SAIPA-Tydskrif: Doel, redaksionale struktuur en beleid, inhoud en formaat.

Abstract

The SAIPA Council commissioned the HSRC to do an analysis of the purpose, editorial structure and policy, content and format of the SAIPA Journal, This article is based on an HSRC Report that was submitted to the SAIPA Council. Some of the most importantfuidings are mentioned below: the Journal met the requirements of the Department of National Education for professional journals. The purpose of the Journal, which was directed at both academics and practitioners, was similar to that of other professional journals. The present editorial structure of the Journal was not functional and should consequently be restructured. The requirements that contributions had to satisfy before they could be considered for publication were inadequate and required revision. Of the contributions 79 % revealed an unacceptable scientific approach, while 47,6 % did not use source references. The practitioners’ quantitative contribution to the content of the Journal was not disproportionately large. About one-third of the readers felt that the Journal mainly reflected one school of thought. Relatively few readers were fully satisfied with the topics of the contributions. There was no real objection to the placement of advertisements in the SAIPA Journal. Lastly it was recommended that all contributions should be accompanied by an abstract which should preferably be written in the alternative official language.