Submissions

This journal is not accepting submissions at this time.

Author Guidelines

The Neopte Journal of Applied Mobility (NJAM) welcomes submissions that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical trade application. All submissions must align with our mission.

1. Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship Models

  • Word Count: 1,500 – 3,000 words.

  • Key Requirements:

    • Literature/Standard Review: Brief mention of current industry standards (e.g., OSHA, NCCER, or specific state journeyman requirements).

    • Methodology: Description of the training model or trade technique being analyzed.

    • Conclusion: Practical "Field Notes" or recommendations for other trade programs.

  • Submission Type: Research Paper or Case Study.

  • Best For: Journeymen, Apprentices, and Trade Program Directors.

2. CTE (Career and Technical Education)

  • Word Count: 2,000 – 4,000 words.

  • Key Requirements:

    • Abstract: 250 words summarizing the educational challenge and the outcome.

    • Data Visualization: At least one table or chart showing student outcomes, certification pass rates, or engagement metrics.

    • Citations: APA style is preferred for this academic-leaning category.

  • Submission Type: Educational Research or White Paper.

  • Best For: CTE Teachers, School Administrators, and University Researchers.

3. Industry-Academic Partnerships

  • Word Count: 1,000 – 2,500 words.

  • Key Requirements:

    • The Partnership Framework: A clear description of the roles (What did the school provide? What did the business provide?).

    • Impact Statement: Quantitative data (e.g., "15 students hired at an average wage of $X") and qualitative feedback (e.g., employer testimonials).

    • Scalability Note: A section on how this model could be replicated in other regions.

  • Submission Type: Collaborative Report or Case Study.

  • Best For: Workforce Boards, Chamber of Commerce leaders, and CEO/Superintendent collaborations.

4. Evidence-based Technical Portfolios

  • Word Count: 750 – 1,500 words (text) + Media.

  • Key Requirements:

    • The Narrative: A "Problem/Solution" essay describing the project’s goal.

    • Technical Documentation: Mandatory upload of at least one technical drawing (CAD, schematic, or blueprint).

    • The "Build Gallery": 3–5 high-resolution images showing the project at various stages (beginning, middle, and finished prototype).

    • Reflection: A 300-word section on "What I would change if I had a $10,000 budget" or "Lessons learned from failure."

  • Submission Type: Portfolio or Capstone Project.

  • Best For: High School Seniors and Trade School Students.

General Submission Requirements (All Categories)

  • File Format: .docx for text; .pdf for blueprints/schematics; .jpg or .png for photos.

  • Language: Professional English (though technical jargon specific to a trade is encouraged and should be defined in a glossary if necessary).

  • Anonymity: For the "Double-Blind" review process, authors must remove their names from the actual document text/properties before uploading (OJS handles the identity separately).

  • Ethical Compliance: Any research involving human subjects must state that informed consent was obtained.

  • Declaration of Interest: Authors must disclose any financial or professional affiliations that may be perceived as a conflict of interest.

Additional Submission Requirements

  • Manuscripts must be original and unpublished.

  • Submissions must not be under consideration elsewhere.

  • Include the following in your submission:

    • Title page with author names, affiliations, and contact information

    • Abstract (150–250 words)

    • Keywords (3–6)

    • Main text, tables, figures, and references

Formatting

  • File type: Word (.doc/.docx)

  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced

  • Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm)

  • Page numbers: Bottom center

  • Figures & tables: Number sequentially with captions

Authors are invited to make a submission to this journal. All submissions will be assessed by an editor to determine whether they meet the aims and scope of this journal. Those considered to be a good fit will be sent for peer review before determining whether they will be accepted or rejected.

Before making a submission, authors are responsible for obtaining permission to publish any material included with the submission, such as photos, documents and datasets. All authors identified on the submission must consent to be identified as an author. Where appropriate, research should be approved by an appropriate ethics committee in accordance with the legal requirements of the study's country. Authors are required to read and adhere to our Ethics Policy before submitting.

An editor may desk reject a submission if it does not meet minimum standards of quality. Before submitting, please ensure that the study design and research argument are structured and articulated properly. The title should be concise and the abstract should be able to stand on its own. This will increase the likelihood of reviewers agreeing to review the paper. When you're satisfied that your submission meets this standard, please follow the checklist below to prepare your submission.

