Writing an Article for an Academic Journal: Yes, you can\" by Dr

6 June 2012 – Student Research Workshop – University of Westminster

Writing an Article for an Academic Journal Yes, you can Dr Laura Niada, University of Westminster, Finance, Law and Philosophy Journal LN Consulting

Contents • • • • • • • • •

Choice of the topic Outline Research Write (I) Write (II) Write (III) Write (IV) Conclusion (I) Conclusion (II)

Choice of the topic • • • • •

Is it relevant? Is it researchable? Is it publishable? Can I contribute with originality? Do some preliminary reading on the subject matter ▫ Identify the main literature ▫ Consider opportunities and challanges or reserching this area

Outline • What’s the paper about? ▫ Identify the problem, the research question(s)

• Do a ‘brainstorm’, concept map ▫ This is the originality bit, your own reasoning process ▫ Think out of the box – within reasonable limits:  Be logic  Add ‘intelligence’ to the subject matter, be interesting

• Draw the outline

Research • Read and

• Think • Fill the outline and

• Adjust the outline

Write (I) • Get ready for a test • Count the "F's" that are in the following text: • FINISHED FILES ARE THE RE SULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTI FIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS. • How many "F's" did you find?

Write (II) • Most probably, wrong. There are 6 F's in the text above.

• How is this possible? Apparently your brain doesn’t process the word OF. Everyone that finds the six F's at once is a genius. Three is normal, four is very rare. • So… when you write, be careful, self-critical, ‘objective’ – always think that you are writing for your reader!

Write (III) • • • •

ORDER CLARITY LOGIC RICHNESS ▫ content ▫ information ▫ sources

• FLUENCY • GRAMMAR and SYNTHAX

Write (IV) • From

• To

Conclusion (I) • Preparing an article takes a lot of time, energy and focus • BUT • It gives great satisfaction, CV boost, and virtually eternal legacy… • Remember:

Every man should plant a tree, have a child and write a book to ensure a measure of immortality.

• Note: this quote is apocryphally attributed to the Chinese, the Talmud, Margaret Fuller, José Martí and Picasso • In fact... publishing is the best means to prove authorship of your ideas! • And, as the steps illustrated in this presentation demonstrate • Yes, you can!!!

Conclusion (II) • Lastly, a bit of promotion. The author of this presentation, Dr Laura Niada, works as private tutor and consultant at LN Consulting, www.lnconsulting.co.uk • LN Consulting offers a range of services to help with your academic endeavours including: ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫

Revision of essays, dissertations, PhD theses Editorial work for publications Proof-reading One to One tutorials (London area)

• GOOD LUCK!!!