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IJKRI

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Instructions for Authors

Author Guidelines

Authors should read these instructions carefully before submitting a manuscript to the International Journal of Advanced Research and Innovation. Manuscripts that do not meet the journal requirements may be returned before peer review.

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Before You Submit

Confirm that the manuscript is suitable for IJKRI

The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that the manuscript is complete, accurate and approved by every listed author before submission.

Submission to IJKRI confirms that the work is original, has not been published previously and is not being considered simultaneously by another journal.

Authors must ensure that the study falls within the journal’s multidisciplinary scope and that all research, ethical and reporting requirements have been satisfied.

Review the journal’s aims and scope →

Manuscript Categories

Types of manuscripts considered

Word ranges are general guides and may vary depending on the discipline, research design and complexity of the contribution. References, tables and supplementary material may be excluded from the main word count where appropriate.

Original Research Article

Suggested length: 5,000–8,000 words

Reports original empirical or theoretical research with a clearly defined problem, rigorous methodology, substantial analysis and a meaningful contribution to knowledge.

Typical structure

Abstract, keywords, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion and references.

Review Article

Suggested length: 6,000–10,000 words

Provides a critical and well-structured synthesis of existing literature, identifies gaps and proposes directions for future research.

Typical structure

Abstract, keywords, introduction, review method, thematic synthesis, discussion, research gaps, conclusion and references.

Short Communication

Suggested length: 2,000–4,000 words

Presents important preliminary findings, concise empirical results, methodological innovations or time-sensitive scholarly observations.

Typical structure

Abstract, keywords, introduction, method, key findings, discussion, conclusion and references.

Case Study

Suggested length: 3,500–6,000 words

Examines a specific organisation, event, intervention, policy, industry or social setting and draws clear theoretical or practical lessons.

Typical structure

Abstract, keywords, case background, problem, analysis, findings, implications, conclusion and references.

Conceptual Paper

Suggested length: 4,000–7,000 words

Develops or extends concepts, frameworks, models or theoretical propositions through logical analysis and engagement with relevant literature.

Typical structure

Abstract, keywords, introduction, conceptual foundation, proposed framework, discussion, implications and conclusion.

Technical Note

Suggested length: 2,000–4,000 words

Describes a practical method, research instrument, process improvement, technical development or applied innovation.

Typical structure

Abstract, keywords, background, method or technique, application, results, limitations and conclusion.

Manuscript Preparation

Required manuscript components

The exact organisation may differ by manuscript type, but the following elements should be included where they are relevant to the study.

01

Title Page

  • Provide a clear, specific and informative manuscript title.
  • List the full names of all authors in the correct publication order.
  • State each author’s institutional affiliation, department, city and country.
  • Identify the corresponding author and provide a valid email address.
  • Include ORCID identifiers where available.
  • Provide a short running title where appropriate.
02

Anonymous Manuscript File

  • Remove author names, affiliations, acknowledgements and identifying information.
  • Remove identifying details from file properties and tracked changes.
  • Avoid self-references that reveal the identity of the authors.
  • Use neutral wording such as ‘previous research’ instead of ‘our previous study’ where anonymity may be compromised.
03

Abstract

  • Use a structured or unstructured abstract depending on the manuscript type.
  • The abstract should normally contain 150–300 words.
  • State the purpose, method, principal findings, implications and conclusion.
  • Do not include citations, unexplained abbreviations, tables or figures.
  • Ensure the abstract accurately reflects the content of the manuscript.
04

Keywords

  • Provide four to seven keywords immediately after the abstract.
  • Choose terms that reflect the main concepts, variables, population, setting or method.
  • Avoid repeating words already used extensively in the title.
  • Use recognised subject terms where possible to improve discoverability.
05

Introduction

  • Present the background and context of the study.
  • Clearly identify the research problem or knowledge gap.
  • Explain the importance and relevance of the study.
  • State the aim, objectives, research questions or hypotheses.
  • End with a concise statement of the contribution of the manuscript.
06

Literature Review or Theoretical Foundation

  • Critically engage with recent and relevant literature.
  • Organise the review around themes, concepts, debates or theoretical relationships.
  • Avoid a purely descriptive sequence of individual studies.
  • Explain the theoretical or conceptual framework guiding the study.
  • Show clearly how the study addresses an identified gap.
07

Methodology

  • Describe the research design and justify its suitability.
  • Identify the study population, sample, setting and selection procedure.
  • Explain data-collection instruments and procedures.
  • Report validity, reliability, trustworthiness or quality controls.
  • Describe the data-analysis techniques used.
  • Include ethical approval and informed-consent information where applicable.
  • Provide enough detail for another researcher to understand or reproduce the method.
08