Submission Preparation Checklist

All submissions must meet the following requirements.

  • This submission meets the requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines.
  • This submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration.
  • All references have been checked for accuracy and completeness.
  • All tables and figures have been numbered and labeled.
  • Permission has been obtained to publish all photos, datasets and other material provided with this submission.
  • Originality & Mission Alignment

    • The submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration. It aligns with the mission by addressing mobility, career direction, or applied expertise.

  • File Format & Accessibility

    • The submission file is in Microsoft Word or Google Docs document file format. (Avoid PDFs for initial submissions to allow for editorial comments/tracking).

  • Anonymization for Blind Review

    • Required for Applied Research only: All identifying information has been removed from the document (Author names, affiliations, or self-references in the text) to ensure a fair, double-blind peer-review process.

  • Formatting & Style

    • The text adheres to the stylistic and bibliographic requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines. (e.g., APA 7th Edition for research; clear headings and high-resolution imagery for Technical Portfolios).

  • Copyright & Ethics

    • The author(s) confirm they have the right to publish all included content, including images of trade projects or student portfolios. If the research involved human subjects (interviews/surveys), the author confirms that appropriate ethical standards were followed.

    • Authors are required to read and adhere to our Ethics Policy before submitting.
  • We recognize that brilliance exists in both the library and the shop. While academic papers should follow APA style, Trade & Technical Portfolios may be submitted as structured case studies, provided they include a clear abstract, a description of the problem/project, and the resulting impact on mobility or prosperity.

Student Research

1. Scope and Mission

The Student Research section is the scholarly heart of NJAM. We invite original research papers that explore the "Microeconomics of Mobility," technical theory, or labor market trends. This section validates your ability to formulate a hypothesis, conduct a rigorous investigation, and defend your findings with scholarly evidence.

2. The Peer Review Process

Every manuscript undergoes a Double-Blind Peer Review by a university professor or a subject-matter expert. Reviewers evaluate submissions based on:

  • Originality: Does the research answer a specific, clearly defined question?

  • Methodological Rigor: Are the data collection and analysis steps transparent and logical?

  • Scholarly Context: Does the author correctly cite existing literature in APA 7th Edition?

3. Submission Requirements

  • Word Count: 3,000 – 6,000 words.

  • Abstract: A 150–250 word summary of the research question and core findings.

  • Keywords: 3–5 terms for database indexing (e.g., Urban Transit, Workforce Economics, Sustainable Energy).

  • Anonymity: All identifying names, school affiliations, and local program mentions must be removed for the review process.

Technical Portfolios & Blueprints

1. Scope and Mission

This section is dedicated to the documentation of physical builds, digital designs, and engineering solutions. We believe that a high-quality blueprint is a form of scholarly communication. Our goal is to validate your technical "Process"—not just your final product.

2. The Peer Review "Stress Test"

Every submission in this section undergoes a Double-Blind Peer Review by a certified industry professional or senior engineer. Your work will be evaluated on three specific criteria:

  • Replicability: Could another technician build your project using only your documentation?

  • Troubleshooting: Did you clearly identify a failure point and document your technical fix?

  • Graphic Precision: Are your CAD drawings, schematics, or photos of professional-grade clarity?

3. Submission Requirements

To pass the initial editorial screen, your submission must include:

  • The Narrative: A 1,500–3,500 word description of the project goals and build phases.

  • The Log: A specific section detailing at least one technical hurdle you overcame.

  • The Appendix: High-resolution (300 dpi) visual assets. Note: Please ensure your name, school logo, and location are removed from all title blocks in your drawings to maintain the anonymity of the review process.

4. Open Access & IP

By publishing in NJAM, you retain the intellectual property of your design, while granting the Neopte Foundation the right to display your work as a model of technical excellence for the global mobility community.

Student Perspectives & Policy Briefs

1. Scope and Mission

Applied mobility is as much about people and policy as it is about engines and code. This section is a platform for students to advocate for change in the mobility sector, Career Technical Education (CTE), or labor policy. We look for "Voice-driven" pieces that are backed by logical arguments and external data.

