The International Review of Cooperative Business and Management (IRCBM) is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal dedicated to advancing research, theory, and practice in cooperative enterprises, social enterprises, and member-owned organizations. The journal provides a global forum for disseminating high-quality research that examines the unique governance structures, management practices, and socio-economic contributions of cooperatives across diverse sectors and regions.

IRCBM seeks to deepen understanding of how cooperative models contribute to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and community resilience. Core areas of interest include cooperative governance, strategic management, member participation and empowerment, cooperative finance, social innovation, agricultural and rural cooperatives, cooperative education, and the role of cooperatives in addressing global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and digital transformation.

The journal encourages interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing insights from management science, economics, sociology, law, political science, and development studies. By embracing diverse methodologies—quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods—IRCBM provides a comprehensive platform for exploring both theoretical advancements and practical applications in cooperative business management.

International in scope, the journal publishes contributions from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers around the world. It pays particular attention to research that highlights cooperative experiences in developing economies, where cooperatives often play a central role in economic empowerment and social cohesion. Submissions are subject to a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure originality, scholarly rigor, and practical relevance.

As cooperatives continue to demonstrate their value in promoting economic democracy, social responsibility, and resilience in the face of global disruptions, IRCBM aims to serve as a leading reference for academics, cooperative leaders, policymakers, and development practitioners. The journal aspires to advance not only academic debates but also practical solutions that strengthen the cooperative movement and its contribution to sustainable and inclusive societies.

Authors submitting to any of the journals under BrightInk Research Publications (birpub.org) are expected to carefully adhere to the following guidelines. Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements may be returned for revision prior to being considered for peer review.

General Formatting Requirements

All manuscripts must be prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx). Submissions in PDF format will not be accepted. The text should be written in Aptos font, size 10, which applies consistently across all sections of the manuscript, including headings, tables, figures, and references. Single line spacing is to be maintained throughout the entire document, including footnotes and bibliographies.

Standard margins of one inch (2.54 cm) must be applied on all sides of the document. Text should be fully justified, creating a professional and uniform appearance. Paragraphs should not begin with indentation; instead, they should be separated by one clear line space to ensure readability. Authors are also required to insert page numbers in the bottom right-hand corner of each page for ease of navigation.

Manuscripts must be written in English, either UK or US spelling, but consistency must be maintained throughout the text.

Manuscript Structure

Submissions should follow a clear and logical structure. Each manuscript should begin with a title page that includes the article title (concise and informative), the full names of all authors, their institutional affiliations, and country of origin. The corresponding author’s email address must be provided, and where available, an ORCID iD should also be included.

An abstract of no more than 250 words should follow. The abstract must summarize the objectives of the study, the methodology applied, the principal findings, and the main conclusions. Citations should not be included in the abstract. Authors are also required to provide between three and six keywords immediately after the abstract to assist with indexing and discoverability.

The main body of the manuscript should generally adhere to the following structure: an introduction that presents the research problem and objectives; a literature review or theoretical framework, if applicable; a methodology section outlining research design and procedures; a results or findings section; followed by discussion, conclusion, and recommendations. For submissions in the humanities, alternate structuring such as background, analysis, and conclusion may be applied to suit the discipline.

Where relevant, an acknowledgements section may be included to recognize individuals, institutions, or funding bodies that contributed to the research.

References

All references must strictly follow the most recent edition of the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide. Reference entries should use hanging indentation, and consistency must be ensured between in-text citations and the reference list. For instance, all works cited in the manuscript must appear in the reference list, and all works in the reference list must be cited within the text.

Examples include the following:

• Journal articles: Johnson, M. A., & Clarke, T. L. (2021). Leadership strategies in emerging markets. International Journal of Management Foresight and Strategy, 3(2), 45–60. https://doi.org/xxxxx

• Books: Roberts, L. J. (2020). Applied science and innovation. Oxford University Press.

