Instructions To Authors

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines

(Research Articles)

1. General Submission Requirements

Manuscripts submitted to the Journal of Policy, Development & Applied Social Research (JPDASR) must present original, unpublished work and must not be under consideration for publication elsewhere. Submissions should be written in clear, concise English and prepared in accordance with the guidelines outlined below.

Research articles should present theoretical, empirical, or applied research with clear relevance to public policy, development studies, and applied social research.

2. Manuscript Length

  • Research Articles: 6,000–8,000 words (excluding references)

  • Abstract: Maximum 250 words

  • Keywords: 4–6 keywords

3. Manuscript File Format

  • File type: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)

  • Page size: A4

  • Font: Times New Roman, 12-point

  • Line spacing: 1.5

  • Margins: 1 inch on all sides

  • Page numbers: Bottom center or bottom right

4. Manuscript Structure

Research articles should be organized in the following order:

4.1 Title Page

The title page should include:

  • Full title of the manuscript (concise and informative)

  • Full names of all authors

  • Institutional affiliations (department, institution, country)

  • Corresponding author’s email address

  • ORCID iDs (optional but encouraged)

4.2 Abstract

The abstract may be structured or unstructured and should clearly summarize:

  • Research background

  • Objectives

  • Methods

  • Key findings

  • Policy or practical implications

The abstract must be presented as a single paragraph and should not contain references, tables, or figures.

4.3 Keywords

Provide 4–6 keywords that reflect the main themes of the manuscript and support indexing and discoverability.

4.4 Introduction

The introduction should:

  • Clearly define the research problem

  • Provide relevant background and context

  • Explain the significance of the study

  • State research objectives and/or research questions

  • Outline the contribution of the study to existing literature and policy or practice

An extensive literature review should be avoided in this section.

4.5 Literature Review or Theoretical Framework

This section should:

  • Critically review relevant and recent literature

  • Identify gaps in existing research

  • Present theoretical frameworks or conceptual models, where applicable

  • Clearly position the study within the existing body of knowledge

4.6 Methodology / Methods

The methodology section should provide sufficient detail to allow evaluation and replication of the study. It should include:

  • Research design and approach

  • Data sources and data collection methods

  • Sampling techniques (if applicable)

  • Variables, indicators, or analytical frameworks

  • Data analysis methods and tools

  • Ethical considerations (where human participants, institutions, or sensitive data are involved)

Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies are acceptable.

4.7 Results / Findings

This section should:

  • Present findings clearly and objectively

  • Use tables and figures where appropriate

  • Avoid interpretation or discussion beyond factual reporting

  • Ensure all tables and figures are cited in the text

4.8 Discussion

The discussion should:

  • Interpret the results in relation to the research objectives

  • Compare findings with existing studies

  • Explain theoretical, practical, and policy implications

  • Discuss limitations of the study

The Results and Discussion sections may be combined where appropriate.

4.9 Policy Implications (Strongly Encouraged)

Authors are encouraged to include a dedicated section addressing:

  • Implications for policy design, implementation, or evaluation

  • Institutional or governance relevance

  • Practical applications for policymakers and practitioners

4.10 Conclusion

The conclusion should:

  • Summarize key findings

  • Highlight the main contributions of the study

  • Suggest directions for future research

No new data or references should be introduced in this section.

4.11 Acknowledgements (Optional)

Acknowledgements should be brief and placed before the reference list.

4.12 Funding Statement

Authors must disclose all sources of financial support or clearly state:
“No external funding was received for this study.”

4.13 Conflict of Interest Statement

Authors must declare any potential conflicts of interest or explicitly state that no conflicts of interest exist.

4.14 References

JPDASR follows the APA (7th Edition) referencing style.

In-text citations:

  • Single author: (Smith, 2022)

  • Two authors: (Smith & Kumar, 2021)

  • Three or more authors: (Smith et al., 2020)

Reference list:

  • References must be listed alphabetically

  • All references cited in the text must appear in the reference list and vice versa

5. Tables and Figures

  • Tables and figures should be numbered consecutively

  • Table titles should appear above tables; figure captions below figures

  • Figures must be of high resolution

  • Sources must be acknowledged if adapted or reproduced

6. Language and Editing

Authors whose first language is not English are encouraged to have their manuscripts professionally edited prior to submission. Language editing does not guarantee acceptance.

Review Articles

Review Articles should provide comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of relevant literature and are normally authored by researchers with demonstrated expertise in the subject area.

  • Recommended length: up to 18 pages

  • Must include an Abstract and Introduction

  • Other sections may be organized as appropriate

  • Formatting requirements are the same as for Research Articles

Short Communications

Short Communications report novel findings, preliminary results, or focused studies that do not warrant a full-length article.

  • Maximum length: 5 pages

  • Same formatting requirements as full articles

  • Subheadings (e.g., Introduction, Methods) should be avoided and merged into a single continuous text

  • No more than 3–4 tables or figures