Amplify — Calls for Papers

For more than 35 years, the monthly Amplify (formerly Cutter Business Technology Journal) has served as a forum for thought leaders in academia and industry to present innovative ideas and solutions to the critical issues facing business and technology professionals. Please consider sharing your insight with us! For questions or to submit an abstract/article proposal for any of the upcoming issues, please contact Christine Generali, Publisher, Amplify.

Author Editorial Guidelines    Editorial Calendar    Sample Issue   Guest Editor Guidelines  

CFP


Open Calls for Papers: Accepting abstracts for consideration.

► Quantum Disruption: Building, Managing & Governing the Next Wave of Software

► Corporate Boards: Decision Making and Priority Setting in Complex Times

► Innovating for Competitive & Successful Clinical Trials 

► Corporate Sustainability Strategies: Unifying Efforts for Greater Impact

► Vision 2030: Digital Era Imperatives


Quantum Disruption: Building, Managing & Governing the Next Wave of Software

CFP

Guest Editors: Mario Piattini and Ricardo Pérez-Castillo
Abstract Deadline: December 1, 2024
Article Deadline: Full articles due January 20, 2025 (upon acceptance of abstract)

As the field of quantum computing advances, the development of quantum software is becoming crucial for organizations aiming to leverage this disruptive technology. Unlike classical software, quantum software introduces unique challenges and opportunities that require new paradigms for development, management, and governance. With applications spanning sectors like finance, healthcare, logistics, and cybersecurity, the effective creation, deployment, and management of quantum software will shape the future of industries and innovation.

An upcoming issue of Amplify, with Guest Editors Mario Piattini and Ricardo Pérez-Castillo, invites contributions that explore both theoretical frameworks and practical implementations of quantum software, focusing on development methodologies, governance structures, and management strategies tailored for quantum computing environments. As the quantum landscape evolves, this issue seeks to offer insights into how organizations can successfully build quantum software systems that are robust, scalable, and aligned with both technical and regulatory standards.

Articles can address, but are not limited to, topics such as:

  • What are the latest advancements in quantum and hybrid software design, development, and integration?
  • What unique challenges and opportunities in quantum software require new paradigms for development, management, and governance?
  • Which governance structures/techniques are key to successful quantum software initiatives?
  • What are the latest advancements in testing, debugging, and quality assurance for quantum software?
  • How can hybrid software systems be integrated and made interoperable?
  • What are the key takeaways from organizations developing quantum software?
  • What does the future hold for quantum and hybrid software engineering?
  • What project management and collaboration approaches can enhance the effectiveness of quantum software projects?
  • Which governance models are most effective for managing quantum software ecosystems?
  • How can quantum software drive advancements in AI and strengthen cybersecurity?

submit your abstract here

FOR CONSIDERATION: Please send an abstract (~300 words or less of proposed article scope and author bios) to Mario Piattini, Ricardo Pérez del Castillo, Christine Generali. Authors will be notified after the evaluation of all abstracts is complete. Final article length is 2,000-3,500 words plus graphics. More editorial guidelines.


Corporate Boards: Decision Making and Priorities Setting in Complex Times

CFP

Guest Editors: Mirko Benischke
Abstract Deadline: Now accepting abstracts for consideration.
Article Deadline: February 28, 2025 

Corporate boards today face complex and potentially existential challenges as they navigate ongoing societal transitions, geopolitical tensions, and grand global challenges. Despite an abundance of research, opinion pieces, and policy guidance on the role of boards, the question of what constitutes effective board decision-making remains unresolved. Even more contentious is the debate around what “effectiveness” truly means in the board context: Should boards primarily focus on offering strategic counsel and advice, or should they prioritize monitoring and oversight?

These questions take on added urgency in an era increasingly influenced by AI-assisted decision-making, prompting fresh debates about the role of technology in shaping boardroom processes and outcomes.

In an upcoming issue of Amplify with Guest Editor Mirko Benischke, we invite articles exploring the fundamental challenges facing corporate boards, including how priorities should be established, and what strategies will drive continuous improvement in governance and decision-making practices.

