Providing a Conceptual Model of Factors Affecting the Publication Speed of Journals: A Case Study of Humanities Journals

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master’s student, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this discussion is to highlight the importance of publication speed
in scientific journals, which are among the most significant channels for disseminating the latest scientific findings. Scientific journals are among the most essential means of disseminating information and serve as significant and reliable sources when societal issues arise within a specific time frame. Due to the large number of humanities journals and the ongoing evolution in this field, information must be disseminated at an appropriate pace across various societies. Accordingly, this research aims to present a conceptual model of the factors influencing publication speed in humanities journals.
Method: The current applied research was conducted using a qualitative approach grounded in theory. The statistical population for this study comprised 18 specialists in the field of journals, including editors, editors-in-chief, internal managers, and journal experts, who were selected through a purposive sampling method. Out of 18 in-depth interviews, the final three did not result in the development of a new code. The data collection method employed was a semi-structured interview format. Data collection continued until saturation was achieved. Finally, the data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding methods. In the open coding process, codes were gathered based on various primary themes, and central (axial) categories were derived from these codes. Ultimately, selective coding (categories) was established by examining the connections among the central categories. MaxQDA 20 software was utilized for data analysis. The concepts of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability were employed to ensure the validity of the data.
Findings: As indicated by the research findings, the factors influencing the speed of publication in journals can be categorized into four general groups: factors related to the executive team (10 dimensions), factors related to the review process (5 dimensions), factors related to authors (5 dimensions), and factors related to publication (8 dimensions). The research findings indicate that the primary factor is the publication speed of journals. Finally, we identified 104 open codes and 28 axial codes, categorized as follows: 1.Causal Factors (7 categories): - Standards for submitting articles - Quality of submitted articles - Making corrections based on reviewers’ feedback - Editorial decisions - Specialized human resources - Cooperation in the review process - A standardized reviewing framework 2. Underlying Factors (4 categories): - Appropriate infrastructure - Policies, procedures, and requirements - Reviewers’ responsibilities - Compliance with ethical standards and requirements 3. Intervening Factors (6 categories): - Reputation - Budget and financial resources - Publication costs - Influence of certain individuals - Editorial board meetings - Responsibility and conscientiousness of human resources 4. Strategies (8 categories): - Structural and managerial factors - Encouragement and motivation within the executive team - Control of incoming articles - Provision of human resources and their duties - Reviewing requirements - Providing comprehensive and clear guidance for authors - Reviewing motivation and support - A nationwide comprehensive reviewing system 5. Consequences (3 categories): - Updates in publication - Indexing of the journal in national and international citation databases - Novelty of the information presented in conclusion, a conceptual model was developed based on the identified causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences.
Conclusion: The publication of scientific achievements in the field of humanities is essential due to the nature of communication patterns and scientific behaviors within society. Therefore, it is essential to accelerate the dissemination of scientific advancements in this field to align with the conditions and needs of society. In order to expedite the publication process in academic journals, it is essential to adopt a macro perspective and consider the entire model that has been developed. Some factors in this context serve as primary causes, while others act as underlying or intervening causes that accelerate the publication process. To achieve this goal, it is essential to implement the strategies identified for expediting the publication process. The resulting consequences will lead to the timely updating of publications, which can facilitate the indexing of the journal in both national and international citation databases, thereby enhancing the novelty of the information presented. The findings of this research not only enhance the theoretical and research framework but also provide a solid foundation for future studies in this field. In this context, the proposed model can serve as a roadmap and a comprehensive guide for the country's journals.

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Main Subjects

References

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Sciences and Techniques of Information Management
Volume 10, Issue 4
November 2024
Pages 219-260

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