Results or Findings

  • Present findings clearly and logically in relation to the research objectives.
  • Avoid repeating all numerical information in both text and tables.
  • Report appropriate statistical values, effect sizes and significance levels where relevant.
  • For qualitative work, present themes with adequate supporting evidence.
  • Do not introduce extensive interpretation that belongs in the discussion section.
09

Discussion

  • Interpret the principal findings rather than merely restating them.
  • Relate the findings to relevant theories and previous studies.
  • Explain agreements, differences, unexpected results and possible reasons.
  • Discuss theoretical, managerial, policy, professional or social implications.
  • Avoid claims that are not supported by the evidence.
10

Conclusion and Recommendations

  • Summarise the study’s main contribution without repeating the abstract.
  • State the practical and scholarly significance of the findings.
  • Present recommendations that follow directly from the evidence.
  • Acknowledge important limitations.
  • Suggest realistic areas for future research.
11

Declarations

  • Funding statement.
  • Conflict-of-interest declaration.
  • Ethical approval statement where applicable.
  • Informed-consent statement where applicable.
  • Data-availability statement.
  • Author-contribution statement.
  • Acknowledgements.
  • Declaration of generative artificial-intelligence use where applicable.
12

References

  • Use APA 7th edition unless the journal announces a different style for a special issue.
  • Ensure every in-text citation appears in the reference list.
  • Ensure every reference-list entry is cited in the text.
  • Include DOI links for sources that have DOIs.
  • Prioritise credible, relevant and reasonably recent scholarly sources.

Formatting Requirements

Present the manuscript clearly and consistently

Good formatting supports efficient editorial screening, anonymous peer review and production.

Requirement
Journal standard
File format
Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx). A PDF may be included only as a supplementary viewing copy.
Page size
A4 paper size.
Margins
At least 2.54 cm on all sides.
Font
Times New Roman, 12-point font for the main text. Use consistent font sizes throughout the manuscript.
Line spacing
Double spacing for the main text, references, tables and figure captions unless otherwise instructed.
Alignment
Use left alignment for headings and justified or left-aligned body text consistently.
Paragraphs
Use consistent paragraph indentation or spacing. Do not separate every sentence with a blank line.
Page numbers
Number all pages consecutively, beginning with the title page.
Headings
Use a clear and consistent hierarchy. Do not number headings unnecessarily unless required by the discipline.
Language
Manuscripts must be written in clear academic English. British or American spelling may be used, but usage must remain consistent.
Abbreviations
Define each abbreviation at first use and avoid unnecessary abbreviations.
Units
Use internationally recognised units, preferably SI units, and define uncommon measurements.

Tables

Preparing tables

  • Number tables consecutively in the order in which they are mentioned in the manuscript.
  • Provide a concise and informative title above each table.
  • Define abbreviations and explanatory notes below the table.
  • Ensure the table can be understood without excessive reference to the main text.
  • Do not submit tables as low-quality screenshots or images.
  • Obtain permission to reproduce or adapt previously published material.

Figures

Preparing figures and illustrations

  • Number figures consecutively according to their first mention in the text.
  • Supply clear captions below each figure.
  • Use high-resolution images with readable labels and legends.
  • Avoid unnecessary decoration, three-dimensional effects and misleading scales.
  • Remove personal identifiers from photographs and research images unless written consent permits their use.
  • State the source and permission status of reproduced figures.

Referencing

APA 7th edition reference style

IJKRI uses the American Psychological Association reference style, seventh edition. Authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of every citation.

In-text citations

One author

Parenthetical: (Okafor, 2024)

Narrative: Okafor (2024)

Two authors

Parenthetical: (Okafor & Silva, 2024)

Narrative: Okafor and Silva (2024)

Three or more authors

Parenthetical: (Okafor et al., 2024)

Narrative: Okafor et al. (2024)

Direct quotation

Include the author, year and page number: (Okafor, 2024, p. 18).

Reference-list principles

  • Arrange entries alphabetically by the surname of the first author.
  • Use a hanging indentation for each entry.
  • Italicise journal titles, volume numbers and book titles as required by APA 7.
  • Present DOI values as active links beginning with https://doi.org/.
  • Do not include database names for ordinary journal articles unless APA 7 specifically requires them.
  • Verify author names, dates, article titles, page ranges, DOI links and URLs before submission.

Journal article

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (2024). Title of the article. Journal Title, 12(3), 101–118. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx

Book

Author, A. A. (2023). Title of the book (2nd ed.). Publisher.

Chapter in an edited book

Author, A. A. (2022). Title of chapter. In B. B. Editor (Ed.), Title of book (pp. 25–48). Publisher.

Webpage

Organisation Name. (2025, March 14). Title of webpage. Site Name. https://example.com/page

Report

Organisation Name. (2024). Title of report (Report No. 15). Publisher. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx

Publication Ethics

Ethical responsibilities of authors

Authors must comply with recognised principles of research integrity and publication ethics throughout the submission and publication process.

