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How to Write and Publish: Steps for Journal Indexing, SCOPUS Selection, and
Peer-Reviewed Submissions

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 SRKR ENGINEERING COLLEGE (A)
CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CRD)
CHINNA AMIRAM (P.O):: BHIMAVARAM :: W.G.Dt., A.P., INDIA :: PIN: 534 204

How to Write and Publish

Steps for Journal Indexing, SCOPUS Selection, and Peer-Reviewed
Submissions

Prepared by
Dr. T. Vamsi Nagaraju
Associate Dean (Research and Development)
SRKR Engineering College
Bhimavaram-534204
INDIA
[email protected]

Sources:
https://www.scopus.com/
Ibrahim, A. M., & Dimick, J. B. (2018). Writing for impact: how to prepare a journal
article. In Medical and Scientific Publishing (pp. 81-92). Academic Press.
CONTENTS
1. How to write a paper
2. Journal indexing
3. Steps to find a journal listed in SCOPUS
4. Files required in peer-reviewed journals manuscript submission
 HOW TO WRITE A PAPER

Writing a scientific paper is crucial for researchers aiming to communicate their findings
effectively. A well-structured manuscript presents your research clearly and increases the chances
of acceptance in reputable journals. This guide focuses on the essential components of a
manuscript, including the abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions.

(a) Abstract
The abstract, as the first impression for journal editors and reviewers, is a concise summary of
your entire manuscript. It should follow the same structure as the full paper, including an
introduction, methods, results, and conclusion, but in a much-abbreviated form.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce the research problem and its significance.
• Methods: Summarize the methodology used in your study.
• Results: Highlight the key findings, focusing on one or two of the most important results.
• Conclusions: Present the main conclusions drawn from the study, ensuring the results
directly support them.
While your manuscript may contain multiple findings, the abstract should focus on the most
significant ones. It's crucial to present these elements consistently, avoiding any overstatement of
the conclusions. The abstract carries significant weight as it influences the editor's decision to send
your manuscript for peer review. Therefore, ensure that your conclusions are supported by the data
and avoid any "editorial overreaching."
Desirable wordcount: 150-200 (depends on journal guidelines)
Paragraphs: In a single paragraph

(b) Keywords
Keywords are vital for indexing your paper and helping other researchers find your work. They
should be relevant to the study and encompass the main themes and topics. Select 4 to 6 keywords
that accurately represent your research focus. Consider using both specific and broad terms to
capture the scope of your study effectively.

(c) Introduction
A well-crafted introduction contains several key elements: the state of the problem, what is known
and unknown, and the aim and hypothesis of the study.
State of the problem
The introduction should begin by introducing the reader to why the research topic is important.
This involves outlining the broader context and significance of the problem you are addressing.
Highlight the topic's relevance in the current scientific landscape or its practical implications in
the real world. This helps to engage the reader by demonstrating the importance of your study and
why they should be interested in it. Use statistics, real-world examples, or recent developments in
the field to emphasize the urgency or significance of the problem.
State what is known and unknown
After establishing the importance of the problem, the introduction should transition to discussing
what is currently known about the topic. This involves a brief review of relevant literature and
previous research findings. Highlight the existing knowledge and consensus in the field to provide
context for your study. Then, identify the gaps or limitations in the current understanding, which
creates a sense of curiosity and sets the stage for your research. By clearly stating what is unknown,
you pique the reader's interest in finding out how your study addresses these gaps.
State your aim and hypothesis
The introduction should culminate in a clear statement of the aim and hypothesis of your research.
This section explains how your study intends to fill the knowledge gap identified earlier. State the
specific objectives of your research and the questions you seek to answer. Present your hypothesis,
outlining the expected outcomes based on the existing literature and your preliminary research.
This section should convey a sense of direction and purpose, showing the reader how your work
advances knowledge in the field.
Desirable wordcount for Journal: 700-900 (depends on journal guidelines)
Desirable wordcount for conference: 500-700
Paragraphs: 4 to 6

