Sage, the prominent UK-based academic publisher, has introduced a significant new addition to its portfolio with the launch of Business & Management (BAM), a fully gold open access journal dedicated to advancing research that demonstrates clear and measurable impact.
This development comes at a time when UK higher education institutions are increasingly focused on demonstrating the broader value of scholarly work beyond traditional academic metrics. The journal aims to bridge gaps between rigorous research and its applications in policy, practice, society, and education.
Understanding the Context of Open Access Publishing in the UK
Gold open access publishing allows immediate, free access to research articles upon publication, typically supported by article processing charges paid by authors, their institutions, or funders. In the United Kingdom, this model aligns closely with mandates from bodies such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the requirements of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), which evaluates the impact of university research on society and the economy.
Sage has long been a key player in the UK publishing landscape, with its London headquarters supporting a wide range of disciplines. The launch of BAM reflects ongoing efforts to expand accessible platforms for business and management scholarship, areas that are central to many UK universities' portfolios.
Details of the BAM Journal Launch
BAM is positioned as a global, peer-reviewed outlet that evaluates submissions across all functional areas of business and management. Rather than confining research to narrow disciplinary boundaries, the journal prioritises rigour alongside relevance. It organises content around four primary categories of impact: interdisciplinary contributions, professional and policy influence, societal and sustainable outcomes, and advancements in teaching and learning.
The inaugural editor-in-chief brings extensive experience in the field, emphasising goals of reciprocity, relevance, and accessibility. This approach seeks to make high-quality research more readily available to practitioners, policymakers, educators, and the wider public.
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Relevance to UK Higher Education Institutions
UK universities, from Russell Group members to post-92 institutions, stand to benefit from platforms like BAM. Business schools across the country, including those at the University of Manchester, London Business School, and the University of Warwick, often produce research with direct implications for industry and public policy. A dedicated open access venue can enhance visibility and citation potential while supporting compliance with open access policies.
The journal's focus on impact resonates with the evolving priorities of UK funding councils and the emphasis on knowledge exchange. Researchers can now target a venue that explicitly values work informing sustainable practices or educational innovations, areas of growing importance in British higher education.
Implications for Researchers and Academics
For early-career researchers and established scholars alike, BAM offers an opportunity to publish work that might otherwise struggle to find a home in more traditional outlets. The gold open access model ensures immediate availability, potentially accelerating the translation of findings into real-world applications.
Authors benefit from rigorous peer review while reaching audiences beyond academia. This can be particularly valuable in fields such as organisational behaviour, strategy, and entrepreneurship, where UK institutions have strong traditions of applied research.
Broader Impacts on Research Assessment and Policy
The launch aligns with international conversations about responsible research assessment, including efforts to move beyond journal impact factors. In the UK context, this supports the principles outlined in initiatives like the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which many British universities have endorsed.
By highlighting diverse forms of impact, BAM could contribute to more nuanced evaluations of scholarly output, benefiting departments preparing for future REF exercises.
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Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Outlook
Publishers, funders, and university leaders have welcomed moves toward greater accessibility in scholarly communication. Sage's expansion in this area builds on its existing portfolio of gold open access titles, providing researchers with additional options that maintain high editorial standards.
Looking ahead, the journal is expected to foster collaborations across borders and disciplines. As digital tools for dissemination evolve, platforms like BAM may play a role in shaping how business and management knowledge influences global challenges such as climate action and economic resilience.
Researchers interested in contributing can explore submission guidelines through the journal's platform. Institutions may also consider how such venues support their strategic goals around impact and engagement.
Practical Considerations for UK Academics
Navigating article processing charges remains a consideration for many scholars. UK universities often have agreements or funds in place to support open access publishing, and researchers are encouraged to consult their libraries or research offices for guidance on available support.
BAM's emphasis on accessibility could also encourage greater participation from scholars in emerging economies or those working in applied settings, enriching the global conversation on business and management topics.