About the Journal
Publisher
Publisher contact person: Levi Zeleza Manda
Email: editorial@devcomsjournalmw.org or zeleza@devcomsjournalmw.org
Phone: +265999661156
Mailing address: PO Box E45, Blantyre, Malawi
Sources of Support
None for now. But in future hard copies will be sold and relevant advertisements will be solicited.
Peer Review
- Manuscript received - author informed (within 3 days/72 hours) - manuscript read and checked if the author followed guidelines. If author did not follow guidelines, the manuscript is sent back to author with advice to make recommended amendments.
- If the author followed guidelines, the manuscript is sent to at least two editors for consideration- editors’ comments and recommendation sent back to author for revision- if editors recommend rejection- manuscript is rejected and author is informed.
- If editors detect only minor problems, manuscript is edited and later sent to three reviewers. Otherwise, reviewers only work on author’s revised copy. Peer-reviewers are drawn from academic and research institutions internationally. Review is blind (author details are known by editorial office only).
- If two reviewers recommend publication, the manuscript is accepted, edited and proofread for publication (author is informed within 30 days).
- If two reviewers reject manuscript, the manuscript is rejected and the author is informed (within 30 days).
Open Access Policy
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.Publication Scheduling
From January 2018, the frequency will be reduced to annual with one occasional special issue per year.General
Focus and Scope
The Journal of Development and Communications Studies (JDCS), published online and in print by Development Media Consulting, is a biannual academic, peer reviewed journal, ISSN 2305-7432, dedicated to research exploring linkages between communication and human development. The core aim of the JDCS is to make available to development planners, students, civil society, politicians and the public, research recommendations for the benefit of social development in Malawi and Africa, foremost, and the world, second.
JDCS welcomes contributions from all over the world. Malawian academics, researchers, and university students are especially encouraged to submit their original research (completed and ongoing alike) reports for publication.
JDCS believes in the words of Dr Nyengo Mkandawire of the University of Malawi who said, during his professorial inaugural lecture on 17 March, 2014, that:
“Ideally, [research findings] must be published locally [because] it has been shown that research published in local journals has the highest likelihood of changing practice.”
Other websites associated with this journal: www.devcomsjournalmw.org
Peer Review Process
- Manuscript received - author informed (within 3 days/72 hours) - manuscript read and checked if the author followed guidelines. If author did not follow guidelines, the manuscript is sent back to author with advice to make recommended amendments.
- If the author followed guidelines, the manuscript is sent to at least two editors for consideration- editors’ comments and recommendation sent back to author for revision- if editors recommend rejection- manuscript is rejected and author is informed.
- If editors detect only minor problems, manuscript is edited and later sent to three reviewers. Otherwise, reviewers only work on author’s revised copy. Peer-reviewers are drawn from academic and research institutions internationally. Review is blind (author details are known by editorial office only).
- If two reviewers recommend publication, the manuscript is accepted, edited and proofread for publication (author is informed within 30 days).
- If two reviewers reject manuscript, the manuscript is rejected and the author is informed (within 30 days).
Publication Frequency
From January 2018, the frequency will be reduced to annual with one occasional special issue per year.
Open Access Policy
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
Editorial Team
Managing Editor
Dr Levi Zeleza Manda
Development Media Consulting, Blantyre, Malawi
Language Editor
Grey James Mang'anda
Development Media Consulting, Blantyre, Malawi
Reviewers & Advisors
Dr Robert Agunga
Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, & Leadership, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Dr Linje Patrick Manyozo
Department of Media and Communication, London School of Economics and Political Science.
Dr Mufunanji Magalasi
Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Chancellor College, University of Malawi.
Dr Helge Ronning
Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo, Norway
Dr Francis Chikunkhuzeni
Department of Journalism and Media Studies, The Polytechnic, University of Malawi, Malawi.
Dr David Mkwambisi
Department of Natural Resource Management, Bunda College, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), Lilongwe, Malawi
Dr Edrinnie Kayambazinthu
Faculty of Humanities, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi.
Dr Wiseman Chijere Chirwa
Faculty of Social Science, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
Dr Nandin Patel
Centre for Governance and Diplomatic Studies, Catholic University of Malawi, Chiradzulo, Malawi
Dr Lynette Steenveld
School of Journalism, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.
Dr Helen Hambly Odame
School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
Dr Xu Xiaoge
School of International Communications, Faculty of Arts and Education, University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China
Dr Fetson A Kalua
Department of English Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa.
Dr Peter VonDoepp
Department of Political Science, College of Arts and Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, USA.
Dr Catherine Mthinda
Department of Extension & Rural Sociology, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), Lilongwe, Malawi
Dr Emmanuel K. Ngwainmbi
Department of Mass Communication, Jackson State University, Mississippi, USA
Sources of Support
None for now. But in future hard copies will be sold and relevant advertisements will be solicited.
