Journal Publications Workshop

Through small-group discussion followed by a plenary discussion of generic issues, this workshop will help to improve the quality of journal submissions, especially their linkage with theory.

Staff from DPP and IDII (although co-authors can include PhD students or staff from elsewhere) should submit their papers to L.Levidow@open.ac.uk by Monday 29 May. These will be used as the basis to form small groups which will be announced shortly afterwards.

Each paper should include a substantial review of theoretical concepts and relevant debates, as a basis to position itself within them. Such concepts could inform a case study or be the main focus. When planning your paper, a publication strategy should include:

• a conference presentation being planned or already done
• a specific journal (or a couple of options) related to your theme and/or theoretical perspectives.

Participants can circulate either a full paper or a substantial summary, containing:

• publication strateg (see above)
• introduction to a big issue (why it matters) with questions to be answered or hypotheses to be tested 
• theoretical literature review
• thematic headers for empirical sections (detailed material optional)
• conclusions (key points) related to the initial questions or hypotheses.   

NB It may be helpful to clarify your theoretical perspectives or argument at the workshop before selecting and structuring empirical material for a full paper.

Joe Hanlon has also produced a useful guide on planning an effective journal paper.