How to build the foundation for a successful research journal: Training, Language and Culture best practices

Abstract

The success of a research journal rides on many factors and can be achieved only with a thorough analysis of the tasks and obstacles that arise at different work stages. The initial design stage is of particular importance, since the well-laid “foundation” of the journal is what emerges as its ticket to a bright future. The article discusses a number of key issues that require an exhaustive analysis at the stage of developing the journal’s conceptual framework. These issues include, in primis, determining the narrowly focused scientific focus of the publication, clarifying the type of published content, choosing the language (or languages) of publication, organizing the editorial board, developing the journal’s website and building a strategy for its active promotion. The experience of analysing and addressing these issues in developing the Training, Language and Culture journal is reported in the article through the prism of relevant statistical data, as well as international academic and publishing practices and trends, which acknowledgement turned out essential for the subsequent efficient performance, as well as for the title’s inclusion in Scopus.