A practical guide to the ABDC Journal Quality List
What the ABDC list is, how journals are rated, and how researchers can choose the right journal for their paper.
For business and management researchers, the ABDC Journal Quality List is one of the most widely used guides to where to publish. It is maintained by the Australian Business Deans Council and is used by universities and business schools in many countries to assess research output.
How the list works
The list rates journals across business disciplines, such as management, marketing, finance, accounting and information systems. Journals are placed in quality categories, with A* representing the highest tier, followed by A, B and C. The list is reviewed periodically, so it is worth checking the current edition before you submit.
Choosing the right journal
- Read the journal's aims and scope, and check that your topic fits
- Look at recent issues to see the methods and article styles it publishes
- Be realistic about the tier: a strong paper in a well-matched journal is better than a rejection from a poor fit
- Check the review time, acceptance rate and any publication fees
- Avoid predatory journals that promise fast publication for a fee
Preparing your submission
Follow the author guidelines exactly, write a clear cover letter, and expect revisions. Peer review is designed to improve your paper, so respond to each reviewer comment carefully and respectfully. Publication decisions always rest with the journal's editors and reviewers.
Kamber's Executive Research Fellowship Program covers journal selection, manuscript preparation and responding to reviewers in its final month.
