Guidelines for Preparing and Submitting Manuscript
1. Basic Guidelines
SMUCT Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts concerning all academic disciplines. Authors are requested to read these guidelines with due care, as failure in compliance with them may result in rejection of the manuscript. The Editorial Board invites original manuscripts which fall within the editorial policy of the journal and are as concise as the subject matter andthe research methodpermit. The Editorial Board reserves all the rightto publish a paper. The board may not publish any paper, if necessary, for protecting the interest and image of SMUCT even after being recommended by the reviewers. The manuscripts submitted are subject to double blindreview before consideration for publication. It is expected that the manuscripts submitted to the Journal will be structured according to the established literary conventions of the discipline underresearch where these are organized/ sectioned in a manner that maximizes both the substance and clarity of the document.
2. Structure of the Manuscript
The manuscript will chronologically include the following:
2.1. File Format
All manuscripts are to be prepared and submitted in word file format.
2.2 Title of the Article
• The title should be clear and concise, and written in 10-20 words. It should reflect the focus of the study, including key terms, methods, or variables.
• Avoid over-technical jargon unless it is standard in your field.
2.3 Abstract
• Font: Times New Roman 11 size
• Length: Not more than 250 words in length
• Paragraph and spacing: Single paragraph with 1.5 line spacing
2.4 Keywords
List 3-5 keywords that represent the main focus of the article and help indexing and searching.
2.5 Introduction
• Context and background: Provide the necessary background to explain why the studyis important. Review relevant literature.
• Research gap: Identify the gap in knowledge that your study addresses.
• Research Questions, Objectives and Hypothesis: Clearly state the research questions, objectives and the hypothesis.
• Justification: Explain the significance and relevance of your research.
2.6 Methodology
• Study design: Describe the type of study (e.g., experimental, observational, qualitative).
• Subjects: Outline how subjectswere selected, the sample size,and any inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Data collection: Explain the tools, instruments, surveys, or experimental procedures used to collect data.
• Data analysis: Describe how the data were analyzed, including statistical methods(if applicable).
• Ethical contemplations: Mention any ethicalapprovals orconsent processes, if relevant.
2.7 Outcomes/Results/Deliverables
• Findings: Present the results of your study without interpretation. Use tables, figures, and graphs to illustrate the keyfindings.
• Text: Provide a narrative that complements the visual data, but avoid redundancy with tables/figures.
• Statistical significance: Report any statistical tests performed, p-values, and confidence intervals as needed.
2.8 Discussion
• Analysis and interpretation: Interpret the results in the context of your research question. Discuss how they contribute to the current body of knowledge.
• Limitations: Explain the limitations of your study (e.g., sample size, generalizability).
• Future scope: Suggest avenues for further research or exploration.
2.9 Conclusion
• Summary of key findings: Briefly summarize the main findings and their inferences.
• Implication: lf relevant, discussthe real-world impactor future applications of the research.
2.10 References
• Mention all sources: Provide a list of all the references cited in your manuscript. All authors must follow the APA (7th edition) referencing style. However, for articles in the field of English literature, follow MLA 9th edition, and in case of Bangla writing, follow the enclosed guideline for Bangla.
• Complete and consistent: Ensure all citations are accurate, complete, and consistent.
3. Length
The word limit of the manuscript is expected to be between 4000 to 6000 which includes the entire paper encompassing appendices, attachments and enclosures (excluding the references).
4. Front Page
It should contain the title of the paper, author's name(s) (not more than five), affiliation, mailing addresses with email, cell phone number, etc. In case of more than one author, mention the corresponding author.
5. Composing
The text should be typed in Times New Roman 12 font size. Lines are to be justified at both left and right margins. The manuscript should be printed on one side of the paper.
• Paper Size: A4
• Spelling: American style
• Page Margins: Oneinch (1") fromall sides
• Line Spacing: 1.5line spacing
• Page Numbers: Number all pages at the bottom center.
• Figures: Give titles with chronological numbers to all figures, including graphs, drawings and photos, and place appropriate captions, if necessary, below the figures.
• Tables: Give titles and all tables and number them sequentially. Place the titles above the tables and mention the source(s) or note(s) immediately below the tables. Maintain single spacing for table contents.
6. Plagiarism
All submission will be screened for textual similarity using appropriate similarity detection software. Similarity reports will be evaluated contextually by the Editorial Board. Manuscripts with plagiarized content will not be accepted. Any content copied from other materials must be placed under quotation. The paraphrased contents from other sources must be properly cited. Plagiarism, inappropriate paraphrasing, duplicate publication, fabricated citation, and unattributed use of other's intellectual work will result in rejection of a manuscript. However, no manuscript will be accepted or rejected solely on the basis of numerical similarity score.
7. Authorship and Authenticity
For authorship (also for joint authorship of the same paper), a declaration of authenticity (including name(s), designation & signature on a separate sheet of paper) must be submitted along with the manuscript.
8. Declaration
Submission of a manuscript implies that it contains original work which has neither been published previously, nor put under consideration for publication elsewhere. The editorial board ofthe SMUCT journalwould not be liable for the violation of the declaration by the author(s).
9. Acceptance of the Manuscript
After reviewing the paper, the Editorial Board will notify the contributor(s) regarding the decision of the publication (acceptance/modification/rejection) by email.
Prof. Dr. Syed Azizul Huq
Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Chief Editor, Editorial Board
Creative- The Research Journal of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology
Plot # 6; Road/Avenue # 6; Sector # 17/H1; Uttara; Dhaka-1230 Email : [email protected]