1. General Requirements

Manuscripts submitted to the Journal of Community Service and Application (JOCOSA) must present original and relevant community service activities. Authors are responsible for ensuring that the manuscript complies with the academic and ethical standards of the journal.

• The manuscript must be original.
• The manuscript must not have been previously published.
• The manuscript must not be under consideration by another journal.
• The topic must be relevant to the focus and scope of JOCOSA.
• All authors must approve the submitted manuscript.
• All information, data, tables, figures, and references must be accurate.

2. Language of the Manuscript

Manuscripts should be written in clear, concise, and academically appropriate English. Authors should ensure that the manuscript is grammatically correct and uses consistent terminology throughout the manuscript.

• Use formal academic English.
• Avoid unnecessary abbreviations.
• Define abbreviations when first mentioned.
• Use consistent terminology.
• Authors are encouraged to proofread the manuscript before submission.

3. Title

The title should clearly describe the main topic, community service activity, intervention, or program discussed in the manuscript. It should be concise, informative, and specific.

• The title must accurately represent the manuscript content.
• Avoid unnecessary words and abbreviations.
• Mention the target community when appropriate.
• Avoid promotional or subjective expressions.

4. Author Names and Affiliations

Authors should be listed using their full names without academic degrees or professional titles. Each author's affiliation should include the department, institution, city, and country.

• List authors according to their actual contributions.
• Identify the corresponding author clearly.
• Provide a valid email address for the corresponding author.
• Ensure author information in the manuscript matches the OJS metadata.

5. Abstract

The abstract should provide a concise overview of the community service activity and its main outcomes. It should allow readers to understand the purpose, methods, results, and significance of the activity without reading the entire manuscript.

The abstract should generally include:
• Background or problem addressed
• Objectives of the activity
• Methods or implementation approach
• Main results or outcomes
• Conclusion and implications

6. Keywords

Keywords should represent the main concepts discussed in the manuscript and should help readers discover the article through academic databases and search engines.

• Use relevant and specific terms.
• Avoid overly broad keywords.
• Use terminology consistent with the title and manuscript.

7. Introduction

The introduction should explain the background and significance of the community service activity. Authors should clearly describe the problems or needs of the target community.

• Background of the community problem.
• Relevant literature and previous studies.
• Research or community problem gap.
• Objectives of the activity.
• Expected contribution and impact.

8. Methods / Community Service Approach

The methods section should explain how the community service activity was planned, implemented, and evaluated. The description should be sufficiently detailed to allow readers to understand the implementation process.

• Location of the activity.
• Target community and participant characteristics.
• Problems or needs identified.
• Program design and implementation stages.
• Methods and strategies used.
• Technologies or materials applied.
• Duration and stages of implementation.
• Evaluation methods and success indicators.

9. Results and Discussion

The results should present the outcomes of the community service activity objectively and systematically. The discussion should explain the meaning and significance of the results and relate them to relevant theories and previous studies.

• Present measurable results whenever possible.
• Use tables, figures, charts, or photographs when appropriate.
• Explain changes or improvements resulting from the program.
• Discuss the effectiveness of the intervention.
• Compare findings with previous studies.
• Explain challenges and limitations.

10. Conclusion

The conclusion should summarize the main findings and achievements of the community service activity. It should directly address the objectives stated in the introduction and should not introduce new information.

11. Acknowledgments

Authors may acknowledge institutions, funding agencies, community partners, organizations, or individuals who provided significant assistance in conducting the community service activity.

12. Tables, Figures, and Photographs

Tables, figures, diagrams, charts, and photographs may be included when they provide important evidence or support the explanation of the community service activity.

• Each table and figure must have a clear caption.
• Number tables and figures consecutively.
• Refer to every table and figure in the manuscript text.
• Images should have sufficient resolution and clarity.
• Obtain permission for copyrighted materials when required.

13. References and Citations

All sources cited in the manuscript must appear in the reference list. Authors should use reliable, relevant, and preferably recent academic sources.

• Every in-text citation must appear in the reference list.
• Every reference must be cited in the manuscript.
• Use a consistent citation style.
• Use relevant and reliable academic sources.
• Reference management software is recommended.

14. Plagiarism and Originality

JOCOSA is committed to maintaining academic integrity and originality. Authors must ensure that the submitted manuscript is their original work and that all ideas, data, statements, and materials obtained from other sources are properly acknowledged and cited.

• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
• Self-plagiarism is not permitted.
• Duplicate publication is prohibited.
• Fabrication and falsification of data are prohibited.
• Manuscripts may be checked using plagiarism detection software.

15. Ethical Requirements

Authors are responsible for ensuring that community service activities are conducted ethically, responsibly, and respectfully. Activities involving human participants, personal information, or sensitive community data must comply with applicable ethical standards.

16. Copyright and Licensing

Authors should carefully review the copyright and licensing policies of JOCOSA before submission. Authors are responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary rights to publish all materials included in the manuscript.

17. Manuscript Submission

Manuscripts must be submitted through the official JOCOSA Online Journal System (OJS). Authors should complete all required metadata accurately and upload the manuscript according to the journal's submission requirements.

• Upload the manuscript in the required file format.
• Complete all author information.
• Enter the title and abstract accurately.
• Add all authors and affiliations.
• Add appropriate keywords.
• Ensure that the manuscript follows the official template.

18. Author Submission Checklist

✓ The manuscript is original.
✓ The manuscript has not been published elsewhere.
✓ The manuscript is not under consideration by another journal.
✓ The topic matches the JOCOSA focus and scope.
✓ All authors have approved the manuscript.
✓ Author information is complete and accurate.
✓ Tables and figures are properly numbered.
✓ All references are properly cited.
✓ The manuscript has been checked for plagiarism.
✓ The manuscript follows the official JOCOSA template.

Important

Authors are encouraged to carefully review the manuscript before submission. Compliance with these guidelines will help ensure an efficient editorial and peer review process.