A critical analysis of the Acquisition Review Journal: are we in step with the field?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide contributing authors with an understanding of the trends in article submission to the Acquisition Review Journal (ARJ) with regard to the types of research performed, research design, and data analysis. This research will provide future contributors with insight that will improve both the quality of the ARJ and future research for the Acquisition Corps. It will also provide guidance and recommendations for future research articles within the ARJ. This study analyzed and classified 233 articles that were published in the ARJ over the last 13 years (1994-2006). Ccontent and statistical analyses were performed on the themes, research types, research designs, and data analysis methods employed. Moreover, trends such as educational and institutional affiliations of contributing authors were also reviewed. The ARJ has shown some distinctive trends, which are reflected in its publication of a number of qualitative studies; however, it has also shown progress in the number of published quantitative studies. The academe and practitioners' contributions remained steady,while civilian contributions have been rising. These trends are in line with current recommendations of the research community. For a relatively new journal, such trends are a good representaton of a growing community.