(d) Methodology

The methodology section of a paper is a critical component that provides a detailed account of
how the research was conducted. It offers transparency and allows other researchers to replicate
or build upon your work. A well-structured methodology includes the data source, what was
measured, and the methods used for data collection and analysis.
Data source
The methodology should begin with a clear description of the data sources used in the study. This
includes the type of data, the source of the data, and any criteria for data selection. Whether the
data were collected from experiments, surveys, databases, or fieldwork, it is important to specify
how and where the data were obtained. Include information on the sample size, the time frame of
data collection, and any ethical considerations related to data use. This transparency helps readers
understand the context and scope of the data used in your research.
What did you measure
In this section, outline the specific variables or parameters that were measured in your study.
Clearly define each measurement and explain its relevance to the research question. If applicable,
describe any tools or instruments used to collect the measurements, including their precision and
reliability. Discuss any units of measurement, scales, or indices applied in the study. It is essential
to provide enough detail so that other researchers can understand the metrics and variables central
to your analysis.
What method did you use
This part of the methodology should detail the procedures and techniques used to collect and
analyze the data. Describe the research design, such as experimental, observational, or survey-
based, and explain the rationale behind choosing this design. Provide a step-by-step account of the
methods used, including any specific protocols, algorithms, or software employed in the analysis.
If applicable, include any statistical tests or models applied to interpret the data. Discuss how you
ensure the validity and reliability of the results and any steps taken to minimize bias or error.
Desirable wordcount for Journal: 800-1200 (depends on journal guidelines)
Desirable wordcount for conference: 700-900
Paragraphs: 4 to 6 (depends on experimental investigation/ modelling/ surveys carried)

(e) Results
The results section of a paper is where you present the findings of your research in a clear, concise,
and objective manner. It is crucial to convey the results without interpretation or bias, allowing
readers to understand what was discovered in the study. This section should prioritize important
findings, report results logically, and include both positive and negative outcomes.
State results objectively
The results section should begin with a straightforward presentation of the findings. Describe the
results without interpretation or analysis, focusing solely on what the data reveal. Use tables,
figures, and graphs to visually represent the data, ensuring they are clearly labeled and referenced
in the text. This objective presentation allows readers to assess the data independently before
delving into discussions or conclusions.
State important findings first
Organize the results in a logical narrative that highlights the most important findings first. This
approach helps readers grasp the significance of your research quickly and efficiently. Begin with
the key results that directly address your research questions or hypotheses. Then, present additional
findings that support or provide context to the main results. Structuring the results in this way
ensures that the narrative is easy to follow and emphasizes the most critical aspects of your study.
Report all results
It is essential to include all results in your presentation, regardless of whether they support your
hypotheses. Both positive and negative results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the
research problem and add credibility to your study. Reporting negative or unexpected findings can
also provide valuable insights and highlight areas for future research. Ensure that the presentation
of results is unbiased and complete, allowing for an accurate assessment of the study's outcomes.
Desirable wordcount for Journal: 1000-1200 (depends on journal guidelines)
Desirable wordcount for conference: 700-900
Paragraphs: 3 to 5
 (f) Discussion

The discussion section is a crucial part of a research paper where you interpret the findings, put
them in context, and explore their significance. It is an opportunity to highlight the contribution of
your research to the field, address any limitations, and suggest future directions. A well-crafted
discussion includes a summary of the findings, a comparison with existing literature, recognition
of limitations, and an outline of implications.
Summarize the findings
Begin the discussion by summarizing the key findings of your study. Highlight the most significant
results and restate how they address the research questions or hypotheses. This summary provides
a transition from the detailed results section to a broader interpretation of what the findings mean.
Clearly articulate the main conclusions that can be drawn from your study, ensuring they are
directly supported by the data.
Compare and contrast your results
Next, compare and contrast your results with those from previous studies. Discuss how your
findings align with or differ from existing literature and explore possible reasons for any
discrepancies. This comparison helps place your research within the broader scientific context and
demonstrates how it contributes to the current understanding of the topic. Highlight any novel
insights or contributions your study offers and discuss their significance.
Recognize limitations
It is important to acknowledge any limitations of your study openly. Discuss potential sources of
bias, methodological constraints, or external factors that may have influenced the results.
Recognizing limitations shows transparency and helps readers assess the reliability and
generalizability of your findings. It also provides an opportunity to suggest improvements or
considerations for future research.
Outline implications
Conclude the discussion by outlining the implications of your findings. Discuss the practical,
theoretical, or policy-related significance of your research. Consider how your results can be
applied in real-world contexts or how they contribute to advancing knowledge in the field. Suggest
potential areas for further investigation and highlight any questions that remain unanswered. This
section should convey the broader impact of your study and its relevance to the scientific
community and beyond.
Desirable wordcount for Journal: 1000-1200 (depends on journal guidelines)
Desirable wordcount for conference: 700-900
Paragraphs: 3 to 5

