FAQs

  • How does a submission for this STF compare to a typical JBL submission?


    What is the same? All submissions should reflect the same rigor and relevance as a typical JBL submission.  Authors should conduct their research using the same high standards for theory and methods.  

    What is different? The data must be recent (collected in 2024 or 2025 or if secondary data is used, it should be no older than 2023). And the writing should be concise (3,000 to 4,000 words) and reader friendly (academics and practitioners).  

    Authors should not view this STF as a shortcut to JBL publication.

  • How would Editors see a potential strategy to arrive at the requireed 4,000 words by putting all references in an annex / online repository?

    It is not a viable strategy as the 4,000 words text should be "readable" on its own right, no need to "hunting references" elsewhere.

    Appendices should provide the types of materials that would enable someone to replicate the research, not merely understand it. 

  • What methods are appropriate (or preferred) for this STF?


    We are open to all empirical methods typically appearing in JBL.  Authors need to keep their methods descriptions tight, especially for methods that tend to have longer word counts (e.g., (longitudinal, multiple experiments, qualitative studies, multi-methods)). Regardless of method, you authors need to hit the 3,000 to 4,000 word maximum word count.

  • How do you define “Hot Topics”?


    We expect that both practitioners and academics will recognize your research questions as highly relevant in the current time frame (2024–to present).  We are looking for research that helps decision-makers leverage SC systems/capabilities to create value at the pace the world is changing today.

  • Are theoretical lenses required for short articles?

    Yes, theoretical grounding remains important. However, submissions can also focus on theory-building. A fully developed theory is not mandatory at the outset; however, the work should engage with theoretical concepts and contribute to ongoing theoretical discussions.

  • Is a literature review section expected?

    A comprehensive overview of the entire field is not necessary. Authors can expect readers to be familiar with the domain. That said, submissions need to be rooted in the relevant literature. This means that the manuscript should, for example, connect to specific literature to develop hypotheses, frameworks, or contextualize findings.

  • Do authors need to submit a draft before submitting the manuscript?

    No. While we are more than happy to provide guidance during the development process, we do not require or prequalify drafts prior to the manuscript submission.

  • How will the reviewers react to this new format?

    Reviewers will be extensively guided in the process. This includes briefing them both about the general idea and the specifics of this STF.