Author Guidelines

Ethical Guidelines for Authors

The following ethical guidelines are mandatory for all authors. Violation of these guidelines may result in penalties such as rejection of manuscripts, withdrawal of publishing privileges, or other actions deemed appropriate by the Editorial Board.

  1. Reporting Standards
  • Authors must ensure that their research reports include sufficient detail, accurate data, and complete references to allow other scholars to replicate or evaluate the work.
  • Fraudulent, fabricated, or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behavior and are unacceptable.
  1. Originality and Plagiarism
  • Manuscripts must contain entirely original work. Proper credit must be given to others’ ideas, data, or words through accurate citations.
  • Plagiarism in any form—verbatim copying, improper paraphrasing, self-plagiarism, or use of others’ work without acknowledgment—is unethical and unacceptable.
  • Verbatim material from prior publications or external sources must appear within quotation marks.
  • Manuscripts with a similarity index exceeding 19% may be rejected or subjected to conditional acceptance at the discretion of the Editorial Board.
  1. Declaration
  • Authors must provide a formal declaration confirming that the manuscript contains their original work, and that it is not under consideration elsewhere.
  • Manuscripts previously published in abstract form (e.g., conference proceedings or limited-circulation reports) may be submitted if substantially expanded.
  • For co-authored manuscripts, a declaration must confirm that all listed authors have contributed significantly to the study.
  • The corresponding author must ensure that all contributors are included as authors and that all authors agree to the final version and authorship order.
  1. Multiple, Redundant, and Concurrent Publication
  • Authors must not submit the same research to more than one journal simultaneously.
  • Previously published research may only be republished if it has been significantly revised, expanded, or reanalyzed.
  • Secondary publication requires the explicit approval of both authors and the Editor and must clearly acknowledge the original publication.
  • Concurrent submission of the same manuscript to multiple journals is strictly prohibited. 
  1. Acknowledgment of Sources
  • Authors must properly acknowledge all sources of information, data, and ideas that are not original or considered common knowledge.
  • Contributions from individuals, organizations, or institutions—such as technical assistance, writing support, or financial sponsorship—must be recognized in the Acknowledgments
  • Authors must conduct a thorough literature review and cite foundational works relating to their study.
  1. Authorship Credit
  • Authorship should be limited to those who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, data collection, analysis, or writing of the manuscript.
  • The corresponding author must ensure that only legitimate contributors are listed as authors.
  • All co-authors must review and approve the final manuscript prior to submission.
  • Individuals contributing in lesser capacities should be acknowledged appropriately.
  1. Privacy of Participants
  • Authors must respect the privacy and confidentiality of research participants.
  • No information identifying participants may be published without their explicit informed consent.
  • If disclosure of identity is necessary, written consent must be obtained. In the event of a participant’s death, consent must be obtained from the immediate family.
  • Only information essential to understanding the research should be included.
  1. Data Access and Retention
  • Authors must be prepared to provide raw data related to their research during the review process if requested by the Editor.
  • Authors should retain research data for a reasonable period following publication.
  1. Images
  • Authors must ensure that images submitted as part of the manuscript are free from manipulation or misleading enhancement.
  • Images should be accurately described, including the procedures used to obtain them.
  1. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
  • Authors must disclose any financial, personal, professional, or institutional conflicts of interest that may influence the research or its interpretation.
  • Conflicts may include employment, consultancies, honoraria, grants, patents, or financial relationships.
  • All funding sources must be acknowledged, including the role (if any) of the sponsor in the research process.
  1. Manuscript Acceptance and Rejection
  • The review process typically takes 1–2 months, after which authors may inquire about the status.
  • After review, manuscripts may be accepted, rejected, or returned for revision. Authors retain the right to submit rejected manuscripts elsewhere.
  • For revisions, authors must submit a detailed response highlighting corrections made. Revised manuscripts undergo further review before a final decision is made.
  • If dissatisfied with a rejection decision, authors may appeal directly to the Editor with a justified request.

GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PAPER

The editor welcome submissions of original research papers, written in clear and correct English, that have not been submitted elsewhere for publication. Only manuscripts that follow the journal’s prescribed format will be considered.