(g) Conclusions
The conclusions section is the final part of your research paper, where you succinctly summarize
the core message of your study and its broader implications. This section provides a closing
reflection on your research findings, emphasizing their significance and potential impact. An
effective conclusion communicates the take-home message, ties together the final remarks,
suggests future research directions, and states the implications of your findings.
Communicate the take-home message
The take-home message is the central point you want readers to remember about your research. It
should encapsulate the essence of your study and its main findings in a clear and concise manner.
Reinforce the key conclusions drawn from your research, ensuring they are directly supported by
the results. This message should resonate with the reader and provide a sense of closure to the
study.
Draw together final remarks
In this section, draw together the final remarks that highlight the overall contributions of your
research. Reflect on how your study addresses the research questions or hypotheses and summarize
the main insights gained. Emphasize any novel contributions or breakthroughs that your research
offers to the field. This reflection should encapsulate the essence of your study and its significance
in advancing knowledge.
Future directions
Suggest potential future directions for research based on your findings and any limitations
encountered. Identify areas where further investigation is needed to enhance understanding or
address unanswered questions. This section should inspire other researchers to build upon your
work and explore new avenues of inquiry. Providing specific demonstrations for future studies
demonstrates the ongoing relevance and impact of your research.
State implications of research findings
Conclude by discussing the broader implications of your research findings. Consider how your
results can influence theory, practice, or policy in the relevant field. Highlight any practical
applications or benefits that may arise from your study. This section should convey the significance
of your work beyond the academic community and its potential to contribute to real-world
solutions or advancements.
Desirable wordcount for Journal: 300-450 (depends on journal guidelines)
Desirable wordcount for conference: 250-300
Paragraphs: Single or bullet points (5 to 8)
 JOURNAL INDEXING
Look for information about journal abstracting and indexing while searching for a journal on
their publisher web page. Journals included in an index are considered high quality as compared
to those journals that are not listed. Indexing is one criterion that one could use while choosing
which journal to publish.

The ABDC Journal Quality List follows an extensive review conducted by Expert Panels, which
assessed journals relating to Business and Taxation Law; Economics; Finance including Actuarial
Studies; Information Systems; Management, Commercial Services and Transport and Logistics;
Marketing and Tourism; and other areas.

ABDC Journal Quality List – https://abdc.edu.au/research/abdc-journal-quality-list/

The Academic Journal Guide (AJG) from the Chartered Association of Business School
(ABS) U.K. is a guide to the range and quality of journals in which business and management
academics publish their research. Its purpose is to give both emerging and established scholars
greater clarity as to which journals to aim for, and where the best work in their field tends to be
clustered.

ABS Journal Guide (released on 24-June-2021) – https://charteredabs.org/academic-journal-

guide-2021/

The Financial Times conducts a review of the journals that count towards its research rank.

FT50 (50 Journals used in FT Research Rank) – https://www.ft.com/content/3405a512-5cbb-

11e1-8f1f-00144feabdc0

The UGC-CARE List has two groups, to simplify the search process. These are NOT hierarchic
or ranked groups.

UGC-CARE List Group I – Journals found qualified through UGC-CARE protocols

UGC-CARE List Group II – Journals indexed in globally recognized databases

UGC Care List – https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in/Apps1/User/WebA/CAREList (login required)

Scopus Journal List – https://www.scopus.com/home.uri (then click on Scopus Source List to

download excel file)
Note: The Scopus journal list is a dynamic sheet that is updated every month. Hence, you may
need to download it every time you want to have a look at the Scopus list of journals.

Scopus Journals – https://www.scopus.com/sources.uri?zone=TopNavBar&origin=searchbasic

Web of Science (WoS) – https://mjl.clarivate.com/search-results

WoS core collection citation index – https://mjl.clarivate.com/collection-list-downloads (login

required)

Scimago Journal Ranking: Q1 to Q4 – https://www.scimagojr.com/journalrank.php (click on

download data)

Alert

List of cloned journals

https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in/Apps1/User/Web/CloneJournals

https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in/Apps1/User/Web/CloneJournalsGroupII

Predatory Journals List

https://predatoryjournals.com/about/

https://beallslist.net/
 STEPS TO FIND A JOURNAL LISTED IN SCOPUS

In academics, we all publish our manuscripts and research articles regularly. We choose quality
journals to publish our articles.
It is a requirement that the target journals are listed in SCOPUS or WoS (Web of Science). These
requirements can come in various forms, e.g. NIRF ranking in India.