Articles can address, but are not limited to, topics such as:

  • What are the core characteristics of an effective board, and what should its mandate truly encompass?
  • What processes and structures enable boards to operate effectively in complex environments?
  • How can AI enhance or reshape board decision-making processes?
  • How can boards support executives in balancing increasingly conflicting demands from diverse internal and external stakeholders?
  • What strategies can boards adopt to foster ongoing improvement in governance and decision-making practices?

submit your abstract here

FOR CONSIDERATION: Please send an abstract (~300 words or less of proposed article scope and author(s) bio) to Mirko Benischke and Christine Generali. Authors will be notified after the evaluation of all abstracts is complete. Final article length is 2,000-3,500 words plus graphics. More editorial guidelines.


Innovating for Competitive & Successful Clinical Trials

CFP

Guest Editors: Ulrica Sehlstedt, Ben Enejo, Franziska Thomas
Abstract Deadline: OPEN
Article Deadline: Full articles due February 28

As the number of competing clinical trials increases each year, often targeting the same disease areas and patient pools, the successful completion of these trials and subsequent regulatory submissions is becoming increasingly challenging. Furthermore, with the rapid pace of technological breakthroughs and evolving therapy types, the stakes are higher for many sponsors. Finishing second-in-class often results in a meager return on investment. However, many drug developers are implementing significant cost-cutting measures. Balancing the need to stay innovative and competitive for the future while addressing operational efficiencies for today presents a major dilemma for the industry.

An upcoming issue of Amplify, with Guest Editors Ulrica Sehlstedt, Ben Enejo, and Franziska Thomas will explore innovative strategies and approaches to ensure clinical trial competitiveness and success.

Articles can address, but are not limited to, topics such as:

  • What is the future of clinical trials and what criteria are required to “win”?
  • How can drug developers cultivate capabilities today to avoid going extinct tomorrow?
  • Given the lack of mastery, does the rapid expanse of technological advances offer “real” innovation and competitiveness?
  • What measures can be taken by drug developers to reduce unnecessary complexity in clinical trials?
  • What innovative approaches can drive true patient centricity in clinical trials and treatments of the future?
  • How can the experience of patients, investigators and trial centers be improved to ensure more effective recruitment and treatment of patients?
  • What are the risks of leveraging AI to accelerate trial cycles and patient outcomes?
  • How should data privacy frameworks be adapted to fit future clinical trial needs while protecting patient confidentiality?
  • What innovative strategies can accelerate the registration pathway for new therapies?

submit your abstract here

FOR CONSIDERATION: Please send an abstract (~300 words or less of proposed article scope and author(s) bio) to Ulrica Sehlstedt, Ben Enejo, Franziska Thomas and Christine Generali. Authors will be notified after the evaluation of all abstracts is complete. Final article length is 2,000-3,500 words plus graphics. More editorial guidelines.


Corporate Sustainability Strategies: Unifying Efforts for Greater Impact

CFP

Guest Editors: Margaret O'Gorman and Frank Werner
Abstract Deadline: October 25
Article Deadline: Full articles due December 18 (upon acceptance of abstract)

The private sector faces a multitude of sustainability concerns, including climate adaptation and resilience, water quality, quantity and stewardship, biodiversity preservation and restoration, circularity, environmental equity, Indigenous rights, STEM education and workforce development. In many companies, these concerns are managed in different departments, siloed with disparate budgets, resources and personnel. Once a year, reporting and disclosures are gathered from these various sustainability efforts, projecting the appearance of a continuum of impact from a suite of disjunctive activities.

Yet, intersections exist between these sustainability concerns that could realize increased efficiencies and synergies and, most importantly, greater impacts. For example: water quality can be improved with nature-based solutions that also create uplift for biodiversity; environmental inequities can be addressed with corporate contributions to climate resilience; and circularity can contribute to decarbonization. Business managers seeking to further develop strategies for procurement and product development find value in understanding the many intersections that exist.

