Author Guidelines
For all submissions, please follow the general format below:
Manuscript USEP Journal Template
The SPJRD Manuscript Formating
The following is the Style Guide on the preparation of manuscripts for submission to the SPJRD. Author contributors who would like to download the manuscript template can do so upon sign up to the Journals OJS platform www.journal.usep.edu.ph.
Contributions to the SOUTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Journal accepts Articles, Reports and Book Reviews, described as follows:
1. Articles
Articles are derived from original research and adhere to high scientific (content) and technical (i.e. language, artwork) standard. To be considered in the Articles category, the work presented must show novelty, if not striking findings that have immediate or far-reaching implications. In keeping with the scope and locale targeted by the Journal, the work should hold discernible importance to the context of the Mindanao and ASEAN region's development needs. Finally, its findings and conclusions should provoke prospective interest among readers of various disciplines.
2. Reports
Reports are products of institutional research or extension showing details to a project or study internally or externally funded by the University. Unlike journal articles, an interest of the Report is to provide information on the progress or results of a project, study, or activity. They can even be viewed as the proponents provisional statement regarding their research findings. A Report can be published before its corresponding journal counterpart, its manuscript draft expected to be more detailed compared to the journal article.
3. Book Reviews
The SPJRD encourages the submission of book reviews from various disciplines. Like journal articles and reports, they form part of publishing in the academia. Researchers, practitioners, faculty and graduate students are enjoined to submit book reviews in their fields or disciplines. Books published within the last 2 years are encouraged. If you intend to review a book, write to the Editorial Team through publication@usep.edu.ph.
Content and Format of Articles and Reports
Articles and Reports typically contain 3,000-5,000 words (excluding display items such as tables, figures and images) double-spaced. Manuscripts are written in English. The display items have to be incorporated into the manuscript to facilitate ease among peer reviewers in following the logical sequence of the content.
The sequence of the content is as follows: title of paper, author name/s and affiliations (omit titles and academic degrees), abstract, overview of scope and relevance of the research, method, results and findings, discussion and conclusion, and references. A section may have its own subsections.
The manuscript uses the format and functions of Microsoft Word.
Titles
Titles typically do not exceed 12 words and must not go beyond 2 lines. Titles should be brief, specific, and informative.
Author Name(s)
Author name must be sequenced First, Middle Initial, Last. Omit academic titles and degrees attached to the name. Footnote your institutional affiliation instead.
Abstract
The abstract is one paragraph typically in 250 words. The abstract of a paper accepted to the SPJRD provides a very brief look at the topic and the field where it belongs, the rationale behind the conduct of the work, and the general conclusion arrived at. The author may add a highlighted finding in order to stress or underscore how the work has significantly contributed to the field or the probable impact that could be derived from the findings or results.
Keywords
At most 5 keywords can be included.
Text or Body of the Paper
The body of the paper includes:
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Overview of the scope and relevance of the research, especially with regard to previous advancements in related fields
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Methods, with the elements (ie. research design, duration, choice of subjects, processing, statistical tools used) written as concisely as possible and avoiding too detailed descriptions of methods that have already been published
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Results, Discussion and Conclusion, containing an objective and concise presentation of findings, with clear interpretations from which main conclusions are derived, the latter emphasizing the contribution of the scientific research and its socio-economic or theoretical/academic implications
For Display Items such as Tables, Figures, Equations, and Images:
- Every Table should have a title to accompany it. Table tools in MS Word are to be used for inserting a table. Tables should be numbered and cited in the text.
- A Figure or Image should have a caption and typed separately (not on the figure area). Figures and images are to be sequentially numbered as well. They have to be cited in the text. These display items must be created at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. For fuzzy or pixelized figures and images pasted on the text, authors are required to send the original file of the item.
- As much as possible, do not create equations as pictures.
References
The SPJRD generally uses the APA format both for parenthetical citations and Reference citations. All sources/citations in the text must appear in the reference list. Authors are requested to check all references for completeness, such as author names, title of article, journal or book title, publisher, volume and issue numbers, pages from journal papers, year, and other reference details according to the type of material. Sample lists of APA-style references are available online.
Content and Formating of Book Reviews
Book Reviews can contain 600-700 words double-spaced. Manuscripts are written in English. Its sole display item is the front cover of the book.
Titles
The author of a Book Review need not think of a title for his/her review essay. As this is a different category of paper, the editorial team lodges it under the Book Review section found in the last few pages of the Journal.
Author Name
Author name is sequenced First, Middle Initial, Last. Omit academic titles and degrees attached to the name. Write your institutional affiliation instead. A Book Review is written by a sole author.
Text or Body of the Paper
A Book Review essay begins by readily stating the main theme/topic/argument of the book. Included as well is the aim of the author for writing the review, and in certain cases may state the scope or boundaries of the review.
Details are placed in the body to elaborate on this main theme, topic or argument. If there is a need to write about the contents of the book, the author should do this concisely, if only to use the contents to elucidate on the theme or topic. Think of an audience for whom the book is going to be useful or for whom the contents might hold interest, mentioning as well its strengths and weaknesses especially as a possible resource. Inform your audience why this book is unique and even indispensable in your field of study. An author may go so far as to say how the book has changed his or her views after reading the material. On the other hand, constructively critique it of its weaknesses, providing a fair and balanced opinion. Ensure that your claims are substantiated and not just completely based on the reviewer's own ideas or philosophy. Avoid as well making a review which is devoted to telling your audience what the author should have written rather than the one that was written.
In conclusion, state categorically your recommendation to the books would-be users, making a general statement of your assessment of both its accomplishments and weaknesses.