➢ It is not necessary to have a university log-in ID or access to check the journal status
➢ It is recommended that you create a SCOPUS ID and always use your SCOPUS ID while
submitting your manuscript to a journal
➢ Do not create duplicate (or multiple) SCOPUS IDs. It should be unique. However, if you
already have multiple IDs, you can merge them.

The step-by-step process is detailed below.

Go to www.scopus.com

a) Click on View Journal Ranking

b) Enter title, say, Engineering => Environmental Engineering

c) Click on the Journal to view additional details about the journal (Ex: Science of Total
Environment) such as CiteScore, trend, and Scopus content coverage.
 d) Click on the Journal Homepage to view additional details about the journal such as
scope of the journal and author guidelines.

The scope of a journal is a critical aspect that determines the suitability of a manuscript for
publication. Ensuring that your paper aligns with the journal’s scope is important for several
reasons:
• Efficient peer review process
• Higher acceptance rates
• Contribution to the field
• Avoiding desk rejection

Submissions with irrelevant to scope of the journal and low-quality papers may expect desk
rejections:

• After careful evaluation, I regret to inform you that your manuscript does not fit within
the scope of the journal, and I must therefore reject it.
• I regret to inform you that your manuscript does not have the scientific significance
required by this journal and we must therefore reject it.
• Although your manuscript falls within the aim and scope of this journal, it is being declined
due to lack of sufficient novelty. We receive a much larger number of papers than we are
able to accept.
Ensure that a paper aligns with the journal’s scope. High-quality results, coupled with a thorough
scientific discussion, demonstrate the rigor and reliability of the work, making it a valuable
addition to the existing body of knowledge. Engage with the state-of-the-art literature highlights
the significance of the research, positioning it within the current academic conversation and
underscoring its potential impact. Together, these elements strengthen the case for publication,
increasing the likelihood of acceptance.
 FILES REQUIRED IN PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS MANUSCRIPT
SUBMISSION
a) Journal submission requirements
When submitting a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal, several files and documents are
typically required. While specific requirements can vary depending on the journal, the following
is a list of commonly requested files:
• Cover letter
• Manuscript file
• Conflict of interest statement
• Highlights
• Graphical abstract
Always check the specific submission guidelines of the journal to ensure you have all the
required documents and files in the correct format.

i) Cover letter

Dear Editor-in-Chief,

I would like to submit the manuscript entitled “ABCDEF" to Journal of ABCDE.

No conflict of interest exists in the submission of this manuscript. We confirm that
neither the manuscript nor any parts of its content are currently under consideration or
published in another journal. All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its
submission to this journal.
I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you regarding the fast
process of the manuscript.

Best regards,
Corresponding author
 ii) Manuscript
The main document contains your research paper. This usually includes:

• Title page (with author names, affiliations, and contact information)

• Abstract
• Keywords
• Introduction
• Methods/Materials and Methods
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• References

Note: Additional information may require:

Declarations
Availability of data and materials: Data can be shared upon request.
Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
Funding: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public,
commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Authors' contributions: All authors contributed to the study's conception, design, data collection,
simulation, analysis, and written original draft.
Ethical Approval: The research paper has received ethical approval from the institutional review
board, ensuring the protection of participants' rights and compliance with the relevant ethical
guidelines.

Figures and Tables

Sometimes these are included within the text, other times they are submitted separately.
Figures should be provided on high quality
Figures required in vector scale. Halftone image type (continuous tone photograph containing no
text) should have the preferred file format TIFF, with color mode being RGB or Grayscale, in a
resolution of 300 dpi, and Combination image type (image containing halftone, text or line art
elements) should have resolution of 500-900 dpi. Font of Times New Roman or Helvetica is
preferable. Font size with 10pt (minimum).
Line drawings should have clear and sharp lines and should be of uniform density. Moreover, lines
should be continuous without any breaks.
 Presentation

Type the whole manuscript with double line spacing.

All pages should be numbered sequentially.
Provide line numbers (see journal guidelines)
Few journals/publishers will give their own format.
iii) Conflict of interest statement
Please check below statement and confirm
☐ The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal
relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

☐The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be
considered as potential competing interests

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