Category Archives: Writing
Complete and unambiguous complementarity
In writing research papers, should we be more careful in how we cite literature that supports our own findings? All too often, the nuances and tensions are overlooked. But they are the most important aspects Continue reading
Posted in Guidance, Style, Writing
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Secondary referencing (and the problem with aphorisms)
Secondary referencing is considered to be poor academic practice. It is important to find the original papers and cite them, or explain in a footnote why the original papers are no longer available or accessible. Merely mentioning that someone else has … Continue reading
Why do journals insist that data ‘are’?
Why do journals insist that data 'are'?.
Posted in Style
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How to decide on active or passive voice
A common problem in writing is deciding on whether to use active or passive voice. There is a general feeling among authors that writing in the third person is somehow better than writing in the first person. But that is … Continue reading
Posted in Guidance, Style, Writing
Tagged active voice, passive voice, writing style
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How to compose an introduction
The introduction should provide the setting for the paper, introduce the reader to the topic under investigation and provide at least a partial description of what is to come. It can be useful to also explain how you have structured … Continue reading
Posted in Guidance, Style, Writing
Tagged guidance, Literature review, Opening sentence, Writing
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Salami-slicing
Salami-slicing is the practice of reporting one piece of research many times in different papers, each time with a slightly different spin, often to different journals. I came across this today (again), when the editor of another journal invited me … Continue reading
Posted in Content, Writing
Tagged Academic Papers, Paper, Salami slicing, Social Sciences, writing style
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How to avoid desk-rejection
Before papers are sent for refereeing, editors check newly-submitted papers for a range of features. Authors can check these things themselves, and increase the likelihood that their papers will proceed from the editor’s desk and into the refereeing process. This … Continue reading
How to write informative abstracts
Abstracts are frequently the least informative part of a paper. They should be the most informative part. Continue reading
Posted in Editorial policies, Guidance, Style, Writing
Tagged abstract, Author, Paper, Research, Writing
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How to describe your paper for press releases or editorial notes
It is a good idea to prepare a press release when you have had a paper published. Many journals ask for notes from their authors in order to help with composing an introductory editorial column. Both of these practices are … Continue reading
How to write an informative and helpful covering letter
The primary purpose of the covering letter is to explain what the paper is about, why it is important and how the research was done, with particular reference to the aims and scope of the journal. The Editor’s first decision … Continue reading
Posted in Content, Guidance, Research papers, Writing
Tagged covering letter, covering letters, sycophancy, writing style
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Management and Economics in Construction 