafford Beer, Vol. 33, N°3/4, 2004 pp. 522-537
David Weir’s current writing
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Weir, D.T.H. “Sequences of failure in Complex Socio-technical
systems”, Journal of Nuclear Knowledge Management, Vol. 1, no.1,
2004 pp. 120-130
Al-Janahi A and Weir, D.T.H. “The role of Islamic Banks in managing
corporate turnaround”, Managerial Finance:Vol 34 no4: Spring 2005
Al-Janahi A and Weir, D.T.H.. “Islamic Banking: a role in economic
development”, Thunderbird International Review Special Issue on the
Finance of Development: Fall 2005
Demirbag, M., Mirza, H., and Weir, D.T.H. (2003) Measuring trust,
inter-partner conflict and joint-venture performance: Journal of
Transnational Management Development: vol 8 no 1, p111-140
Hutchings K and Weir DTH (2005) Guanxi and Wasta as knowledge
management in China and the Arab world: Journal of knowledge and
process management: November 2005
Weir DTH (2005) Ethical, philosophical and sociological foundations of
management in the Arab world: Journal of Management, Spirituality
and Religion vol 1 no 2: January 2005
David Weir’s current writing
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Hutchings K and Weir D.T.H. (2006a) Cultural embeddedness and
contextual constraints: Knowledge-sharing in Chinese and Arab
countries: Thunderbird International Review: Special Issue on The
Silk Road: Vol 48, no 1: January 2006
Weir, D.T.H and Hutchings, K. (2006b) Cultural filtering in the Arab
world and China: exploring the interrelationship of the technological
knowledge age and traditional cultural networking and inter[personal
connections”: in Van de Bunt-Kohuis, S.G.M. and Bolger,M. (eds) ,
World-Wide work: Free University of the Netherlands, Amsterdam
Weir, D.T.H. and Hutchings, K. (2006c) Understanding networking in
China and the Arab World: lessons for international Managers: Journal
of European Industrial Training: Vol 30, no 4: pp 272-290
Weir, D.T.H., Hutchings, K., Cultural Filtering in the Arab World and
China:
Exploring the Interrelationship of the Technological
Knowledge Age, Traditional Cultural Networking and Interpersonal
Connections, in Van De Bunt-Kokhuis, Sylvia: World Wide Work:
Filtering of Online Content in a Globalized World, pp.129-142, VU
University Press , Amsterdam, 2006
Weir, D.T.H. “Disaster Management after September 11: A Normal
Accident or a Man-made Disaster?” in Suder, G. (Ed.) Terrorism and
the International Business Environment: The Security – Business
Nexus. UK / USA: Edward Elgar, 2004
David Weir’s current writing
• Forthcoming Books:
• Management in the Arab world: Edward Elgar: late 2007
• Critical Management Studies at Work: Multidisciplinary
Approaches to Negotiating Tensions between Theory and
Practice: with: Julie Wolfram-Cox, Tony Le-Trent Jones and
Maxim Voronov: Edward Elgar: Fall 2007
• Forthcoming Book chapters
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Abuznaid, Samir and Weir, David: Dealing with Complexity in
the Multinational Business Environment: Beyond Simplistic
Paradigms of Culture, Communication and Control: Some
examples from the Arab Middle East: in Strategic Knowledge
Management in Multinational Organisations: Edited by Dr
Kevin O’Sullivan: forthcoming Spring 2007: Wiley
• Boolaky,M., Gungaphul,M. and Weir,D.T.H: Mauritius: towards
a knowledge hub and society: in Hutchings,K. and Mohannak,
K.: Knowledge Management in the Developing World:
forthcoming Spring 2007: Edward Elgar
• Weir, D.T.H. Knowledge Management in the Arab Middle East:
in Hutchings,K. and Mohannak, K.: Knowledge Management in
the Developing World: forthcoming Spring 2007: Edward Elgar
Conclusions
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—even if
its a perfect egg
• Write, get feedback, revise, submit, get
feedback, revise, resubmit…persevere until its
accepted
• Multi-task/Multi-project
• Don’t have all your work at the same stage
• Sometimes the opportunity comes to you
• Take these opportunities if you can
programme them in
• Be a writer: NOT a Suppliant
• You have something to say
Thank you.
Any questions?
For any answers you didn’t get today (or were
too shy to ask) …
please e-mail, write or phone:
Professor David Weir
dweir@runbox.com
CERAM Sophia Antipolis,
Rue Dostoievski BP085
06902 FRANCE
Tel: 04 9395 4576
Contact at Emerald
• Mark Hindwell,
Head of Corporate
Communications,
60/62 Toller Lane,
Bradford BD8 9BY, UK.
Tel: +44 1274 777700
Fax: +44 1274 785201
E-mail:
mhindwell@emeraldinsight.com