- 19 Aug
- 2026
UoR Advances Faculty Research Capacity Through Publication Skills Workshop
The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), University of Rawalpindi, conducted its fourth Faculty Development Program workshop on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, focusing on research publication skills, journal selection, referencing, and avoiding predatory publishing.
The workshop, titled “Research Publication Skills: Selecting Journals, Referencing and Avoiding Predatory Publishing,” was facilitated by Dr. Muhammad Salman Chughtai from the Department of Applied Business and Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences and Management. The session aimed to equip faculty members with practical knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about research publication while maintaining academic integrity.
Participants explored key factors for selecting credible and relevant journals, including journal scope, intended readership, indexing status, peer review practices, publication charges, and expected timelines. The session also introduced recognized resources for journal verification and indexing, including Scopus, Web of Science, and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).
Dr. Muhammad Salman Chughtai further discussed major referencing styles and the role of citation management tools in effective academic writing. Particular emphasis was placed on accurate citation, appropriate paraphrasing, originality checking, and responsible research practices to minimise the risk of plagiarism.
A significant part of the interactive workshop focused on identifying predatory journals and fraudulent publication practices. Faculty members were guided on recognizing warning signs such as unrealistically rapid acceptance, unverifiable editorial boards, hidden publication charges, misleading indexing claims, fabricated impact metrics, and excessively broad journal scopes.
The session encouraged faculty members to discuss common publication challenges, seek clarification, and apply the concepts to their own research. It concluded with practical guidance on developing journal shortlists and publication plans based on research relevance, journal credibility, cost, accessibility, and publication timelines.
The workshop reflects QEC’s continued efforts to strengthen faculty research capacity, promote ethical scholarship, and support the quality, credibility, and visibility of academic publications at the University of Rawalpindi.