Title Page

The title page must include the following information:

  • Title of the research paper (centered, key words capitalized, double-spaced)
  • Author(s) name(s), email address(es), and contact number(s)
  • Institutional affiliation(s)

Research Paper (submitted without author identification)

i) Abstract

The abstract (150–250 words) should provide a concise summary of the research.
Format:

  • “Abstract” centered at the top
  • Single block paragraph (no indentation)
  • Must include: research topic, objectives, participants, methods, data analysis techniques, and key findings.

At the end, type Keywords: (italicized) and provide relevant keywords.

ii) Introduction

(Level 1 heading)

The introduction sets the context for the study, clearly states the purpose, and outlines the main research question(s) and the nature of the investigation.

Optional level-two headings may include:

  • Objectives of the Study / Research Questions / Hypotheses
  • Significance of the Study
  • Delimitations of the Study (if any)

iii) Literature Review

This section discusses previous research relevant to the study. It should:

  • Summarize classical and recent studies (focus on the past 10 years)
  • Present existing knowledge and identify research gaps
  • Demonstrate how the current study contributes new understanding
  • Include updated and relevant research findings

The literature review should transition logically into what the current research aims to investigate.

iv) Research Methodology

This section introduces and explains the methodology adopted. It must demonstrate that the design is appropriate for addressing the research objectives.

Possible subheadings:

  • Research Design
  • Population
  • Sample and Sampling Techniques
  • Instrumentation
  • Data Collection

v) Data Analysis and Interpretation

Describe the data analysis techniques used and present the findings with appropriate interpretation.

vi) Discussion and Conclusion

Discuss findings in light of previous studies and draw logical conclusions supported by the data.

vii) Recommendations

Provide practical, evidence-based recommendations derived from the analysis.

viii) References

Follow APA 7th Edition referencing style.

General Manuscript Guidelines

  • Manuscript length: 3000–5000 words
  • Single-spaced text
  • Font: Times New Roman, size 12
  • Main headings: 12 pt, bold, centered
  • Subheadings: 12 pt, bold, left-aligned
  • Margins: 1 inch on all sides (A4 paper)
  • Indent all paragraphs 0.5 inch (5–7 spaces)
  • Page numbers: centered in the footer
  • Text alignment: justified
  • Plagiarism limit: less than 15% (self-plagiarism not allowed)
  • Figures (charts, graphs, images, photographs) numbered consecutively; captions placed below the figure
  • Tables numbered consecutively; table number and title centered above the table
  • In the text, refer to tables and figures by number (e.g., Table 3), not by location (e.g., “table above”).

GUIDELINES FOR BOOK REVIEW

A book review is a descriptive, critical, and evaluative analysis of a book’s quality, significance, and contribution. It should focus on the book’s purpose, content, and scholarly value.

The review should assess strengths, weaknesses, and the effectiveness of the author’s arguments. It must include evidence and examples.

  1. Essential Information

Begin the review with the following details:

  • Title
  • Author
  • First copyright date
  • Type of book
  • General subject area
  • Special features (maps, charts, illustrations, etc.)
  • Price
  • ISBN
  1. Author’s Purpose

Identify the purpose of the book. If not explicitly stated, infer it by considering:

a) Why the author chose this topic
b) The point of view presented
c) Whether the book aims to inform, explain, persuade, or dramatize
d) The genre and how the book fits within it
e) The intended audience
f) Writing style—formal/informal; clarity, coherence, originality, conciseness, correct use of terms
g) Organization (use table of contents to understand structure)
h) Personal impact: Did the book reinforce or change your perspective? How does it relate to your academic or personal experience?
i) Whether the book achieves its stated or implied goal
j) Whether you would recommend it (and why)

  1. Method of Development

Explain how the author supports the thesis, with examples:

  • Description – sensory details, settings, and imagery
  • Narration – storytelling and sequence of events
  • Exposition – explanation or analysis
  • Argument – persuasive techniques and reasoning
  1. Evaluation

Assess the books:

  • Interest and readability
  • Accuracy and objectivity
  • Importance and contribution to the field
  • Thoroughness and depth
  • Logical soundness of arguments

Discuss strengths and weaknesses, unanswered questions, biases, and broader implications.

  1. Format and Presentation

Comment on layout, typography, binding, maps, illustrations, and whether these elements add value.

  1. Summary and Conclusion

Provide a concise summary of major ideas, key points, and conclusions. Include specific references or quotations where appropriate. Conclude with your final evaluation.