Academic publishing: Lessons learnt from the Southern African Business Review

Abstract

Writing and publishing of research constitute an integral part of academic life, inter alia, extending the frontiers of knowledge, enhancing the status of the individual and his/her institution and generating subsidy income from the Department of Education. However, publication outputs are relatively low and are largely contributed by only a small number of academics. This concentration of research publication in a few academics is closely related to the high rejection rate of manuscripts by refereed (accredited) journals. Insight into the academic research-to-publication process could inform aspiring authors of the academic publishing procedures and scholarly standard required for publication in refereed journals. This article aims to describe and analyse the editorial review process and its outcomes with reference to the Southern African Business
Review (SABR) as well as weaknesses of manuscripts submitted for publication to the SABR. This analysis is based on the more than 300 manuscripts and approximately 600 referee reports submitted to the SABR during the five-year period 2004 to 2008. The findings reveal a variety of reasons for rejecting manuscripts. These are multidimensional and range from weaknesses in research design, presentation of research findings and failure to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge, to more mechanical problems such as language style and referencing. A proper understanding of shortcomings in academic writing will highlight the guidelines for compiling good scientific articles.