Originality and plagiarism

Submitted work must be original. All quotations, ideas, data, figures and materials obtained from other sources must be properly acknowledged. Manuscripts may be screened using similarity-detection software.

Duplicate and simultaneous submission

A manuscript must not be submitted to IJKRI while it is under consideration by another journal. Substantially similar work must not be published more than once without clear justification and disclosure.

Data fabrication and falsification

Authors must not invent, manipulate, omit or misrepresent research data, methods, images, statistical results or participant information.

Authorship and contributorship

Every listed author must have made a meaningful scholarly contribution, approved the submitted version and accepted responsibility for the work. Individuals who do not meet authorship criteria should be acknowledged appropriately.

Conflicts of interest

Authors must disclose financial, professional, institutional or personal relationships that could reasonably be perceived to influence the research or its interpretation.

Funding disclosure

All financial support, grants, sponsorships and material assistance must be identified, including the role of the funder in the study.

Ethical approval and informed consent

Research involving human participants, identifiable personal data, clinical material or animals must comply with applicable ethical and legal standards.

  • Identify the approving ethics committee or review board.
  • Include the approval reference number where one was issued.
  • State how informed consent was obtained.
  • Explain any waiver of consent or ethical review.
  • Protect participant confidentiality and remove unnecessary identifying information.

Research data and reproducibility

Authors should retain accurate research records and provide sufficient methodological information to permit evaluation and, where appropriate, replication.

  • Include a data-availability statement.
  • State whether data are publicly available, restricted or available on reasonable request.
  • Identify recognised repositories and persistent links where applicable.
  • Do not disclose confidential or legally protected information.
  • Preserve source data and research documentation according to disciplinary and institutional policy.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

Policy on AI-assisted writing and research

IJKRI permits limited and transparent use of generative-AI tools. Such tools must not replace author judgement, scholarly responsibility or research integrity.

Permitted assistance

Generative artificial-intelligence tools may be used for limited language improvement, grammar correction, translation assistance or organisational support, provided the authors review and take responsibility for the final content.

Required disclosure

Authors must disclose the name of the tool, the purpose for which it was used and the sections of the manuscript affected.

Prohibited authorship

An artificial-intelligence system cannot be listed as an author because it cannot accept responsibility, approve publication or declare conflicts of interest.

Prohibited practices

Authors must not use AI tools to fabricate references, invent data, generate misleading results, conceal plagiarism or create false participant or ethical information.

Human accountability

The authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, citations, arguments, data and ethical integrity of the manuscript.

Suggested AI-use declaration

“During the preparation of this manuscript, the author(s) used [tool name and version] for [specific purpose]. The author(s) reviewed and edited the resulting material and accept full responsibility for the final content.”

Peer Review and Revision

What happens after submission

IJKRI follows a structured editorial process designed to support independent assessment, constructive revision and accountable publication decisions.

01

Submission

The corresponding author submits the manuscript, metadata and supporting files through the journal platform.

02

Initial editorial screening

The editorial office checks scope, completeness, originality, ethics, language and compliance with the author guidelines.

03

Reviewer assignment

Suitable manuscripts are assigned to qualified independent reviewers under the double-blind review model.

04

Peer review

Reviewers assess originality, methodology, analysis, clarity, significance and ethical compliance.

05

Editorial decision

The editor issues an acceptance, minor revision, major revision or rejection decision after considering the reports.

06

Revision

Authors submit a revised manuscript together with a detailed point-by-point response to reviewer and editor comments.

07

Production

Accepted manuscripts proceed through copyediting, typesetting, proofreading and final author approval.

08

Publication

The final article is assigned to an issue and published with its approved metadata and publication files.

Preparing a revised manuscript

  • Address every editor and reviewer comment.
  • Provide a point-by-point response document.
  • Clearly identify changes made in the revised manuscript.
  • Explain respectfully when a suggested change was not made.
  • Upload both the clean manuscript and any marked version requested.
  • Submit the revision before the stated deadline or request an extension.

Publication charges

Any submission, processing or article-publication charge must be stated clearly before payment is requested. Editorial decisions must not depend on an author’s ability to pay.

Current charges, exemptions and waiver arrangements should be confirmed on the journal website or directly with the editorial office.

Copyright and licensing

Authors must own or have permission to use all submitted material. The publication agreement will state the rights retained by authors and the licence applied to the final article.

Third-party material must be identified and supported by written permission where required.

Corrections and retractions

Authors must inform the journal promptly if a significant error is discovered after submission or publication.

The journal may issue corrections, expressions of concern or retractions where necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

Final Submission Checklist

Check every item before submitting

Incomplete submissions may be returned to the corresponding author before editorial screening.

Ready to Submit?

Submit a complete and publication-ready manuscript

Ensure that the manuscript, author information, declarations and supporting files satisfy all applicable journal requirements.

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