Instructions for Authors

Prepare the Manuscript

Write in English and select the journal, issue, submission type and research area that fit the work. Use a clear title and a running title of no more than 60 characters. Organise the manuscript around its research question, relevant background, method or approach, analysis and conclusions, using headings suited to the discipline.

State the evidence supporting the conclusions, acknowledge limitations and provide a complete reference list. Consult the selected journal’s issue themes and citation requirements before submitting.

Abstract & Keywords

Provide an abstract of no more than 300 words, without citations. Summarise the purpose, approach, principal findings or argument and conclusion. Supply between two and eight keywords that help readers understand the subject and retrieve the work.

Author Details & Multiple Authors

Provide each author’s full name, affiliation, email address and telephone number. Confirm the author order with every contributor and use a distinct email address for each author. Course details and an ORCID iD may be supplied where relevant; an ORCID iD is optional.

The first author is the corresponding author in the submission form. That author coordinates communication, author confirmations and revisions. The form supports up to five authors; the published processing-charge schedule covers up to four, so other cases require confirmation from the editorial office rather than an assumed charge.

Keep identifying details on the separate title page. Do not add a contributor without their agreement or omit someone who qualifies for authorship.

Citations, References, Tables & Figures

Acknowledge all quotations, paraphrases, data, ideas and reused material at the point of use. Follow the selected journal’s citation style and preserve existing footnotes and reference details in the Word file. Include complete sources so references can be checked.

Number tables and figures consistently, give them descriptive captions and refer to them in the text. Keep them legible and identify their sources. Obtain any required permissions and avoid including confidential personal information in illustrations or supporting material.

Files & Submission Requirements

Upload the abstract file, main manuscript and separate title page as Word documents in the formats accepted by the form (.doc or .docx), within the 20 MB limit for each upload. A legacy .doc file may require conversion before processing can continue; an editable .docx file helps avoid that delay.

Complete the required originality, citation, authority and guideline declarations. The submission form requires accurate metadata as well as the uploaded files. After submission, retain the Manuscript ID and use it for tracking and correspondence.

Originality & Research Ethics

Submit work that is original and is not being considered by another publication. Disclose related published work, relevant interests, research support and applicable ethical approvals or participant consent. Do not fabricate findings, alter evidence misleadingly or reuse material without proper acknowledgement.

Address any plagiarism or similarity-related concerns identified during assessment. Authors remain responsible for proper attribution even where a manuscript meets a numerical screening threshold.

Revisions & Publication Preparation

Read the requested changes carefully, revise the manuscript and explain how each point has been addressed. Use the available revision action in the Manuscript Tracker or the instructions supplied by the editorial office. The deadline recorded for your manuscript applies; seek clarification promptly if it cannot be met.

Before publication, confirm the author details and complete the applicable copyright, payment and correction requirements. Do not treat provisional acceptance as confirmation that every publication requirement is complete.