On assuming the Editor-in-Chief role for this first issue for 2015, it is pleasing to note that JMO is moving into a new phase of its development, towards a more global profile, and with a growing reputation and standing as a distinctive international journal. In a relatively short period of time, and under the guidance of the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Peter Galvin, JMO has transitioned to a prestigious publisher and has adopted a clear and distinctive focus that is best summarised as the acknowledgement that context matters. These two developments will provide the platform from which to pursue the achievable strategic ambition for JMO to become a highly reputed tier-1 international journal. I offer my great thanks to Peter for his commitment and hard work, and acknowledge the significant progress made over the past few years.
JMO is now set on a path towards becoming a truly international journal, with a large proportion of its 350–400 annual submissions (around 80%) from outside of its traditional contribution areas of Australia and New Zealand, and supported by a strong international editorial board. I am mindful that while pursuing this goal, the journal must retain its distinctive Australasian edge, and continue to provide an outlet for the high-quality research that this region produces.
With this ground work accomplished and the support of Cambridge University Press along with the ANZAM Board, the task is to put in place initiatives that will stimulate further growth in reputation, and with it ranking. First, I think it important that the journal’s defining focus be operationalised, encouraging submissions that address context (Peter Galvin’s editorial from issue 1 in 2014 provides an excellent account of the different ways this might be done, including acknowledgement of context in describing, analysing or theorising about phenomena of interest; Galvin, Reference Galvin2014).
The goal of increasing JMO’s ranking will require a publishing strategy that includes various initiatives designed to increase further the quality of journal contributions – attracted from researchers from across the international scholarly community – and to increase citation numbers and journal impact. Continuing to reduce the latency between submission and publication will be crucial to enhancing contribution rate and journal impact. This will involve some additional capacity among the editorial team, as well as seeking new international and regional members for the editorial board. Working with the editorial team and our senior editorial board members on how best to raise international profile will also be a priority.
I conclude this brief editorial by extending an invitation, on behalf of the editorial team, to the talented researchers within our scholarly community to continue to support JMO by submitting their research for publication, and playing an active role in the review process. I look forward to the next 3 years as Editor-in-Chief of JMO, with a commitment to lead the journal towards its stated goals, working closely with the editorial team, international editorial board, ANZAM Board and publisher, Cambridge University Press.
