Author Guidelines

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1. About the Journal

The Journal of ADR & Sustainability (JADRS) is a peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing knowledge, research, and practice in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and its intersection with sustainability, governance, environment, and development. The journal welcomes theoretical, empirical, and practice-based contributions from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers globally.

2. Scope of the Journal

Submissions should relate to, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  • Mediation, arbitration, and negotiation practices

  • Restorative and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms

  • Environmental justice and climate governance

  • Corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices

  • Sustainable development law and policy

  • Conflict management in sustainable business and development projects

  • Peacebuilding, human rights, and sustainable communities

  • Innovative dispute resolution systems in environmental and social contexts

3. Types of Manuscripts Accepted

The journal publishes the following categories:

  1. Original Research Articles – Empirical or theoretical studies contributing new insights (5,000–8,000 words).

  2. Review Articles – Comprehensive analyses of existing research and trends (6,000–9,000 words).

  3. Case Studies – Analyses of practical experiences, ADR mechanisms, or sustainability interventions (3,000–5,000 words).

  4. Policy and Practice Notes – Short papers highlighting innovations, frameworks, or policy recommendations (2,000–4,000 words).

  5. Book Reviews – Reviews of recently published books related to ADR or sustainability (1,000–2,000 words).

  6. Commentaries and Opinions – Well-argued perspectives on topical issues (1,000–2,500 words).

4. Manuscript Preparation

4.1 General Formatting

  • File format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)

  • Font: Times New Roman, size 12

  • Spacing: 1.5 lines

  • Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides

  • Alignment: Justified

  • Page numbers: Bottom right corner

  • Language: English (UK preferred)

4.2 Title Page

The first page should include:

  • Title of the manuscript (concise and descriptive)

  • Full names of all authors

  • Institutional affiliation(s)

  • Corresponding author’s email and ORCID (if available)

  • Acknowledgements (if any)

4.3 Abstract and Keywords

  • Abstract: Maximum 250 words summarizing the objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.

  • Keywords: 4–6 relevant keywords (avoid repeating words in the title).

4.4 Main Text Structure

A typical research paper should follow this structure:

  1. Introduction

  2. Literature Review / Background

  3. Methodology

  4. Results / Findings

  5. Discussion

  6. Conclusion and Recommendations

Other manuscript types (e.g., case studies or reviews) may adopt a suitable structure.

4.5 Tables and Figures

  • Include tables and figures within the text at their first mention.

  • Each should have a title and number (e.g., Table 1: Summary of Mediation Outcomes).

  • Provide the source if not original.

  • Ensure high-resolution images (minimum 300 dpi).

4.6 References

Use APA 7th Edition referencing style.
Examples:

Journal article:

Kariuki, M., & Wambui, L. (2023). Mediation as a tool for sustainable development in Africa. Journal of Peace and Governance, 5(2), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jpg.2023.005

Book:

Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton, B. (2011). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Penguin Books.

Online source:

United Nations. (2020). Sustainable Development Goals Report 2020. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment

5. Submission Process

5.1 Online Submission

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Journal’s online submission system at:
https://adrjournal.co.ke/submit

Alternatively, authors may email their manuscripts to:
📧 editor@adrjournal.co.ke

5.2 Cover Letter

Each submission should be accompanied by a cover letter stating:

  • The manuscript title

  • Type of paper

  • A declaration that the manuscript is original and has not been submitted elsewhere

  • Confirmation that all authors have approved the submission

6. Review and Publication Process

  • Initial Screening: All submissions undergo a preliminary review by the Editorial Board for scope and quality.

  • Peer Review: Double-blind peer review by at least two reviewers.

  • Revision: Authors may be requested to revise and resubmit within a specified time frame.

  • Decision: Final decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief.

  • Turnaround Time: Average 6–8 weeks from submission to first decision.

7. Ethical Considerations

  • Manuscripts must be original and free of plagiarism (similarity index below 15%).

  • Authors must disclose any conflicts of interest.

  • Research involving human subjects must indicate ethical approval from a recognized institution.

  • Proper citation of sources is mandatory.

  • Authors are responsible for securing permissions for copyrighted material.

8. Open Access and Copyright Policy

The Journal of ADR & Sustainability is an open-access publication.

  • Articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license.

  • Authors retain copyright but grant the journal the right to publish and distribute their work

9. Contact Information

Editorial Office – Journal of ADR & Sustainability
Website: https://adrjournal.co.ke
Email: editor@adrjournal.co.ke
Nairobi, Kenya