1. Language and Academic Writing Standards

All manuscripts must be written in clear, concise, and scholarly English. Authors are responsible for ensuring that the language accurately communicates the objectives, methodology, findings, and significance of the research.

• Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax
• Logical organization and coherent flow of ideas
• Precise, discipline-appropriate academic terminology
• Consistent terminology, abbreviations, measurement units, and style
• Objective, evidence-based writing that avoids ambiguity or informal language

Authors whose first language is not English are encouraged to seek qualified proofreading or language editing before submission.

2. Manuscript Structure

Authors must use the current official UNIVERSITAS manuscript template. Research articles should generally include:

• Title
• Abstract
• Keywords
• Introduction
• Review of Related Literature (when applicable)
• Methodology
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Funding Statement (if applicable)
• Conflict of Interest Declaration
• Author Contributions
• References

Alternative structures may be accepted for review articles, theoretical papers, case studies, short communications, and other article types. Substantial format noncompliance may lead to technical revision before peer review.

3. Abstract and Keywords

Every manuscript should include an informative abstract accurately summarizing:

• Background or research problem
• Objectives
• Methodology
• Principal findings
• Major conclusions or implications

Follow the abstract word limit in the current manuscript template. Provide appropriate keywords that support indexing and retrieval.

4. Citations, References, and Terminology

Use APA 7th Edition for citations and references unless the journal specifies otherwise. Every in-text citation must have a corresponding reference, and every reference should be cited in the text.

• Define abbreviations on first use
• Use internationally recognized units, including SI where applicable
• Number and title tables and figures; acknowledge sources
• Cite quotations, illustrations, datasets and third-party materials
• Include DOIs in references wherever available

5. Technical Screening

Before peer review, the editorial office checks manuscript compliance with submission requirements, including:

• Use of the official template
• Completeness of required sections
• Compliance with formatting standards
• Language quality and readability
• Citation and reference consistency
• Author information and declarations
• Suitability of tables, figures, and supplementary materials

The editorial office may use recognized grammar, readability, formatting, and manuscript evaluation tools. Decisions are based on professional judgment rather than automated scores alone.

6. Editorial Actions

Following technical evaluation, a manuscript may receive one of three outcomes:

• Technically Compliant — proceeds to plagiarism screening and editorial assessment before peer review
• Technical Revision Required — returned for corrections within a timeframe specified by the editorial office
• Returned Without Review — substantially noncompliant manuscripts may be resubmitted after deficiencies are addressed

7. Author Responsibility

Authors are responsible for submitting accurate, complete, professionally written and technically compliant manuscripts.

• Check writing quality and evidence-based claims
• Confirm that formatting follows the journal template
• Verify all citations, references, figures, and declarations
• Respond promptly to technical revision requests

The editorial office may recommend editing or technical revision at any publication stage. Acceptance depends on adequate technical quality and successful peer review.