Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas

Writing Articles Effectively for Scopus Journals: Practical Perspectives

Friday, 6 June 2025

By: Dr. Hasrat Arjjumend

​

​

​

​

https://grassrootsinstitute.ca/ | https://tgi.org.ua

http://grassrootsinstitute.net/hasrat_arjjumend.html

• ANTICIPATORY APOLOGIES

​

• Observations and comments are subjective and do not mean to hurt or humiliate anybody
• Examples selected and quoted are not to target specific person or author
• Discussions will be purely to understand the contexts and weaknesses in general and not to target anybody derogatorily
• There is no intention or effort to criticize Ukraine or Ukrainians in any manner
• Observations are based on intensive working on texts written in our journals by Ukrainians during past 8 years
• Lecture may be boring and heavy for many audience, as it is solely based on practical demonstrations
• Do not have very high expectations from a practical lecture like this
• This lecture does not claim ultimate in terms of knowledge or contents
• Apologies for errors or weaknesses in delivery of the contents

​

Structure of this lecture

Writing Articles Effectively for Scopus Journals: Practical Perspectives

1. Correct and Incorrect Samples
2. General Format of Research Writing
3. Journal’s Specific Guidelines & Style
4. Ukrainian Format vs. International Format
5. Issues in Abstract Writing
6. Issues in Writing the Introduction and Methodology
7. Errors in Body Text
8. Issues in Citations
9. Issues in References

​

General Format of Writing Research

​

• Author Information�- Abstract�- Keywords�- Introduction�- Materials & Methods or Methodology�- Results�- Discussion (Result & Discussion can also be together)�- Conclusions�- Recommendations (optional)�- Figures and Tables with Captions�- Funding Source�- Author Contributions�- Conflict of Interest�- Acknowledgement (optional)�- References�- Annexures

​

https://grassrootsjournals.org/for-authors.php#Common-Guideline-for-Authors

Journal’s Specific Guidelines & Styles

​

• Consult the Journal Guidelines (all journals)
• Consider the Journal Style (read published articles carefully): Title, Authors’ info, Keywords, Headings numbered or not, Subheadings numbered or not, Table numbering, Figure numbering, References or Bibliography, Footnotes or Endnotes or Both, Deviation from standard referencing, Citations & References in number format or alphabetical order, Declarations or not, Other items

​

Step 1 >>

Read Journal’s Guidelines

Step 2 >>

Read Journal’s Published Articles

to Understand the Style and Format>>��

​

​

​

Important Things >>

• Authors’ info
• Headings numbered or not
• Subheadings numbered or not
• Table numbering
• Figure numbering
• References or Bibliography
• Footnotes or Endnotes or Both
• Deviation from standard referencing
• Citations & References in number format or alphabetical order
• Declarations or not
• Supplementary files, annexures

Ukrainian Format vs. International Format

​

• Abstract (e.g. A3.pravki > sample)
• Review of Literature (example below + A3.pravki)
• Citations
• References

​

The most significant contributions addressing these issues were made by such scientists as G.I. Baluk, A.P. Getman, I.A. Gorodetskaya, L.G. Danyluk, A.S. Evstigneev, V.M. Ermolenko, N.G. Kobetskaya, V.V. Kostytsky, N.V. Krasnov, N.G. Malysheva, L.D. Nechiporuk, A.K. Sokolov, L.V. Strutinsky-Struk, P.V. Pacific, M.K. Cherkashin, Yu.S. Shemshuchenko, V.V. Shekhovtsov, M.A. Shumilo, N.M. Yarmolenko, and others . The most fundamental works that indirectly relate to the European integration are of P.V. Tyhyi "Ecological-legal regulation of special use of wildlife" (2000); V.V. Shekhovtsova "The Right of private ownership on objects of the animal world" (2009); L.V. Furmanova-Struk "Legal ensuring of Biosafety in the implementation of genetic engineering activities" (2005); L.D. Nechiporuk "Ecological-legal regulation of the rational use of wildlife" (2009).

Not a Long Abstract

​

• Not Long, Only Short, 100 words
• No need to write Ukrainian version
• Context and Importance of the article
• Methodology adopted, geographical area
• Findings or Results
• Concluding point
• Recommendation, if any
• Utility of findings

This research paper explores the relationship between social media usage and academic performance among university students. With the growing integration of digital technologies in daily life, social media platforms have become an essential part of students' routines, raising concerns about their potential impact on learning outcomes. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys of 300 undergraduate students with qualitative interviews to gain deeper insights. Statistical analysis reveals a significant negative correlation between excessive social media use and academic performance, particularly in time management and study habits. However, findings also indicate that when used appropriately, social media can serve as a tool for academic collaboration and resource sharing. The paper concludes with recommendations for balanced social media usage and strategies for integrating digital literacy into academic support programs.