• Websites: World Health Organization. (2023, June 15). Global health updates. https://www.who.int/news-room

Tables and Figures

Tables and figures must be embedded within the manuscript at their relevant positions rather than being placed at the end of the document. They should be numbered consecutively (e.g., Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, Figure 2). Each table must carry a descriptive title positioned above it, while each figure must have a caption positioned below. Every table and figure must also be explicitly referenced in the main text to guide the reader.

Length of Manuscripts

Different types of submissions must conform to specific length requirements. Research articles should be between 4,000 and 8,000 words including references. Review articles are expected to be more comprehensive, ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 words. Short communications and case studies should fall between 2,000 and 3,500 words, while book reviews and commentaries are typically between 1,000 and 2,500 words.

Ethical Considerations

All manuscripts must reflect original work, and plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited. Authors must ensure that all sources are accurately cited and properly acknowledged. Research involving human or animal subjects must include evidence of ethical approval from a recognized review body. Authors are also expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may influence the research.

Submission Process

All manuscripts should be submitted via the official BrightInk Research Publications online submission system at birpub.org, unless a specific journal provides an alternative submission email address. Submissions must be accompanied by a cover letter that includes the article title, author names and affiliations, the contact details of the corresponding author, and a declaration that the work is original and not under review or published elsewhere.

Review and Publication Process

Once submitted, all manuscripts undergo an initial editorial screening to ensure compliance with these guidelines. Manuscripts that pass this stage are subjected to a rigorous double-blind peer review process. Authors may be invited to revise and resubmit their manuscripts in response to reviewer feedback. Once accepted, articles proceed to copyediting, typesetting, and online publication on the BrightInk Research Publications platform.

Copyright and Open Access

Authors retain copyright of their work, which is published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license unless otherwise specified by the journal. All articles are made openly accessible on birpub.org, thereby maximizing their visibility, readership, and academic impact.

Publishing an article in a reputable journal is a major milestone for any researcher, scholar, or professional. However, the visibility of your work does not end with publication—it only begins there. To ensure that your research reaches the widest possible audience and has a lasting academic and professional impact, active promotion of your publication is essential. Below are recommended strategies to maximize the visibility, citation, and influence of your scholarly work.

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• Google Scholar
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• ResearchGate
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2. Institutional and Departmental Repositories

Many universities and research institutions have online repositories where faculty and students can upload their publications. Depositing your article in these repositories increases visibility, especially for individuals who may not have access to subscription-based journals. It also helps in ensuring compliance with open-access mandates.

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Social media has become a powerful tool for scholarly communication. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and Facebook can amplify your research to broader audiences, including policymakers, industry professionals, and interdisciplinary scholars. Posting a short summary of your findings, along with a link to your publication, can spark engagement and further discussions.

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Many professional associations run newsletters, online forums, or member-only platforms where members share their latest research. Submitting your publication to these channels ensures that your work reaches a targeted audience who are likely to benefit directly from your findings.

5. Optimize for Citations and Indexing

When uploading your publication on different platforms, ensure that the metadata (title, keywords, and abstract) is accurate and optimized for search engines. Well-chosen keywords will make your work more discoverable. Also, regularly update your profiles as new citations and collaborations emerge.

6. Networking Through Conferences and Webinars

Presenting your published work at academic conferences or webinars is another way to expand its reach. Sharing your findings in these forums allows you to engage directly with peers, receive feedback, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Many conferences also provide digital repositories where presented works are archived for future reference.

7. Consistent Engagement

Promotion is not a one-time activity. Continue to share updates about your publication, especially when it receives citations, recognition, or practical application. Engaging with the academic community regularly strengthens your visibility and ensures your research remains relevant.

In conclusion, promoting your publication is as important as the research itself. By leveraging platforms like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, ORCID, and institutional repositories—combined with active use of social media and professional networks—you can significantly increase the visibility, credibility, and impact of your work. Proactive promotion ensures that your research contributes to the global knowledge base and reaches audiences who can benefit from and build upon it.