Manuscript Preparation/Submission

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1. Before You Submit

Before sending your manuscript, please ensure that:

  • Your work fits within JUDSC’s scope, covering Urban Development and Smart Cities.

  • Your manuscript has been prepared according to the Guide for Authors and checked against the Manuscript Submission Checklist (structure, word length, references, figures, tables, abstract, etc.).

  • All authors agree to the submission and are aware of the journal’s open access and licensing policy (CC BY 4.0).

  • The work is original, properly cites prior literature, and meets high standards of research and professional integrity.

We strongly recommend reviewing recent Journal of Urban Development and Smart Cities (JUDSC) articles on similar topics to understand the journal’s style, expectations, and typical contributions.

2. How to Submit

All manuscripts should be submitted by email to the Editorial Office:

Journal of Urban Development and Smart Cities (JUDSC)
Email: judsc@lockescience.press

In your submission email, please include:

  1. A brief cover message, stating:

    • The title of your manuscript.

    • The type of submission (e.g., research paper, design project documentation).

    • A statement confirming that the manuscript is original, has not been published, and is not under review elsewhere.

    • Confirmation that all authors approve the submission.

  2. The manuscript file as an attachment:

    • Prepared in a word-processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word).

    • Saved in .doc or .rtf format.

    • Double spaced, formatted for 8.5″ × 11″ or A4 paper size.

    • Length typically between 2,000 and 6,000 words for research papers.

  3. Tables and figures:

    • Tables may be included in the main manuscript file or as separate Word documents.

    • Figures should follow the technical specifications described in the Guide for Authors. If your submission is accepted, you will receive instructions for sending final, camera-ready artwork and photographs.

If you absolutely cannot submit electronically, you may send a brief fax with your contact information to +1-406-794-0216, and the editorial office will do its best to assist you. However, please be aware that non-electronic submissions can significantly delay processing; digital submission is strongly preferred.

3. What Happens After Submission

Once your manuscript is received:

  1. Initial Check
    The Editorial Office will conduct an initial screening to verify:

    • Fit with the journal’s scope and aims.

    • Compliance with basic formatting and submission requirements.

    • Apparent originality and suitability for blind peer review.

  2. Peer Review
    Manuscripts that pass the initial check are sent for blind peer review to expert reviewers in the relevant area. Reviewers evaluate originality, methodological soundness, clarity, contribution to the literature, and implications for practice and research.

  3. Editorial Decision
    Based on the reviewers’ reports and the editor’s assessment, one of the following decisions will be communicated to the corresponding author:

    • Accept

    • Minor revisions

    • Major revisions

    • Reject

If revisions are requested, the decision letter will include specific guidance on how to address the comments. Revised manuscripts should be resubmitted by email, with a response document explaining how reviewer and editor comments have been handled.

  1. Proofs and Publication
    After acceptance, the corresponding author will receive page proofs for final checking. Proofs must be returned within 48 hours, with corrections limited to typographical or printer’s errors. The article will then be published online as part of the current volume and issue, under a CC BY 4.0 license.

4. Design and Planning Project Submissions

For design and planning projects, please submit:

  • A written description that clearly states the objectives, context, methods, and outcomes of the project.

  • A summary of the project’s contribution to the field, particularly how it uses systematically collected information in the design decision-making process.

  • Supporting graphics and/or photographs illustrating the project (submitted following the figure guidelines).

All text should follow the same general formatting and style guidance as research papers. Submissions are juried for both design quality and scholarly or professional contribution. Authors of accepted design projects will receive an Award Certificate acknowledging their contribution.

5. Questions and Contact

If you are uncertain whether your manuscript is suitable for Journal of Urban Development and Smart Cities (JUDSC), or if you have questions about the submission process, you are welcome to contact us at: judsc@lockescience.press

For detailed technical requirements, please consult:

We look forward to receiving your contribution and to sharing your work with the international community of researchers and practitioners in urban decelopment and smart cities.