1. Manuscript Types

Authors should select the most appropriate manuscript type during submission.

Word ranges exclude references, tables, figures, exhibits and supplementary material unless otherwise specified. Manuscripts exceeding the recommended length may be considered where justified by the nature of the study.

2. General Manuscript Preparation

All manuscripts should:

• be written in clear and professional academic English;
• be submitted in Microsoft Word format;
• follow the latest JBMA Manuscript Template;
• use clear and consistent heading levels;
• include consecutively numbered pages;
• number all tables, figures and exhibits consecutively;
• define abbreviations when first introduced; and
• be carefully proofread before submission.

3. Title Page

A separate Title Page should contain:

• full manuscript title;
• full names of all authors;
• institutional affiliations and country;
• corresponding author details;
• email addresses;
• ORCID iDs, where available;
• acknowledgements;
• funding information;
• conflict-of-interest statement; and
• author contribution statement, where applicable.

The order of authors on the Title Page must correspond with the information entered in the OJS submission system.

4. Title, Abstract and Keywords

Title

The title should be concise, informative and representative of the principal contribution of the manuscript. Authors should avoid unnecessary wording and use terms that assist discoverability.

For case-based manuscripts, the organisational, decision or research context may be identified in the title where appropriate.

Abstract

Research Articles, Research Case Studies, Comparative Case Studies, Review Articles and Conceptual Articles should include an abstract of approximately 200–250 words.

Where applicable, the abstract should clearly communicate:

• purpose;
• design/methodology/approach;
• principal findings or arguments;
• theoretical and/or practical implications; and
• originality and contribution.

Teaching Cases should provide a concise case synopsis of up to 200 words.

Keywords

Authors should provide four to six keywords representing the main concepts, context and methodological approach of the manuscript. Keywords should facilitate accurate indexing and scholarly discoverability.

5. Research Articles

Research Articles will normally include:

1. Introduction
2. Literature Review and/or Theoretical Background
3. Methodology
4. Results/Findings
5. Discussion
6. Theoretical Contribution
7. Practical and/or Policy Implications
8. Limitations and Future Research
9. Conclusion
10. References

Alternative structures may be used where justified by the research design.

6. Research Case Studies

Research Case Studies are scholarly empirical articles using rigorous case-study methodology. They are distinct from Teaching Cases.

Research Case Studies should normally include:

1. Introduction and Research Problem
2. Theoretical Background
3. Case Context
4. Case Selection and Boundaries
5. Research Method
6. Sources of Evidence and Data Collection
7. Findings
8. Analysis and Discussion
9. Theoretical Contribution
10. Managerial and/or Policy Implications
11. Limitations
12. Conclusion
13. References

Authors should clearly explain the rationale for case selection, unit and boundaries of analysis, sources of evidence, data collection procedures, analytical procedures, triangulation and other measures used to establish research credibility.

7. Comparative Case Studies

Comparative and multiple-case research should clearly explain:

• the rationale for selecting the cases;
• the basis of comparison;
• the context of each case;
• within-case analysis;
• cross-case analytical procedures;
• similarities, differences and patterns across cases; and
• the theoretical, managerial or policy implications of the comparison.

Comparative and cross-country studies are particularly encouraged where they generate insights that extend beyond the individual organisations or geographical settings examined.

8. Teaching Cases

Teaching Cases should present an authentic organisational situation involving a meaningful managerial, leadership, governance, accounting or organisational challenge and should be designed to stimulate analysis, discussion and decision-making.

A Teaching Case should normally contain:

• organisational and industry context;
• relevant actors and stakeholders;
• background to the situation;
• a clearly defined issue, decision or dilemma;
• sufficient evidence for meaningful analysis;
• appropriate exhibits and supporting information; and
• a clear decision point or discussion focus.

Teaching Cases should normally be based on real organisations and authentic situations. Cases may draw upon primary data, publicly available information or a combination of sources.

The Teaching Note should not be included within the main Teaching Case manuscript. Appropriate organisational permission, participant consent or case-release documentation must be provided where required.

9. Review Articles

Review Articles should provide rigorous and critical synthesis of established or emerging areas relevant to the scope of JBMA.

Authors should:

• clearly define the research question or review problem;
• justify the review approach;
• describe search and selection procedures where applicable;
• explain the analytical or synthesis method;
• critically integrate previous research rather than merely summarise it; and
• develop meaningful theoretical insights or future research directions.

10. Conceptual Articles

Conceptual Articles should make a clearly identifiable theoretical or conceptual contribution. This may include:

• development of a new conceptual framework;
• extension or refinement of an existing theory;
• integration of previously disconnected theoretical perspectives;
• development of theoretical propositions;
• creation of a new typology; or
• critical reconceptualisation of an established phenomenon.

A conventional literature summary without substantive conceptual development is insufficient.

11. Tables, Figures and Exhibits

Tables, figures and exhibits should:

• be numbered consecutively;
• have clear and informative titles;
• be referred to appropriately in the text;
• identify their sources where applicable;
• be readable and of sufficient quality for publication; and
• comply with applicable copyright requirements.

Authors are responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce copyrighted material. Teaching Case exhibits should contribute meaningfully to case analysis rather than serve merely as illustrations.

12. References

JBMA uses the American Psychological Association (APA), 7th edition referencing style.

Authors are responsible for ensuring that:

• every source cited in the manuscript appears in the reference list;
• every reference listed is cited in the manuscript;
• bibliographic information is complete and accurate;
• DOIs are included where available; and
• references are relevant and appropriately current.

Citation manipulation or inclusion of irrelevant references for the purpose of increasing citation counts is not acceptable.

13. Originality and Similarity

Manuscripts submitted to JBMA must be original, must not have been previously published in substantially the same form and must not be simultaneously under consideration by another journal.

Submissions are screened for textual similarity. As a general guideline, manuscripts should normally demonstrate an overall similarity index below 20%. However, similarity percentages are not interpreted mechanically. The editors will consider the nature, source and location of overlapping material.

Plagiarism, inappropriate duplication, fabricated citations and substantial unattributed overlap are not acceptable.

14. Research Ethics and Permissions

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their research complies with relevant ethical, institutional and professional requirements.

Where applicable, manuscripts should provide information concerning:

• institutional ethics approval;
• informed consent;
• organisational permission;
• confidentiality arrangements;
• use of proprietary or restricted data; and
• other relevant ethical considerations.

The editors may request supporting documentation where necessary.

15. Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI systems cannot be listed as authors. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity and appropriate attribution of all submitted content.

Substantive use of generative AI in research-related activities or manuscript preparation should be transparently disclosed in accordance with the journal's applicable policy.

Generative AI must not be used to fabricate, falsify or misrepresent data, evidence, citations, references or research findings.

16. Files Required for Submission

17. Final Check Before Submission