Paths to successful academic research: A life course perspective

Abstract

This article presents the factors that lead to effectual research, with emphasis on strategies that range from a broad philosophical perspective on how to approach academic research to choosing research ideas and developing streams of impactful research. It asserts that in order to achieve excellence, one’s emphasis on research goals, strategies, and tactics should also change over the course of his or her entire academic career. The article discusses efficient and effective ways to increase research output and publication probability, ranging from manuscript preparation and positioning to working with journal reviewers. The author uses research findings, anecdotal evidence, and illustrations from his academic career to support his views on strategies and tactics that are required of scholars to succeed. This article draws from his research monograph titled “Academic Research” that he has used in his doctoral research seminar and in seminars presented to faculties of several universities around the globe for more than 30 years (available at: www.econ.ihu.edu.gr/attachments/AcademicResearchMoschis.pdf).