An upcoming issue of Amplify, with Guest Editors Margaret O’Gorman and Frank Werner will curate a selection of articles exploring these intersections to highlight best practices and showcase innovations across the breadth of corporate sustainability.

Articles can address, but are not limited to, topics such as:

  • Sustainability solutions that focus on two or more environmental or social issues.
  • Development of enabling conditions to build an integrated sustainability program.
  • Meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders through sustainability intersections.
  • The challenges, both internal and external, of building intersections into sustainability programs.
  • Moving beyond materiality by recognizing, measuring and reporting at the intersections.
  • Gathering data and disclosing integrated activities.
  • The challenge of both Greenhushing and Greenwashing when building an integrated program.

submit your abstract here

FOR CONSIDERATION: Please send an abstract (~300 words or less of proposed article scope and author(s) bio) to Margaret O'Gorman, Frank Werner and Christine Generali. Authors will be notified after the evaluation of all abstracts is complete. Final article length is 2,000-3,500 words plus graphics. More editorial guidelines.


Vision 2030: Digital Era Imperatives

CFP

Guest Editors: Noah Barsky
Abstract Deadline: CLOSED
Article Deadline: Full articles due November 22 (upon acceptance of abstract)

As companies develop Vision 2030 plans, executives and boards face digital era opportunities and risks that will shape their future. The digital era brings transformative technologies that drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and create new revenue streams. However, these prospects come with challenges such as strategic relevance, hypercompetition, cybersecurity threats, talent retention, new interdependencies, and regulatory changes. The next half decade is undoubtedly critical to long-term viability. Leaders will need meaningful and substantive guidance to forge and run lasting, adaptive and thriving business models to deliver sustainable performance.

Firstly, AI helps organizations streamline operations, personalize customer experiences, and optimize decision-making, providing a competitive edge, enhancing productivity, and driving results. Yet, with innovation comes inherent risks. Cybersecurity threats loom large as organizations rely on interconnected systems, requiring robust defenses to protect sensitive information, maintain trust, and comply with regulations. Beyond managing the downside, companies must capitalize on digital opportunities to drive sustainable growth. The digital era offers new paths for market expansion, supply chain optimization, and revenue stream diversification. 

Secondly, evaluating digital opportunities involves anticipating trends and investing in emerging technologies that align with the organization's long-term vision. Ultimately, the evaluation of digital era risks and opportunities requires a holistic approach that integrates technological expertise with strategic foresight and ethical considerations. 

Finally, the ethical implications of technology adoption cannot be underestimated. Issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy violations and societal impacts of automation require thoughtful consideration. Executives and board members bear the responsibility of ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to society. 

An upcoming issue of Amplify with Guest Editor Noah Barsky invites articles on how leaders can balance digital era stewardship and growth. That future hinges on effectively managing the next five years. Each submission should address the timeless question that challenges executives: will leaders shape the future or allow it to define them?

Articles can address, but are not limited to, topics such as:

AI and ML

  • How can AI and ML be leveraged to improve business performance? What are the ethical considerations and potential societal impacts of AI use in core business processes?
  • How can AI and ML advancements in healthcare improve patient outcomes while addressing data privacy and ethical concerns?
  • What are the challenges and future prospects of AI and ML in financial sectors, particularly in risk assessment, fraud detection, and algorithmic trading?
  • How can these technologies be regulated to ensure fairness and transparency?

Data Privacy and Security

  • How do AI and blockchain enhance data privacy and security, and what are the challenges and opportunities in implementing them in sensitive data environments?
  • What are the ethical implications of data privacy breaches on digital platforms and social media and how can individuals, organizations, and governments collaborate to mitigate these risks and protect user privacy?

Cross-Sector Digital Transformation

  • What are successful case studies of digital transformation in industries like manufacturing, retail, or healthcare, and what strategies were used to improve operational efficiency and customer experience?
  • What are the implications of digital transformation for business models in traditional industries? How can organizations navigate cultural and organizational challenges to successfully implement digital transformation?
  • What key digital transformation factors will drive M&A due diligence, integration and valuation?

