Author Guidelines

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Guidelines for the Presentation and Submission of Articles

The following points provide guidelines for authors wishing to submit articles for consideration for publishing in the IOM journal, 'Operations Management'. They are of course just guidelines and not absolute rules but can provide useful information for the preparation of an article.

The author should liaise with the Editorial Team at IOM HQ, who will receive the submission, co-ordinate reviewers, respond to queries and will generally progress and communicate how things are proceeding. (Articles should be submitted electronically in ‘WORD’ format.)


1. Suggested Format for Articles

1.1 Abstract / Introduction
There should be a short initial section which describes the article in a succinct way so that the reader can quickly and readily assess its purpose, scope and content, and potential interest. For some articles it will be appropriate to have an abstract and a separate introduction and the author can be flexible with titles and structure, but a concise initial description should be provided.

1.2 Summary / Conclusions
The article should conclude with a clear summary statement and conclusions for the reader to know what the article claims to have achieved. Many busy readers having read the abstract would next wish to read the summary/conclusions before going through the detail of the report – especially if it is a long report.
The author may be flexible in using titles for the sections (Summary/Conclusion or other) and in combining into one section or separately, depending what is appropriate for the particular article.

1.3 Body of the Article
This relates to everything that comes between the abstract/introduction and the summary/conclusions. Different articles can have such varied requirements that the format and sections are best left to the author to decide for clarity of presentation.

1.4 Diagrams/Charts/Photographs
Illustrations are welcome, but care should be taken to ensure they are relevant and contribute substantially to the article. They should be simple, clear and easy to read and care must be taken with size and colour of detail - being mindful of the changes from the originals to the final printed copy (most often down-sizing). Descriptive text can be very helpful in clarifying to the reader specifically what the diagram is meant to show, especially for complicated/difficult diagrams. 

Photographs should also be in high resolution jpg or tif (300 dpi).

1.5 References
Relevant references may be alluded to in the article and they should be listed clearly and concisely following the final Summary/Conclusions section. For most articles the lists of truly relevant references tend to be fairly small. The list may include internet references of course.

1.6 Acknowledgements
For some articles it is appropriate to place brief paragraphs of acknowledgement following the References section. This could be for funding of the study, for particular help, advice, guidance or because the article is re-printed (with permission) from another journal or source, etc.

1.7 About the Author(s)
This is a concise section at the very end of the article as described above. It is usually around 50 to 100 words, typically giving relevant information about the author’s work and academic experience, current organisation and job responsibilities within it, special interests etc.
The author may wish to state his company’s contact details/web site so that readers may make contact if they wish.


2. Keywords & Descriptors

Authors are requested to suggest up to 10 keywords and/or descriptors for their articles as appropriate. This will help to facilitate classification and enable the article to be included in relevant searches on the web site.

3. Synopsis: Initial Proposal for an Article

An author may have initial ideas for an article for the journal, but would like to know if it is suitable before committing the time and effort to producing the complete article. In these circumstances, the author is encouraged to submit a synopsis of the proposed article (indicating, where possible, content, structure, diagrams, length, type, theme etc). This should be submitted to the IOM for review and a response made to the author as to the article’s suitability and any suggestions to help the completion of the full article.

4. Types of Article: Themes/Topics/Sectors etc

The Publications Committee discusses and plans themes, topics, sectors and types of article for the next few issues of OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT. Case studies and practical solutions are always popular with members, as are really usable methodologies and techniques.

5. Co-write with Clients

There are many case studies/practical projects which would merit articles but which will not be presented because those concerned do not have the time or inclination to prepare and submit them.

Consultants are encouraged to co-write articles with/on behalf of their clients and submit them jointly. For such ventures it may be helpful for the consultant/client to take the ‘Synopsis’ option of section 3 above. (Please note that the traditional Public Relations type of write-up is seldom acceptable for serious technical articles.)


6. Promotional Content

It is valid for an author and company (perhaps a consultancy or software company) to receive credit for content and achievements described in the article. Limited mentions of companies, individuals and product names in the context of the article are quite acceptable. However the text should avoid blatant advertising or promotional styles with excessive mentions of product, company or persons names.

N.B. Straightforward publicity material, press releases etc. may be sent directly to the Editorial Team for attention.

7. Promotional Articles

On occasion the IOM has accepted a promotional package which consists of a promotional article together with a large advertisement in the same issue of 'Operations Management' plus an agreed number of (smaller) adverts in subsequent issues of the journal for an agreed total price. The promotional article is discretely designated as such but is in the format of a normal technical article and presents the company’s products or services in that way. To be acceptable the IOM must be satisfied that the product/service could well be of interest and potential benefit to a significant number of members and readers, and also that the article is well written and well presented.

This opportunity is best approached through the ‘Synopsis’ path of section 3 above. The IOM will advise and discuss suitable options.

8. Previously Published Articles

The IOM is prepared to consider including articles which have previously been published elsewhere (with suitable permission and acknowledgement of course). Contributors should submit the proposed article(s) with details of previous publication to IOM and with some comments to support the proposal for re-publishing in 'Operations Management'. The proposal will be reviewed and an appropriate response sent to the proposer.

9. Other Items (other than Articles) for Publication

'Operations Management' includes a number of items other than the formal Technical Articles and any contribution to these others (eg letter to the Editor, comment on previous content, News & Views item, press release, new legislation, requests for other people’s views etc) should all be directed to IOM. They will deal with it appropriately and respond to the proposer.

10. Permissions

Upon submitting an article or other material to the Institute the author(s) will be required to provide full rights to the IOM to edit and publish the material to suit the need of IOM members and readers. In particular, the author(s) and submitter(s) agree that:

• The Institute can publish the submitted material in full or abridged form in its membership magazines, the web site and any other IOM publications where the material may be relevant

• The Institute can republish the material at a later date in one of its publications or on its web site; there will be no time limit for the initial publication or any subsequent publications unless specifically agreed otherwise

At times it will be necessary for the editor to change articles to suit the requirements of the readership. Any such changes will be at publishers' discretion but if changes are deemed to be significant, author(s) agreement will be sought subject to sufficient time being available to review author comments. Once submitted, authors will not normally be able to rescind a paper which has been allocated to a forthcoming issue.

All submitted material will be published on the basis of 'published as author’s views' and the Institute will not be liable for any legal actions resulting from publication.