Submissions

Author Guidelines

1. Overview

The International Journal of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (IJMEL) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes high-quality research and practice-oriented papers in monitoring, evaluation, learning, policy analysis, governance, development practice, health systems, education, environment, and related interdisciplinary fields. The journal places particular emphasis on evidence generation and use in Africa and the Global South, while welcoming global contributions.

2. Manuscript Types Accepted by IJMEL

2.1 Original Research Articles

Purpose: Report original empirical research that advances knowledge in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL).
Typical Content: Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies; programme, policy, and institutional evaluations; impact, outcome, process, and formative evaluations.
Length: 6,000–8,000 words
Peer Review: Double-blind

2.2 Review Articles

Purpose: Synthesize and critically assess existing literature in MEL.
Types Accepted: Systematic reviews; scoping reviews; narrative or integrative reviews.
Length: 6,000–9,000 words
Peer Review: Double-blind

2.3 Conceptual Papers

Purpose: Advance theory, frameworks, or models in MEL without primary data collection.
Typical Contributions: Conceptual or analytical frameworks; theoretical models; critical reflections on MEL paradigms.
Length: 5,000–7,000 words
Peer Review: Double-blind

2.4 Applied Practice and Case Studies

Purpose: Share real-world MEL experiences and lessons from implementation.
Suitable Submissions: Programme or project case studies; institutional MEL system design; innovations in evaluation use and learning.
Length: 4,000–6,000 words
Peer Review: Double-blind

2.5 Policy Analysis and Policy Briefs

Purpose: Bridge MEL evidence with policy formulation and decision-making.
Length: Policy Analysis (4,000–6,000 words); Policy Briefs (2,500–3,500 words).
Peer Review: Double-blind or Editorial (policy briefs).

2.6 Evaluation Methods and Innovations

Purpose: Advance methodological practice in MEL.
Examples: New or adapted evaluation methodologies; digital MEL tools and systems; participatory, adaptive, and developmental evaluation approaches.
Length: 4,000–6,000 words
Peer Review: Double-blind

2.7 Learning and Knowledge Management Papers

Purpose: Deepen understanding of learning processes within organisations and systems.
Themes Include: Organisational learning; knowledge translation and use; adaptive management.
Length: 4,000–6,000 words
Peer Review: Double-blind

2.8 Professional Practice and Reflection Papers

Purpose: Encourage reflective practice and ethical discourse among MEL professionals.
Examples: Reflective essays; professional standards and competencies; ethical challenges in evaluation.
Length: 3,000–5,000 words
Peer Review: Double-blind or Editorial

2.9 Conference Papers and Proceedings

Purpose: Publish high-quality outputs from IJMEL- or IMEP-affiliated conferences.
Formats: Extended abstracts or short research/practice papers.
Length: Extended Abstracts (1,500–2,000 words); Full Papers (3,000–5,000 words).
Peer Review: Editorial or light peer review.

2.10 Teaching Cases in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

Purpose: Support teaching, training, and capacity development through real-world or simulated cases.
Length: Case Narrative (3,000–4,500 words); Teaching Notes (1,500–2,500 words).
Peer Review: Double-blind.

2.11 Commentary, Perspectives and Debates

Purpose: Stimulate scholarly debate and reflection on emerging MEL issues.
Length: 2,000–3,000 words
Peer Review: Editorial or single-blind.

2.12 Book Reviews

Purpose: Critically review recent books relevant to MEL theory and practice.
Length: 1,000–1,500 words
Peer Review: Editorial.

3. Manuscript Preparation and Formatting

3.1 File Format

Manuscripts must be submitted in Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or RTF format.

3.2 Text Formatting

Font size: 12-point
Spacing: Single-spaced
Margins: 2.5 cm (1 inch)
Use italics instead of underlining (except for URLs).
Pages must be numbered consecutively.

4. Manuscript Structure

4.1 Original Research Articles

Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Methodology; Results or Findings; Discussion; Implications for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; Conclusion; Declarations; References; Appendices or Supplementary Materials.

4.2 Review Articles

Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Conceptual and Analytical Framework (if applicable); Review Methodology; Results or Thematic Synthesis; Discussion; Implications for MEL; Future Research Directions; Conclusion; Declarations; References; Appendices.

