Why Researchers Choose Project Leadership and Society for High-Impact Publications
Project Leadership and Society stands as a vital platform for scholars in project management consulting, offering a dedicated space to explore the intersections of leadership, project execution, and broader societal implications. Published by Elsevier since its launch in 2020, this open access journal has quickly gained recognition for its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to advancing knowledge in an interdisciplinary field. Researchers are drawn to Project Leadership and Society for its focus on real-world applications, where theoretical insights meet practical challenges in managing complex projects across sectors like construction, IT, healthcare, and public policy.
The journal's prestige stems from its alignment with global trends in sustainable development and ethical leadership, making it a go-to choice for high-impact publications. With an impact factor of 3.0, it signals strong citation potential, appealing to academics aiming to elevate their profiles. Its scope encompasses not just traditional project management but also how leadership influences societal outcomes, such as equity in project delivery and innovation in consulting practices. This holistic approach ensures that articles published here resonate with policymakers, practitioners, and fellow researchers alike.
For those in project management consulting, Project Leadership and Society provides unparalleled value through its emphasis on evidence-based strategies. Submissions often highlight case studies, empirical analyses, and forward-looking models that address contemporary issues like digital transformation and crisis management. The journal's open access model amplifies reach, allowing unrestricted access to cutting-edge research without paywalls, which is particularly beneficial for international collaboration.
Whether you're a seasoned professor or an emerging scholar, publishing in Project Leadership and Society can enhance your academic trajectory. Its metrics reflect growing influence, with steady increases in submissions and citations year over year. To explore opportunities in academia, consider browsing project management academic jobs that align with this journal's themes.
Overview & History
Project Leadership and Society was established in 2020 by Elsevier to fill a gap in the literature on project-oriented research with societal dimensions. Prior to its inception, discussions on project leadership were scattered across management and social science journals, lacking a unified outlet. The journal emerged from collaborative efforts among leading experts in project management, responding to the need for publications that integrate leadership theories with societal impacts.
From its first issue, Project Leadership and Society has prioritized open access to democratize knowledge, ensuring that insights from global contributors reach diverse audiences. Key milestones include rapid indexing in major databases and the publication of special issues on topics like sustainable project leadership post-COVID. Today, it serves as a cornerstone for researchers examining how projects shape communities and economies.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal covers a wide array of topics at the nexus of project leadership, management consulting, and societal effects. It welcomes manuscripts on strategic leadership in projects, ethical consulting practices, and the social ramifications of project outcomes.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Management | Core theories and practices in planning, executing, and evaluating projects. |
| Leadership Studies | Exploring transformational and adaptive leadership models in project contexts. |
| Social Sciences | Analyzing societal impacts, including equity, sustainability, and policy influences. |
| Consulting | Strategies for advisory roles in project optimization and stakeholder engagement. |
| Business and Economics | Economic models for project viability and leadership in volatile markets. |
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 3.0 (2023) | From Clarivate Journal Citation Reports. |
| CiteScore | 4.2 | Scopus-based metric for 2022. |
| SJR | 0.85 | SCImago Journal Rank, Q1 in Management. |
| h-Index | 12 | Reflects influential articles since inception. |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | Selective process ensures quality. |
Indexing and Abstracting
Project Leadership and Society is indexed in prestigious databases, enhancing discoverability. It appears in Scopus, DOAJ for open access verification, and Web of Science's Emerging Sources Citation Index. These affiliations ensure articles are abstracted in services like Google Scholar and EBSCO, reaching a broad scholarly audience. For more on academic resources, visit academic calendar for journal deadlines.
Publication Model and Fees
As an open access journal, Project Leadership and Society operates under a gold OA model, with all content freely available upon publication. The Article Processing Charge (APC) is $2,170 USD, covering peer review, editing, and dissemination. Waivers are available for authors from low-income countries via Elsevier's policies. This model supports immediate accessibility without subscription barriers, aligning with the journal's mission to influence societal discourse.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Authors submit via the Elsevier Editorial System at the journal's homepage. Manuscripts must follow APA style, with a maximum of 8,000 words, including abstracts under 250 words. The process involves initial screening, double-blind peer review (typically 8-12 weeks), and revisions. Guidelines emphasize originality, ethical standards, and relevance to project leadership themes. For tips on academic publishing, check professor reviews on submission strategies.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises international experts, led by Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey K. Pinto from Pennsylvania State University. Other notables include Monica Huemann (SKEMA Business School) for sustainability focus and Nathalie Drouin (University of Quebec) for governance expertise. Their diverse backgrounds ensure balanced, high-quality oversight.
Why Publish in Project Leadership and Society?
Publishing here offers visibility in a niche yet growing field, with rapid dissemination and networking opportunities. The journal's OA status boosts citations, and its interdisciplinary appeal attracts collaborators. Researchers value the supportive review process that fosters manuscript improvement. To advance your career, explore higher education jobs in leadership.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | OA Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Journal of Project Management | 5.2 | General project management | Hybrid |
| Project Management Journal | 3.5 | PMI-affiliated, practical tools | Subscription |
| Leadership Quarterly | 5.8 | Broad leadership theories | Hybrid |
| Journal of Project Management | 2.1 | Applied methods | Open Access |
Project Leadership and Society differentiates through its societal lens, offering a unique angle compared to more technical peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work with the journal's emphasis on societal impacts to stand out.
- Use clear, empirical evidence; avoid overly theoretical pieces.
- Engage with recent articles for contextual relevance.
- Seek feedback from colleagues before submission.
- Highlight practical implications for consulting applications.
For ongoing academic support, review academic jobs in consulting and professor insights on journals.