2. The Peer Review Process

Submissions are evaluated through a Double-Blind Peer Review by policy analysts or industry leaders. The focus is on:

  • The Argument: Is there a clear "Call to Action" or a unique stance on a current issue?

  • Persuasive Evidence: Does the author use logic, lived experience, or external statistics to prove their point?

  • Accessibility: Is the piece written with the "punchy," professional tone of an Op-Ed or White Paper?

3. Submission Requirements

  • Word Count: 800 – 1,500 words.

  • Keywords: 3–5 terms relevant to the policy area (e.g., Apprenticeship Reform, Rural Mobility, Gen Z Labor).

  • Citations: While more concise than a research paper, all statistics and quotes must be cited in APA 7th Edition.

Practitioner & Industry Forum

1. Scope and Mission

This section is reserved for the "Masters" of the trade—engineers, educators, CEOs, and journeymen. The goal is to provide a "Future-Forward" roadmap for the next generation of the mobility workforce. We seek articles that bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world industry requirements.

2. The Editorial Review Process

Unlike student sections, this forum undergoes Editorial Review by the NJAM Board. We do not use a blind process here; your professional authority is central to the piece. We evaluate based on:

  • Mentorship Value: Does the article provide actionable advice for a student or early-career professional?

  • Industry Standards: Does the content reflect 2026 technical trends and labor market realities?

  • Clarity: Is the expertise shared in a way that is inspiring and educational?

3. Submission Requirements

  • Word Count: 1,000 – 2,500 words.

  • Keywords: 3–5 terms for searchability (e.g., ISO Standards, Avionics Mentorship, Workforce Alignment).

  • Recommended Reading: A list of 3–5 resources (standards, books, or certifications) for students to investigate further.

Privacy Statement

Effective Date: February 22, 2026

The Neopte Journal of Applied Mobility (NJAM) is a scholarly publication operated by Neopte Foundation, a Texas nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas. We are committed to protecting the privacy, security, and integrity of personal information entrusted to us in the course of advancing our educational and scholarly mission.

1. Information Collected

Through our use of Open Journal Systems (OJS 3.5), we collect only information reasonably necessary to administer journal operations, including:

  • Name and professional affiliation

  • Email and contact information

  • ORCID iD (if provided)

  • User role (author, reviewer, editor, reader)

  • Manuscript submission metadata

  • System-generated technical data (including IP address and login activity)

Information is collected directly from users at the time of registration or submission.

2. Purpose of Processing

Personal information is processed solely for legitimate nonprofit and scholarly purposes, including:

  • Managing manuscript submission and peer review

  • Editorial and administrative communication

  • Publication, indexing, and DOI registration

  • Preservation of the scholarly record

  • Compliance with ethical, academic, and legal standards

Neopte Foundation does not sell, trade, lease, or commercially exploit user information.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

As a Texas nonprofit corporation, Neopte Foundation operates in accordance with:

  • The Texas Business Organizations Code (Nonprofit Corporation Provisions)

  • Applicable Texas and federal privacy and data protection laws

  • IRS regulations governing tax-exempt organizations

  • Established scholarly publishing standards

Where applicable, we also align with internationally recognized data protection principles, including transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, and security safeguards.

4. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

While no electronic system can be guaranteed to be fully secure, we take prudent measures consistent with nonprofit best practices.

5. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary to:

  • Maintain journal operations

  • Preserve the integrity of published scholarship

  • Comply with applicable legal and audit obligations

Published articles and associated metadata constitute part of the permanent scholarly record and may not be removed except under formal retraction or correction procedures.

6. Limited Third-Party Disclosures

Personal data may be shared with trusted service providers strictly for publishing and indexing purposes (e.g., DOI registration agencies, ORCID integration, hosting providers). Such disclosures are limited to what is operationally necessary.

7. User Rights

Users may request:

  • Access to their personal information

  • Correction of inaccurate data

  • Account deactivation where permissible

Requests may be directed to:
jordan@neoptefoundation.org

8. Amendments

This Privacy Statement may be updated to reflect operational or regulatory changes. Updates will be posted with a revised effective date.