From the Editor in Chief

As the American Marketing Association's premier journal focusing on scholarly and managerially relevant articles on international marketing, Journal of International Marketing (JIM) is designed to serve the needs of educators, thoughtful practitioners, and public policymakers. The journal's mission is as vital today as it was at its inception. In an editorial that appeared in the inaugural issue, the founding editor, S. Tamer Cavusgil (1993, p. 3), succinctly stated that JIM‘s primary objective “is to contribute to the advancement of international marketing practice and theory.” Most recently, this mission has been advanced by the dedicated efforts of JIM‘s second editor, Bodo B. Schlegelmilch, whose outstanding leadership ensured that JIM articles were scholarly and rigorously scientific, yet offered a high degree of relevance to practicing international marketing managers. I thank Dr. Schlegelmilch for his years of excellent service to the journal.

As JIM‘s third editor, my mandate is to continue to balance rigor and relevance while providing complete and thorough coverage of the journal's topical domain: international marketing management. By concentrating on the marketing aspects of global business operations, JIM has a unique opportunity to truly advance the knowledge base in international marketing strategy and management. To disseminate new knowledge effectively, it is important that JIM not be limited to only traditional, mainstream topics in international marketing but encompass relevant interdisciplinary issues and approaches as well. Marketing is an integral aspect of the broader phenomenon of international business, and JIM needs to continue to cover innovative scholarly work in a definitive way while broadening the boundaries of marketing in a global context.

In terms of content, JIM will continue to reflect the increasing diversity and complexity of the global marketplace, thereby ensuring that readers understand international marketing's evolving dynamics. Given the cutting-edge developments occurring in e-commerce, supply chain management, transitional and emerging markets, regulation, and other areas, JIM must continue to attract first-class manuscripts that focus on topics such as the •

Impact of the information technology revolution on international marketing

The key point is that JIM must continue to be the premier refereed scholarly journal that focuses on what is new and what is next in international marketing theory and practice. By disseminating new knowledge and the latest research findings on the most intriguing topics, JIM can best advance both the science and the practice of international marketing.

Journal of International Marketing continues to extend its editorial reach and services to key constituencies by integrating its print format with an enhanced Web-based presence. The JIM Web site (http://www.marketingpower.com/JIM) connects the quarterly publication with a host of Web-based services that add value for both authors and readers. For subscribers, the “Archives” section provides complete PDF files of articles from previous issues and supports both keyword and Boolean searches. The “Tables of Contents and Summaries” section provides access to article executive summaries and author biographies for previous JIM issues. In addition, the site contains editorial policies, manuscript guidelines, and staff information.

As have many journals, JIM has shifted to a totally electronic manuscript-handling process, which shortens the editorial cycle by speeding up submission, review, and revision to the benefit of both readers and authors. In addition to timeliness, JIM strives for a highly constructive editorial process and employs a developmental reviewing policy; that is, the reviewing cycle focuses on developing the fundamental contribution in manuscripts rather than emphasizing reasons for rejection. Because of the emphasis on manuscript development, even authors whose work does not ultimately meet JIM publication standards will benefit. Manuscripts that are accepted for publication will benefit directly from constructive reviews and editorial feedback, thereby strengthening the impact of each article. Similarly, to ensure the quality of reviews and diversity of feedback, the editorial review board will continue to consist of an international mix of highly regarded scholars and to be supplemented by highly qualified ad hoc reviewers who have solid expertise.

At this point in JIM‘s history, it is fundamentally strong and very well positioned in the academic marketplace. Because of the dedication of its previous editors and its association with the American Marketing Association, JIM is poised to accomplish its prime editorial mission: contributing to the advancement of international marketing practice and theory. As Bodo B. Schlegelmilch (2001, p. iii) noted in his first JIM editorial, the journal indeed has “the right blend of scientific rigor and managerial relevance.” Nevertheless, JIM must compete for subscribers and for top manuscripts in a competitive academic marketplace that is crowded with high-quality journals. Authors whose scholarly work focuses on international marketing must view JIM as a preferred, high-quality outlet. I believe JIM is endowed with resources that will ensure its continued success.