The Directorate of Research Innovations and Development (DRID) at the University of Media Arts and Communication (UniMAC) organized its maiden university-wide “How to Get Published” webinar series on Friday, December 8, 2023. The first seminar in the series focused on identifying credible journals for publication. Titled “Identifying Credible Outlets for Academic Publishing: Implications for Personal Professional Growth and Institutional Rankings”, the webianr focused on helping faculty and staff avoid predatory journals whiles focusing on top-notch or first rate academic journals.
Dr Etse Sikanku, Director of DRID stated that the series was instituted in order empower faculty and staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their research profile.
Mr. Bright Senanu, a seasoned lecturer in the Department of Marketing at the Faculty of Public Relations, Advertising, and Marketing (FOPAM) wad the lead presenter. He emphasized the significance of choosing authentic journals for publishing research articles. He also underscored the need for patience in navigating the rigorous processes of reputable journals, cautioning against the allure of predatory journals.
Mr. Senanu highlighted the rewards of publishing in authentic journals, emphasizing the benefits of professional fulfillment, enhanced teaching pedagogy, knowledge development and management. He asserted that this approach not only contributes to individual promotions but also elevates the institution’s standing in academia.
Acknowledging the demanding procedures of credible journals, Mr Senanu urged academic practitioners to adhere to specific guidelines for successful publications. He cautioned against the pitfalls of predatory journals, which often bypass rigorous blinded peer review processes, thereby compromising the accuracy and fairness of published articles.
Encouraging resilience in the face of potential rejection, Mr. Senanu provided a list of reputable journals, including Sage, Emerald, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, Springer Nature, and Wiley Blackwell. He emphasized their commitment to blinded peer review, editorial boards, indexing, as well as impact factor and H-index considerations.
Speaking on the way forward, Mr. Senanu proposed prioritizing policy formulation at the individual, university, and national levels. He emphasized the importance of research and knowledge sharing, active participation in authentic international and local conferences, and ongoing training.
Attendees expressed their excitement about the seminar and encouraged DRID to keep on organising such seminars for lectures saying the lecture has served as an eye opener and series of them will enhance their knowledge in the publication process.
Concluding the seminar, Mr. Noel Nutsugah, another lecturer from FOPAM-UniMAC-IJ, warned of the broader consequences of publishing in predatory journals. He highlighted that such actions not only impact individuals but also have far-reaching implications for university rankings, reinforcing the imperative for ethical and credible publishing practices in academia.
