On the afternoon of June 20, 2024, the School of Media and Communication hosted a dynamic and informative International Journal Publication Workshop. The event featured Professor Tai-Quan Peng from the Department of Communication of Michigan State University, who was invited as a special guest to share his extensive expertise. The workshop was hosted by Professor Guang Yang, Associate Dean of the School of Media and Communication, and attracted enthusiastic participation from faculty members, doctoral candidates, and master’s students alike.

Professor Peng is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Human Communication Research journal and Associate Editor of the Journal of Communication. He has also served in various editorial roles, including Guest Editor for top journals such as Asian Journal of Communication and Communication Methods and Measures. With over sixty publications in SSCI and SCI journals, Professor Peng brought a wealth of experience and insight to the session.

Reflecting on his two-decade journey from a doctoral student to a senior editor, he emphasized the importance of persistence and choosing the right journal for each paper. In his presentation, Professor Peng provided invaluable guidance from an editor’s perspective, advising attendees on the subtleties of journal selection. He highlighted key factors such as research scope, target readership, and impact factor, encouraging students to actively consult with colleagues and mentors to ensure their submissions align with journal requirements. Addressing the challenge of rejection, he underscored that constructive feedback is an essential part of academic growth and should be embraced as a learning opportunity.

The session also included a lively discussion on the distinctions between phenomenon-driven and mechanism-driven research. Professor Peng explained that while phenomenon-driven studies may attract immediate attention, mechanism-driven research often provides deeper, longer-lasting insights. In response to questions about uncovering mechanisms and understanding disciplinary complexity, he emphasized the importance of clarity and precision in academic writing.

Professor Guang Yang concluded the workshop with a warm expression of gratitude to Professor Peng for his enriching presentation. The International Journal Publication Workshop wrapped up successfully, marked by rounds of applause and newly inspired participants.