In today’s highly competitive academic environment, publishing research is no longer optional—it has become a necessity. Whether you are a PhD scholar, MBA student, or a faculty member in management studies, your career growth is deeply tied to how frequently and where you publish your work. This rising pressure has pushed researchers to actively search for free Scopus indexed journals with fast publication, especially in the field of management.
The importance of publishing in Scopus indexed journals cannot be overstated. Institutions, universities, and even government bodies often evaluate academic performance based on publications in reputed databases. Scopus, maintained by Elsevier, is one of the most trusted indexing platforms globally, making it a gold standard for quality research.
At the same time, many researchers face financial constraints. High Article Processing Charges (APCs)—sometimes ranging from $100 to $3000—can be a significant barrier. This has created a strong demand for journals that offer fast publication without charging any fees, making accessibility and affordability a top priority for scholars worldwide.
What is a Scopus Indexed Journal?
A Scopus indexed journal is a scholarly publication that is listed in the Scopus database, which is one of the largest abstract and citation databases of peer-reviewed literature. It includes journals from diverse disciplines such as business, management, engineering, and healthcare.
Types of Journals
1. Fully Free Journals: These journals do not charge any submission or publication fees. They are usually funded by universities or academic institutions.
2. Hybrid Journals: These journals offer both free and paid options. Authors can choose to publish for free (subscription-based) or pay for open access.
3. Paid APC Journals: These journals require authors to pay a fee for publication, often for open access visibility.
Fast Publication in Management Journals: What Does “Fast” Actually Mean?
Fast publication does not mean instant acceptance. It refers to a relatively shorter review and publication cycle compared to traditional timelines.
Typical Review Timelines
- Fast journals: 4–12 weeks
- Standard journals: 3–6 months or more
Factors Affecting Publication Speed
- Peer-Review Process: Double-blind peer review ensures quality but may take time depending on reviewer availability.
- Editorial Backlog: Journals with high submission rates often have longer queues, delaying publication.
- Journal Reputation: Highly reputed journals typically have stricter review processes, which can extend timelines.
List of Free Scopus Indexed Journals in Management with Fast Publication
Below are selected journals in the management domain known for relatively faster review timelines and low or no APCs. However, always verify the current Scopus status before submission, as indexing can change.
1. Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business (JAFEB)
Scope: Finance, Economics, Business Management
Publisher: Korea Distribution Science Association (KODISA Foundation)
Review Time: ~6–10 weeks (approx.)
Access Type: Open Access
The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business is an international peer-reviewed journal focusing on financial systems, economic development, and business practices across Asia. It publishes empirical and theoretical research covering areas like corporate finance, banking, international trade, and management systems.
It gained popularity among researchers due to its relatively fast review cycle and broad interdisciplinary scope in business and economics.
2. Serbian Journal of Management
Scope: Strategic Management, HRM, Operations
Publisher: University of Belgrade
Review Time: 8–12 weeks
Access Type: Often free or low-cost (institution-supported)
The Serbian Journal of Management is a university-backed, peer-reviewed journal that focuses on modern management practices, organizational behavior, and industrial management systems. It is particularly strong in European and emerging market perspectives, making it valuable for comparative management research.
This journal is known for:
- Strong academic rigor due to university governance
- Emphasis on applied management research
- Moderate acceptance rate with structured peer review
It is a good choice for researchers looking for credible, non-predatory journals with reasonable timelines.
3. International Journal of Management Science and Engineering Management
Scope: Business Analytics, Operations Research, Management Science
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Review Time: Around 10 weeks
Access Type: Hybrid (may include APC options)
This journal integrates management science with engineering and analytical techniques, making it ideal for researchers working in data-driven decision-making, supply chain management, and optimization models.
Key highlights:
- Published by Taylor & Francis, a globally recognized academic publisher
- Focus on quantitative and analytical research in management
- Strong indexing and international visibility
It is particularly suitable for:
- Researchers in operations, analytics, and industrial management
- Papers using mathematical modeling or simulation techniques
4. Management Science Letters
Scope: Marketing, Finance, HR, General Management
Publisher: Growing Science
Review Time: 6–8 weeks
Access Type: Open Access (often low or moderate APC)
Management Science Letters is a fast-growing journal covering a wide range of management disciplines, including marketing strategies, financial management, organizational studies, and entrepreneurship.
What makes it attractive:
- Fast publication cycle (one of the quicker journals in management)
- Broad scope allowing interdisciplinary submissions
- Focus on practical and applied business research
It is commonly chosen by researchers who need:
- Quick publication for academic deadlines
- Acceptance of diverse management topics
How to Find Free Scopus Indexed Journals in Management (Step-by-Step Guide)
Finding the right journal becomes much easier when you follow a clear step-by-step process. Here’s a simplified and informative guide you can follow:
Step 1: Visit the Official Elsevier Scopus Sources List
Start with the official Scopus database to ensure authenticity.
- Go to the Scopus Sources List
- Apply filters:
- Subject Area: Business, Management & Accounting
- Source Type: Journal
- Status: Active
Step 2: Search on Scopus Website
Use the Scopus platform for deeper research.
- Open the “Sources” section
- Search using keywords like: Management, Business, Finance
- Apply filters for subject and ranking
Step 3: Explore Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
DOAJ is ideal for finding free journals.
- Search for Business & Management journals
- Apply filters:
- APC: No (No Article Processing Charges)
- Open Access journals
Step 4: Filter Journals Based on Key Criteria
Refine your list using practical filters:
- Subject relevance (Management, HR, Marketing, Finance)
- APC (prefer No APC journals)
- Review time (ideal: 6–12 weeks)
- Acceptance rate (moderate is better)
Step 5: Verify Journal Authenticity
Always double-check before submitting.
- Match the journal name in Scopus
- Check publisher details
- Review editorial board and website quality
Avoid journals with:
- Fake indexing claims
- Very fast acceptance (1–2 weeks)
- Poor or unclear peer-review process
Step 6: Check Journal Quality Metrics
Evaluate the journal’s impact before final selection.
- Look at CiteScore and quartile (Q1–Q4)
- Prefer:
- Q3/Q4 for faster publication
- Q1/Q2 for higher impact
In the long run, genuine publications not only strengthen your academic profile but also build trust within the research community. Instead of chasing speed alone, aim for a balance between quality, credibility, and accessibility—that’s the real key to successful academic publishing.
FAQs
Are All Scopus Journals Paid?
No, many Scopus indexed journals are completely free to publish in.
How Long Does Scopus Publication Take?
It typically ranges from 1 to 6 months, depending on the journal.
Is Fast Publication Safe?
Yes, but only if the journal follows a proper peer-review process.
Can I Publish Without Fees?
Yes, several legitimate journals offer free publication options.
