About Emerald Publishing

Introduction

Emerald Publishing is a leading independent publisher of global research with impact in business, society, public policy and education. Founded in 1967, the company publishes over 300 journals, more than 2,500 books and nearly 1,500 case studies across a range of subject areas. With a mission to impact research and learning positively, Emerald is committed to making research accessible, readable and discoverable.

History and Evolution

Emerald Publishing was established in 1967 by Howard and Margaret Stanley in Bradford, England. Originally known as MCB University Press, the company began with a single journal: "Management Decision." Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded its portfolio across various management disciplines, establishing itself as a significant academic publisher.

In 2000, the company underwent a rebranding and officially became Emerald, positioning itself as a publisher with a broader focus beyond management studies. This period marked a strategic expansion into fields such as education, engineering, library science, and public policy.

Over the decades, Emerald has embraced digital transformation, moving from traditional print publishing to innovative digital platforms. The company continues to evolve, adopting new technologies and publishing models to serve researchers, educators, and practitioners worldwide.

Publications and Content Portfolio

Emerald Publishing maintains an extensive and diverse portfolio of scholarly content:

Journals

Emerald's journal collection comprises over 300 titles, primarily focusing on:

• Business, Management and Economics
• Social Sciences
• Education
• Engineering
• Information Studies
• Public Policy
• Healthcare Management
• Tourism and Hospitality

Books

With over 2,500 books in its collection, Emerald publishes scholarly monographs, edited volumes, professional handbooks, and research book series. The company's book program emphasizes rigorous peer review, practical relevance, and international perspectives.

Case Studies

Through the Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies collection, Emerald provides nearly 1,500 peer-reviewed case studies focusing on business and management situations in emerging markets. These cases are valuable teaching tools that bridge the gap between theory and practice in business education.

Services for Authors

Emerald Publishing offers comprehensive support for authors throughout the publication process:

Submission Process

The company utilizes a streamlined submission system that guides authors through manuscript preparation and submission requirements. Clear instructions and helpful resources are provided to ensure a smooth experience.

Peer Review

Emerald maintains rigorous double-blind peer review processes across its journals, ensuring constructive feedback that helps authors enhance their research contributions.

Open Access Options

Recognizing the growing importance of open access publishing, Emerald provides various open access options that allow authors to comply with funding mandates while maximizing the impact of their research.

Services for Librarians

Emerald Publishing is committed to supporting libraries worldwide:

• Comprehensive Collections: Libraries can access tailored packages of journals, books, and cases designed for institutional sizes and subject needs. Flexible licensing terms accommodate diverse budgetary requirements.
• COUNTER-Compliant Usage Statistics: Emerald provides detailed, standardized usage reports that help libraries assess collection performance and make informed acquisition decisions.
• Marc Records and Metadata: High-quality cataloguing records and metadata facilitate seamless integration of Emerald content into library discovery systems and catalogs.
• Preservation: Through participation in Portico and CLOCKSS archival programs, Emerald ensures long-term preservation of its digital content for future generations of scholars.

Impact and Recognition

Emerald Publishing has received numerous recognitions for its contributions to scholarly publishing:

• Independent Publishers Guild Academic and Professional Publisher of the Year (2014)
• Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) Corporate Member of the Year (2013)
• Multiple awards for journal cover design and user experience innovation
• Accreditation by numerous industry organizations including the Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA)

Beyond formal recognition, the real impact of Emerald publishing lies in the citation rates of its content, the adoption of its materials in educational settings, and the practical application of its research in policy-making and business practice worldwide.

Emerald's Contribution to Research Impact

In recent years, Emerald has taken significant steps to maximize the real-world impact of research:

• Research Impact Framework: The company has developed initiatives to help authors articulate the societal and economic significance of their research beyond traditional academic metrics. This includes dedicated impact statements for journal articles and guidance on creating accessible research summaries.
• Partnerships Beyond Academia: Emerald actively facilitates connections between research and practice through partnerships with corporations, government bodies, and NGOs. These partnerships help translate academic insights into practical applications.
• Sustainability Focus: As part of its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Emerald has prioritized content addressing sustainability challenges and has taken significant steps to reduce its own environmental footprint as a publisher.

Future Directions

Emerald continues to evolve in response to changing landscapes in scholarly communication. Current strategic priorities include:

• Expanding open access publication options while maintaining publication quality
• Developing innovative digital platforms that enhance content discovery and accessibility
• Growing emerging market research collections to address regional knowledge gaps
• Enhancing research impact through tools that help authors demonstrate value
• Investing in artificial intelligence capabilities to improve publishing processes and user experiences

With over five decades of publishing experience, yet maintaining the agility of an independent publisher, Emerald Publishing remains committed to evolving alongside the global research community it serves.