Cybersecurity and Resilience

  • What are the current and emerging cybersecurity threats facing critical infrastructure and organizations? How can proactive cyber defense strategies and incident response frameworks mitigate these threats?
  • What are effective resilience measures for organizations to recover from cyberattacks and operational disruptions?
  • How can cybersecurity practices be integrated into corporate governance and risk management frameworks?

Ethical and Social Implications of Technology

  • What role do stakeholders such as governments, tech companies, and civil society play in addressing algorithmic bias?
  • What are the impacts of automation on job displacement and the future of work?
  • How can policies and educational initiatives promote reskilling and upskilling to mitigate negative impacts and prepare the workforce for the digital economy?
  • How can biases in AI algorithms be identified, mitigated, and regulated to ensure fairness in decision-making processes?

Digital Governance and Policy

  • How can regulatory frameworks adapt to the challenges of misinformation, cyber warfare, and data sovereignty?
  • What are the roles of governments, international organizations, and tech companies in addressing these challenges?
  • What are effective models of digital governance that promote innovation while protecting user rights and ensuring cybersecurity?
  • How can international collaborations improve digital governance frameworks?
  • What are the ethical considerations in developing and implementing policies for emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT?
  • How can policy makers balance innovation with ethical standards and public trust?

Digital Era Talent

  • How will AI-driven automation reshape job roles and career paths across different industries?
  • What strategies can individuals and organizations adopt to adapt to these changes and maximize the benefits of automation?
  • What are effective strategies for reskilling and upskilling the workforce to meet the demands of a digital-first economy?
  • What are the long-term impacts of automation and AI on professional skills and competencies across different industries? How can lifelong learning initiatives and upskilling programs be tailored to meet the evolving demands of the workforce and ensure career readiness?

Professional Learning

  • How will universities and emerging learning forums evolve in the digital age to meet the changing needs of students and industries? What role will online learning, hybrid models, and lifelong learning initiatives play in reshaping traditional higher education structures?
  • How can organizations foster interdisciplinary collaborations and industry partnerships to address global challenges and societal needs? How can these collaborations contribute to innovation, knowledge transfer, and economic development?
  • How can organizations design effective professional learning and development programs that incorporate emerging technologies and accommodate diverse learning styles? What are the key success factors for ensuring continuous professional development in the digital era?

submit your abstract here

FOR CONSIDERATION: Please send an abstract (~300 words or less of proposed article scope and author(s) bio) to Noah Barksy and Christine Generali. Authors will be notified after the evaluation of all abstracts is complete. Final article length is 2,000-3,500 words plus graphics. More editorial guidelines.


Author Editorial Guidelines

These notes are intended to give authors some guidance and direction for articles submitted to Amplify for publication. Additional Amplify editorial guidelines can be found here.

Editorial: Amplify is professionally edited by our team who evaluates articles for content, substance, grammar, and style and provides valuable feedback so that authors can revise and improve their papers before publication. Publishing turnaround times are short. Articles are also peer-reviewed by the Guest Editor who is an expert in the field.

Audience: Publishing with Arthur D. Little affords the opportunity to present your insights and research to a global audience of corporate executives, top academics, and leaders in the private, public and NGO/IGO sectors highly interested in emerging developments across the spectrum of business and technology. Typical readers of Amplify range from CxOs and other business leaders to technology executives, program leaders, product managers, engineering managers and development executives, along with professors from universities worldwide. Most work in fairly large organizations: Fortune 500 organizations, universities, NGOs/IGOs, and government agencies. Industries span finance and banking, education, energy, entertainment, food, healthcare, insurance, travel/transportation and manufacturing.

Length: The recommended article length is 2,000-3,500 words, not including graphics. Please do your best to keep your article to this recommended length.

Article Format: Please send your article in word document format for editing purposes. Please do not send it as a PDF.

Editorial advice: Introductory-level, tutorial coverage of a topic is not very popular with our readership as they are senior-level people. Delete the introductory "fluff" and get to the meat of the topic. Assume you're writing for someone who has been in the industry for 10 to 20 years, is very busy, and very impatient. Assume he or she is mentally asking, while reading your article, "What's the point? What do I do with this information?" Apply the "so what?" test to everything you write.