4.3 Conceptual Papers

Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Conceptual Foundations; Selective Literature Integration; Conceptual Framework or Model Development; Propositions (optional); Implications for MEL; Future Research and Policy Agenda; Conclusion; Declarations; References.

4.4 Applied Practice and Case Studies

Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Context and Case Description; MEL Design or Intervention; Implementation Experience; Results and Lessons Learned; Practical Implications for MEL Practice; Conclusion; Declarations; References; Appendices.

4.5 Policy Analysis and Policy Briefs

Policy Analysis: Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Policy Context; Analytical Framework; Findings; Policy Implications; Conclusion; Declarations; References.
Policy Brief: Title; Executive Summary; Policy Context; Key Findings; Recommendations; Conclusion; Declarations; References.

4.6 Evaluation Methods and Innovations

Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Description of Method or Innovation; Rationale; Application Examples; Strengths and Limitations; Ethical Considerations; Implications for MEL Practice; Conclusion; Declarations; References.

4.7 Learning and Knowledge Management Papers

Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Learning Framework; Analysis of Learning Processes; Evidence of Learning Use; Implications for Organisational Learning and MEL; Conclusion; Declarations; References.

4.8 Professional Practice and Reflection Papers

Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Professional Context; Reflective Analysis; Ethical and Professional Insights; Lessons for MEL Practice; Conclusion; Declarations; References.

4.9 Conference Papers and Proceedings

Full Paper: Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Methods; Findings; Discussion; Conclusion; Declarations; References.
Extended Abstract: Title; Background; Methods; Key Findings; Implications for MEL; Declarations; References (optional).

4.10 Teaching Cases in MEL

Case Narrative: Title Page; Case Synopsis; Learning Objectives; Background; Case Narrative; Data or Evidence; Decision Point; Conclusion; Declarations; References.
Teaching Notes: Intended audience; teaching strategy; discussion questions; suggested analysis; key learning takeaways.

4.11 Commentary, Perspectives and Debates

Title; Abstract (optional); Introduction; Main Argument; Implications for MEL Discourse; Conclusion; Declarations; References.

4.12 Book Reviews

Title; Book Details; Overview; Critical Evaluation; Relevance to MEL; Conclusion; Declarations; References (if applicable).

5. Abstract and Keywords

Abstracts must clearly state the purpose, methods, key findings, and implications of the study. Authors must provide 3–6 keywords suitable for indexing and discovery.

6. Tables and Figures

Tables and figures must be embedded within the text, clearly labelled, referenced, and of sufficient resolution for publication.

7. Citation and Referencing Style

IJMEL uses APA (7th edition). DOIs or URLs must be provided where available.

8. Ethical Considerations

Submissions must be original and not under review elsewhere. Plagiarism and unethical practices are not tolerated. Ethical approval and competing interests must be disclosed where applicable.

9. Peer Review Process

IJMEL operates a double-blind peer review process. All submissions must be fully anonymized before upload.

10. Open Access Policy

IJMEL is a fully open-access journal. All published articles are immediately and freely available online.

11. Standard IJMEL Declarations Section

All submissions must include a completed Declarations section covering:
Funding; Conflict of Interest; Ethical Approval; Informed Consent; Data Availability; Author Contributions; Acknowledgements (optional).

Declarations

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

OR

This study was funded by [Name of Funder], Grant Number [XXXX].

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.

OR

The authors declare the following potential conflicts of interest: [describe clearly].

Ethical Approval

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from [Name of Ethics Committee], Approval Number [XXXX].

OR (Review/Conceptual Papers):

Ethical approval was not required for this study as it is based on secondary data and/or conceptual analysis.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all participants involved in the study.

OR

Informed consent was not applicable to this study.

Data Availability Statement

The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

OR

All data used in this study are included in the article and its supplementary materials.

OR (Review/Conceptual Papers):

No new data were generated or analysed in this study.

Author Contributions

Author A: Conceptualization, Writing – Original Draft.
Author B: Methodology, Data Analysis, Writing – Review & Editing.
Author C: Supervision, Final Approval.

Acknowledgements (Optional)

The authors acknowledge [individuals/institutions] for their technical or administrative support.

12. Editorial Policy Note

Manuscripts submitted without a completed Declarations section will be returned to authors prior to peer review.