Research process, report structure and journal outlets in scholarly studies : Parallel vs sequential and proactive vs reactive

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the interconnection between the research process, the report structure and journal outlets in scholarly studies. Design/methodology/approach – Conceptual frameworks to link the research process with the report structure, and in turn with journal outlets, are presented. Findings – These indicate that the research process and the awareness of the components of the report structure as well as potential journal outlets may at an early stage uncover any pitfalls and flaws in one's scholarly studies in academia. Research limitations/implications – A transparent understanding and foresight of what is ahead in, and interconnected between, the elements of the research process, the components of the report structure and the potential journal outlets are crucial to enhance the ultimate scholarly performance. The discussion is in part limited to the commonly applied “deductive” research process in academia, though most parts also are applicable to the “inductive” research process. Practical implications – It is important that the elements of the scholarly research process and the components of the report structure are thoroughly thought out in detail before too much investment in time and resources, as well as intellectual effort, have been made in order to avoid frustration and discontent. In addition, the potential journal outlets also need to be considered at an early stage of research. Originality/value – Transparent understanding and foresight of research processes, report structures and journal outlets provide essential and valuable insights for scholars. The author has striven to show that realizing the link between the scholarly research process, the scholarly report structure and the potential journal outlets available will assist in efforts to perform and communicate the outcome of scholarly studies.