Sample Abstract

Introduction and Methodology

​

• Overlaps
• Unclear Contexts, especially in Introduction part
• Facts and figures unchecked or not supported by references
• Muddling with parts of Results
• *Methodology generally underexplained and confusing
• *Methodology in review and legal papers is full of ambiguities and theoretical explanations
• Repetition
• Scarce footnotes for unpopular terms, words, legal terms

A well-structured methodology typically includes the following constituent elements:

​

1. Area of Study (with map)

2. Research Design

• Definition: The overall strategy used to integrate the different components of the study.
• Types: Qualitative, Quantitative, or Mixed Methods.
• Justification: Why this design was chosen and how it suits the research objectives.

3. Research Approach

• Types:
• Deductive (theory → hypothesis → observation → confirmation)
• Inductive (observation → pattern → tentative hypothesis → theory)
• Explanation: Clarify whether the study is exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, or evaluative.

Methodology: Most Critical Component

​

*AI generated points

4. Population and Sampling

• Target Population: The broader group your study is concerned with.
• Sampling Technique: Probability (random, stratified) or Non-probability (purposive, convenience).
• Sample Size: Number of participants and rationale for its adequacy.

5. Data Collection Methods

• Instruments: Surveys, interviews, observation, experiments, focus group discussion, participatory research, action research tools, etc.
• Procedure: How, when, and where data were collected.
• Pilot Testing: If any pre-testing of instruments was done.

6. Data Analysis Techniques

• Quantitative: Statistical methods (e.g., regression, ANOVA, SPSS, Excel).
• Qualitative: Thematic analysis, content analysis, coding, software like NVivo.
• Rationale: Why these techniques were suitable for the data and research questions. 

Methodology: Most Critical Component

​

*AI generated points

7. Validity and Reliability (or Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research)

• Validity: Ensures the study measures what it is supposed to measure.
• Reliability: Ensures consistency and replicability of results.
• In Qualitative Research: Credibility, Transferability, Dependability, Confirmability.

8. Ethical Considerations

• Prior informed consent
• Confidentiality
• Data protection
• Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee Approval

9. Limitations of the Methodology

• Acknowledge potential weaknesses in your design or methods.
• Discuss how they were mitigated or why they are acceptable.

Methodology: Most Critical Component

​

*AI generated points

Common Writing Errors in Body Text

​

• Long, complex, incomplete and confusing sentences
• Abbreviation first time with no expanded form
• Use of pronouns and first & second forms (I, am, we, us, our, you, your) in place of passive voice and third forms
• Incorrect punctuation for Genus and Species: Tectona grandis L. vs. tectona grandis. Family name can also be italic, e.g. Rosacea.
• Writing digits in words and words in digits
• Units are not written properly and coherently

​

Common Writing Errors in Body Text

​

• Use of decimal point vs. comma in numerical data
• Improper and inadequate citations and references
• New term, word, concept, legal item, vernacular item, idea not supported by explanation or elaboration in the footnote. Web source is not given.
• If a Ukrainian word or sentence is used, its English translation should be included in bracket.
• Format for Tables, Figures, Graphs, Photos
• Punctuation errors: , : ; “ double space, dot,
• Uniformity issues: e.g. honor/honour, color/colour

Let’s discuss copyedited samples

Serious Mistakes in Citations

​

• Which referencing is adopted by journal? Harvard, APA, ACS, AAA, Chicago/Turabian, Oscolla
• Our discussions confine to Harvard & APA only

​

• Examples of Harvard Citations:

1a) The most ……………..are climate and soil properties (Schmidhuber, 2007). Between potato yield and soil…

1b) The most ……………..are climate and soil properties (Schmidhuber, 2007: 69). Between potato yield and soil…

2) The most influential environmental …………………….and soil properties (Schmidhuber and Tubiello, 2007).

3) The most influential environmental ……………………. soil properties (Schmidhuber, Tabos and Tubiello, 2007)

4) The most influential environmental ……………………. soil properties (Schmidhuber et al., 2007)

5) The most …………soil properties (Feller et al., 2012; Lal, 2020; Ray et al., 2015; Schmidhuber and Tubiello, 2007).

6) According to the study of Zhao et al. (2016), the key……..

7) The studies conducted by Wang (2019), Redulla et al. (2002) and Ray and Rani (2020) articulate that …..

Serious Mistakes in Citations

​

• Examples of APA Citations:

1a) The most ……………..are climate and soil properties (Schmidhuber, 2007). Between potato yield and soil…

1b) The most ……………..are climate and soil properties (Schmidhuber, 2007: 69). Between potato yield and soil…

2) The most influential environmental …………………….and soil properties (Schmidhuber and Tubiello, 2007).

3) The most influential environmental ……………………. soil properties (Schmidhuber et al., 2007)

4) The most …………soil properties (Feller et al., 2012; Lal, 2020; Ray et al., 2015; Schmidhuber and Tubiello, 2007).

