Helpful Hints

Articles should emphasize application and implications. Language usage similar to that found in Harvard Business Review is appropriate.

• Use the early paragraphs to capsulate the significance of the research.
• Make the opening interesting; use the introduction to answer the “so what?” question.
• Spell out the practical implications for those involved in quality management.

Detailed technical description of the research methods is important, but not necessarily of interest to everyone. Place this description of methods and analysis at the end of the article, preferably in an appendix.

Throughout the article, keep sentence structure and word choice clear and direct. Citations, for example, should not distract from readability. As much as possible, limit citations to one or two per key idea; use only the most recent or most widely accepted.

Avoid acronyms and jargon that are industry- or organization-specific. Try not to use variable names and other abbreviations that are specific to the research. Restrict the use of acronyms to those that most readers recognize. When acronyms are used, spell them out on first reference, followed by the acronym in parentheses.