Author Guidelines

General Manuscript Writing Guidelines

All manuscripts must be written in clear and academic English. Authors are asked to follow the formatting guidelines below.

Format

• Font: Palatino Linotype (or Palatino), 12 pt, single spacing.
• Article title: Palatino Linotype, 15 pt, no more than 15 words, only the first word capitalized.
• Include author information: name, department, affiliation, address, country, and ORCID iD for each author.
• Manuscript length: ideally 0–20 pages.

Manuscript Structure

Arrange the manuscript in the following order.

A. Abstract and Keywords

1. Abstract: brief, comprehensive summary in a single paragraph (≈200–250 words).
2. Content must cover: background, research gap, objectives, methodology, key findings, and implications.
3. Avoid excessive citations, abbreviations, or technical jargon.
4. Keywords: 3–5 keywords after the abstract.

B. Introduction

Follow the CARS model (Create A Research Space):

1. Introduce the topic and briefly review relevant literature.
2. Identify research gaps or limitations in previous work.
3. State the study's purpose/objectives and its contribution to the field.

Include a brief literature review and close the section with clear research questions.

C. Method

• Describe research design, instruments, procedures, and data analysis in detail.
• Use subheadings (up to three levels) where necessary (e.g., Method → Research Design → Survey).

D. Findings

• Summarize collected data and analyses objectively and concisely.
• Include numbered tables and figures cited in the text. Table captions above; figure captions below. Both centered, bold, 12 pt.

E. Discussion

Provide a reasoned interpretation of the findings. Follow the steps from Yang & Allison (2006):

1. Highlight main findings.
2. Explain the results and possible causes.
3. Illustrate findings and compare/contrast with previous research.
4. Account for unexpected results.
5. Indicate theoretical and practical implications.
6. Summarize the discussion.

F. Conclusion

Present main conclusions concisely; list research weaknesses and suggestions for future studies.

G. Statement of Conflict of Interest

Disclose any financial or personal relationships that could influence the research. This is a transparency measure, not an admission of wrongdoing.

H. Acknowledgment

Thank individuals or organizations who contributed but do not meet authorship criteria.

I. Funding Sources

Identify all financial support (grants, institutions, or individuals) that funded the research.

Citation and Reference Guidelines (APA 7th Edition)

All citations and references must follow APA 7th Edition. Prioritize sources published in the last five years, except for foundational theories.

In-text citation examples

• One author: (Wentzel, 2005)
• Two authors: (Jasrial & Afful, 2024)
• Three or more: (Iqahtani et al., 2018)

Reference list examples