6) According to the study of Zhao et al. (2016), the key……..

7) The studies conducted by Wang (2019), Redulla et al. (2002) and Ray and Rani (2020) articulate that …..

• What is Difference between Citation and Footnote?
• Many citations lack the matching references
• Mismatch of the name spelling, year, etc.

Serious Mistakes in Referencing

​

• Examples of Harvard References:

Bennie, A.T.P. and Krynauw, G.N. (1985). Causes, adverse effects and control of soil compaction. South African Journal of Plant and Soil, 2(3): 109–114. https://doi.org/10.1080/02571862.1985.10634148

Wick, A.F., Daniels, W.L., Nash, W.L. and Burger, J.A. (2016). Aggregate Recovery in Reclaimed Coal Mine Soils of SW Virginia. Land Degradation & Development, 27(4): 965–972. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2309

Byrne, L. (2004). The Effects of Lawn Management on Soil Microarthropods. Journal of Agricultural and Urban Entomology, 21: 151–156. Available online at: https://docs.rwu.edu/fcas_fp/73 [accessed on 2 June 2022]

Beck, U. (2009). World Risk Society. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Chuikova, L. (2012a). Ekologicheskoe informatsionnoe prostranstvo i ego vliianie na ekologicheskoe soznanie [Ecological Informational Space and Its Impact on Environmental Consciousness]. Astrahanskii vestnik ekologicheskogo obrazovaniia [Astrahan Bulletin of Ecological Education], 2(20): 15-40.

Chuikova, L. (2012b). O kliuchevyh poniatiiah, sviazannyh s ekologicheskim obrazovaniem, ekologicheskim vospitaniem i ekologicheskim informatsionnym prostranstvom kak faktorom, aktivno vliiaushchim na formirovaniie tipa ekologicheskogo soznaniia [On the Key Notions Associated with Ecological Education, Ecological Attitude and Ecological Informational Space as a Driving Force of Building Environmental Consciousness]. Astrahanskii vestnik ekologicheskogo obrazovaniia [Astrahan Bulletin of Ecological Education], 4(22):122-129.

​

Serious Mistakes in Referencing

​

• Examples of APA References:

Bennie, A. T. P., & Krynauw, G. N. (1985). Causes, adverse effects and control of soil compaction. South African Journal of Plant and Soil, 2(3), 109–114. https://doi.org/10.1080/02571862.1985.10634148

Wick, A. F., Daniels, W. L., Nash, W. L., & Burger, J. A. (2016). Aggregate Recovery in Reclaimed Coal Mine Soils of SW Virginia. Land Degradation & Development, 27(4), 965–972. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2309

Byrne, L. (2004). The Effects of Lawn Management on Soil Microarthropods. Journal of Agricultural and Urban Entomology, 21, 151–156. Retrieved from https://docs.rwu.edu/fcas_fp/73

Beck, U. (2009). World Risk Society. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press.

Chuikova, L. (2012a). Ekologicheskoe informatsionnoe prostranstvo i ego vliianie na ekologicheskoe soznanie [Ecological Informational Space and Its Impact on Environmental Consciousness]. Astrahanskii vestnik ekologicheskogo obrazovaniia [Astrahan Bulletin of Ecological Education], 2(20), 15-40.

Chuikova, L. (2012b). O kliuchevyh poniatiiah, sviazannyh s ekologicheskim obrazovaniem, ekologicheskim vospitaniem i ekologicheskim informatsionnym prostranstvom kak faktorom, aktivno vliiaushchim na formirovaniie tipa ekologicheskogo soznaniia [On the Key Notions Associated with Ecological Education, Ecological Attitude and Ecological Informational Space as a Driving Force of Building Environmental Consciousness]. Astrahanskii vestnik ekologicheskogo obrazovaniia [Astrahan Bulletin of Ecological Education], 4(22), 122-129.

​

• How is OSCOLLA different from all referencing styles?

DECLARATIONS

• Conflict of Interest
• Authors’ Contributions
• Funding Sources
• Ethical Declarations

Submission Related Mistakes

​

• Authors do not notice the Submission Instructions
• Consent / Agreement not read carefully
• Casual approach to communications
• Research Ethics & Compliance
• Errors in Authors Information (after publishing)

SAMPLES OF ERRONEUS PAPERS

​

• Example A1
• Example A2
• Example A3

​

​

SAMPLES OF CORRECT PAPERS

​

• Example B1
• Example B2
• Example B3

​

​

For whom are you writing a paper/article? For yourself or for other readers?

https://grassrootsinstitute.ca/

http://grassrootsinstitute.net/

https://www.grassrootsglobal.net/

https://grassrootsjournals.org/

https://tgiversity.org/

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

�

The Grassroots Institute�Horizon30

www.tgi.org.ua