Submissions

Author Guidelines

Author Guidelines for the Asian Journal of Professional and Business Studies (AJPBS)

1. Overview
The Asian Journal of Professional and Business Studies (AJPBS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to publishing high-quality original research, scholarly articles, and concept papers in the areas of business, economics, accounting, management, and the social sciences. The journal is published biannually, in June and December. All submissions must comply with the prescribed manuscript guidelines and template.

2. Language Requirement
All manuscripts must be written in clear, concise, and academically appropriate English.

3. Article Types and Length
AJPBS accepts the following categories of submissions:

• Research Articles: 4,500–6,000 words (inclusive of references, tables, and appendices). These should present original empirical or theoretical research.
• Concept Papers: 3,000–5,000 words (inclusive of references), focusing on theoretical discussions, frameworks, or novel perspectives.

4. Manuscript Formatting and Template
All manuscripts must strictly follow the AJPBS formatting requirements and be prepared using the official journal template.

• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
• Spacing: Single
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides
• Paper size: A4
• File format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)
• Citation style: APA 7th Edition
• Maximum length: 25 pages (including references)

Authors are required to download and use the official AJPBS manuscript template to ensure consistency and compliance with journal standards. The template can be accessed at the following link:
https://journal.uptm.edu.my/index.php/ajpbs/libraryFiles/downloadPublic/1

Manuscripts that do not adhere to the prescribed format may be returned to authors for revision prior to review.

5. Manuscript Structure
Submissions must be organized as follows:

a. Title Page

• Concise and descriptive title
• Full names of all authors
• Institutional affiliations with complete addresses
• Identification of the corresponding author (marked with an asterisk) and email address

b. Abstract

• 150–250 words
• Structured to include purpose, methodology, key findings, and implications
• No citations or undefined abbreviations

c. Keywords

• Provide 3–5 relevant keywords separated by commas

d. Main Text

• Introduction (including brief literature review and study objectives)
• Methodology
• Results/Findings
• Discussion
• Conclusion

e. Acknowledgements
Recognize funding sources or contributors not listed as authors.

f. Conflict of Interest Statement
Authors must declare any potential conflicts or state:
“The authors declare no conflicts of interest.”

g. Ethics Statement
Required for studies involving human participants or sensitive data. If not applicable, state accordingly.

h. Data Availability Statement
Indicate how supporting data can be accessed (e.g., upon request or via repository).

i. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
Authors must clearly disclose the use of any AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, or similar technologies) in the preparation of the manuscript. This disclosure should be included in a dedicated statement, for example:
“The authors used [AI tool name] to assist with [e.g., language editing, data analysis, or drafting]. All content has been reviewed and validated by the authors, who take full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the work.”

AI tools must not be listed as authors.

j. References

• Must follow APA 7th Edition
• Ensure all cited works are listed and vice versa

k. Tables and Figures

• Insert close to where referenced in the text
• Number sequentially (e.g., Table 1, Figure 1)
• Include titles and sources where applicable

6. Similarity Index Requirement
All submitted manuscripts must have a similarity index of less than 30%, as assessed by plagiarism detection software (e.g., Turnitin). Submissions exceeding this threshold may be rejected or returned for revision prior to peer review.

7. Submission Process
Manuscripts should be submitted via the journal’s official email or submission platform, accompanied by a cover letter.

8. Peer Review Process
AJPBS adopts a single-blind peer review system. Authors are required to address reviewer comments and resubmit revisions within 2–4 weeks. Failure to comply may result in withdrawal of the submission.

9. Open Access and Copyright
All published articles are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0). Authors retain copyright while granting the journal publishing rights.

10. Ethical Standards
The journal strictly enforces publication ethics. Plagiarism, excessive similarity, data falsification, or unethical authorship practices will result in rejection or retraction.

11. Retraction and Withdrawal
Requests for withdrawal must be formally submitted. Retractions post-acceptance are strongly discouraged unless justified.

12. Proofreading and Production
A final proof will be sent to the corresponding author prior to publication. Only one round of corrections is permitted.

13. Privacy Statement
Author information will be used solely for editorial and publication purposes and will not be shared externally.

14. Indexing and Discoverability
All articles are indexed with complete metadata and are accessible through academic databases to enhance visibility.

15. Archiving and Preservation
AJPBS ensures long-term digital preservation through institutional repositories and collaboration with the UPTM Library.