Changing Publication from Monthly to Quarterly

Since inception, Business Services Primer has been published to highlight issues that are important to the business sector, in particular, the manufacturing sector. Having initially mooted the intended objectives to the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry (MTTI) late in 2003, approval in principle was received in January, 2004, paving the way for the first issue.

The original aims and objectives, as detailed in the January 2004 issue, remain solidly valid today, and, events have indicated so, as manifested through reactions and comments of the many stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Motivations for change are rooted in the following areas, which can be summarised into enriching content, allowing due research, addressing different categories of readership with offering more options, and, viability issues, to mention but a few.

(Enriching Content)

Against a background of some broad objectives, namely being informative, analytical, resourceful and educational, the change needs to be appealing to the target audiences. Firstly, in order to positively contribute to a better policy framework, the content needs to be incisive on matters under discussion, citing relevant background material, a critique of the status quo, observations and professional assessment of the situation, and, should provide pointers to practices in the region and beyond, not to mention need for change or improvement if so deemed.

(Due Research)

Nothing could be further from the truth than to expect inadequately researched material to be of value and hence worth one's time and effort to peruse. The duration of one month needs to be supported by an array of researchers, several material issues being studied, and, a compendium of topics under preparation in order to achieve this noble objective. It also requires funding at a high level and on a continuous basis. At the moment, sources of funding remain slim, advertising slowly picking up, staffing low, all of which point to the need for a longer period to endeavour to do justice in this regard.

(Research Journal)

At the time of commencement, opportunities for sector research activities has been virtually absent. Yet, manufacturing needs to be accorded greater importance in pursuit of endeavouring to achieve meaningful industrial growth. It is therefore important to create a forum for pertinent high level research and provide guidelines to stimulate industrial transformation in manufacturing. That being presumed so, it is worth noting that journals are often published on a quarterly basis.

(Costs)

By its nature, circulation volume falls way short of newsprint, yet costs of production are high, with less expectation from adverts. As such therefore, the need for a more appealing publication locally and globally is essential for viability.

(Readers' View)

Many readers have expressed their view that monthly is far too frequent, with heavy demands on quality, pressure of work and sustainability. This has been the reaction of professionals in government, academia and large industrial concerns.

(Article Development Cycle)

While there may be a wide selection of issues for consideration currently, the counter side is that information is scarce, and for that available, it is not easy to access. The cycle starts with recognition for a need, followed by search for data. This ranges from what is generally known, to that to be gathered, from local sources, missions, external organisations and searches on the web. After this preliminary step, the material of necessity must be organised into draft articles. Depending on the subject, it is often necessary to get reviews of other parties, either more directly concerned and/or knowledgeable, often resulting in revisions before going into print. Often, a one-month cycle is to say the least too ambitious.