Author Guidelines

Instructions to Authors: Preparing the Submission

 

  1. General Requirements

Authors preparing the submission version must ensure that the manuscript is complete, fully edited, and formatted according to the journal’s style. This file will form the basis for editorial assessment; therefore, accuracy, clarity, and completeness are essential.

1.1 Elements to Include in the Main Text File

The manuscript file must include the following elements, in this order:

  1. Full title, written in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
  2. Full name(s) of the author(s)
  3. Full institutional affiliation(s)
  4. Corresponding author’s email address
  5. Abstract (150 words, unstructured)
  6. Keywords (3–6 keywords)
  7. Main text, structured according to journal style (see Section 3)
  8. Conclusion
  9. Acknowledgements (if applicable)
  10. Declaration of interest statement
  11. References
  12. Author biography (150–200 words)

Tables, figures, captions, and appendices must be placed after the references, each on a separate page.

 

  1. Language and Style Requirements

2.1 English Standard

  • Use English (UK) spelling and grammar consistently throughout.
    Examples: analyse, organise, labour, centre, programme, globalisation.
  • Maintain consistency in spelling, hyphenation, punctuation, and style.

2.2 Proofreading Requirement

  • Manuscripts must be thoroughly proofread to eliminate typographical, grammatical, and stylistic errors.
  • Authors are strongly encouraged to engage a professional language editor if needed.
  • Manuscripts with poor language quality may be returned for revision, potentially delaying publication.

2.3 Acronyms

  • On first mention, provide the full term followed by the acronym in parentheses.
    Example: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
  • For subsequent mentions, use the acronym only.

 

  1. Required Manuscript Structure

The manuscript must follow the humanities style, with major section headings in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Subheadings may be used sparingly. The literature review, research gaps, and significance of the study must be integrated within the Introduction, without separate subheadings.

Recommended Structure

ABSTRACT

(150 words, unstructured)

INTRODUCTION

This section must include:

  • A concise literature review (approximately three paragraphs)
  • A discussion of research gaps or problems in past studies
  • A statement on the significance and contribution of the study
  • A clear thesis statement or research objective

BACKGROUND / CONTEXT OF THE STUDY

Overview of the historical, political, social, or conceptual context relevant to the paper.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This section should include:

  • Research design
  • Theoretical framework(s)
  • Data collection and analysis methods

ANALYSIS

Present findings, arguments, and discussion following a logical, coherent flow.
Subheadings may be used as needed:

  • Subtopic of Analysis (bold)
  • Sub-subtopic of analysis (bold, sentence case)

CONCLUSION

Summarise key insights, contributions, and implications of the study.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

(Optional)

DECLARATION OF INTEREST STATEMENT

REFERENCES

Formatted in accordance with APA 6th edition.
Ensure accuracy and consistency.

APPENDICES

(If applicable)

TABLES AND FIGURES

  • Place tables and figures after the references, each on a separate page.
  • Include a list of figure captions if multiple figures are submitted.

 

  1. Formatting Requirements

4.1 Headings

  • Major section headings: ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
  • Subheadings: Bold
  • Sub-subheadings: Bold, sentence case

4.2 Word Limits

Ensure the final word count aligns with the article type:

  • Research Article: maximum 6,000 words (including references, tables, endnotes)
  • Review Article: 2,500–5,000 words
  • Book Review: 900–1,500 words

4.3 Reference Style

All references must follow APA 6th consistently.

 

  1. Revision and Submission Procedure

5.1 Preparing the Revised Manuscript

  • Revise the manuscript using a standard word-processing program.
  • Highlight all changes using coloured text or track changes.
  • Prepare a Table of Corrections that includes:
    • Reviewer comments
    • Author’s responses
    • Page and paragraph numbers where revisions were made

5.2 Submitting the Revised File

To submit:

  1. Log into the submission system.
  2. Go to Author Center.
  3. Under Manuscripts with Decisions, click Create a Revision.
  4. Upload:
    • The revised manuscript
    • The completed Table of Corrections

Important: Revisions cannot be made on the originally submitted file. Only upload the newly revised document.

 

  1. Final Checks Before Submission

Before submitting the final version, ensure that:

  • The manuscript adheres strictly to UK English.
  • All sections are complete and formatted correctly.
  • Acronyms are introduced properly.
  • References are complete and follow APA 6th.
  • All tables and figures are properly labelled, captioned, and placed after the references.
  • The author biography (150–200 words) is included.
  • The manuscript is clean, coherent, and free from errors.