General comments: We enjoy controversy and strong opinion; we like the fact that we can provide an alternative to standard "refereed" journals that sanitize articles. Because we don't carry any advertising, we can publish critical or negative comments about specific vendors or products. However, we obviously don't want to publish anything libelous or slanderous. Conversely, we don't publish self-serving commercial messages praising one's own product or service.

Style, grammar, and mechanics: For advice on good writing style, we recommend Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, The Chicago Manual of Style, and The Elements of Style (Strunk and White). We are fanatics about the editorial quality of Amplify; anything you can do to help us in this regard will be greatly appreciated.

Graphics: Please keep your use of graphics to a maximum of 4 and submit original, editable files (not static images). Preferably, create your graphics in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and submit them as a separate editable Office file. If this is not possible, send files as high-res PNG, JPEG, PDF, or Adobe Illustrator CC/EPS. All images owned by another party may only be used with owner's permission. It is the author's responsibility to obtain permission. Copying images off the Internet without permission infringes on copyright and is unacceptable for publication. All graphics (figures and tables) must include captions and a reference within the text; for example: “(see Figure 1)” or “Figure 1 illustrates….” Please note that we may remove graphics deemed unnecessary. Please be minimalistic in your design: limit colors, shadings, and typefaces. For additional questions, please contact Linda Dias (dias.linda@adlittle.com).

Deadlines: Timely submission is crucial to meet our publishing deadline. If you anticipate delays, please inform us promptly so we can make necessary adjustments. Late submissions may not be included in the issue.

Editorial process: Once we get your article, we commence two parallel editorial passes: one for content (by the guest editor) and one for substance, grammar, and style (by a Cutter editor). Either or both of these initial editorial reviews may result in some questions or feedback from us. Most likely, we will send you a first draft "page proof" of your article for your review and approval. Articles published in the journal must meet certain criteria relating to audience, technical content, and presentation. In the unlikely occurrence that, upon editorial review, your completed article does not meet with these requirements, Cutter Consortium reserves the right to decline the publishing of your article in the journal. Upon final acceptance, the article moves to additional copyediting and proofing stages, including layout. You will receive a PDF in layout form for final approval. We ask that this review take no more than 2-3 days.

Biographical sketch: At the end of each Amplify article, we like to include a brief (200 words or less) biographical sketch of each author along with email address of author(s). Click here for a sample. We also like to provide a color headshot. Please include a high-res color headshot (at least 300x300 pixels) of each author. We accept formal or casual photos that present authors in a professional manner. For samples, see our "Meet the Cutter Experts" section.

Copyrights: When you submit an article to us, you transfer copyright to Arthur D. Little and you warrant that you (or your employer) are the sole owner of the article, that it has not been previously published elsewhere, and that you have full power and authority to grant copyright to Arthur D. Little. You also warrant that it does not infringe on any copyright, violate any property rights, or contain scandalous, libelous, or unlawful matter.

Sourcing Content: Please limit to 20 if possible, prioritizing original thought. When you do draw on the work of other authors and researchers, cite your sources accordingly in the relevant part of the text (using endnote numbers or hyperlinks). Given that Arthur D. Little has no relationships with vendors, we cannot permit the use of references, quotes, statistics, and figures from analyst/research firms with vendor ties (Gartner, MetaGroup, Yankee Group, Forrester, IDC, McKinsey, among others), as the data may be biased. If you feel information from one of these sources is critical to your article, please bring it to our attention early in the editorial process and we will be happy to discuss the issue. Keep in mind that if your article uses too many sources, it is often an indicator that your piece summarizes research too heavily and lacks original thought. Remember our readers are interested in your insights; above all, speak in an expert voice.

Promotion: Once the issue is published, we will provide you with a PDF of your individual article to share with your colleagues or to post on your website, social networks, academic research bases, etc. We will also provide you with a link to the entire issue to share with your contacts, post on your website, blog, social networks, etc. We ask that once the issue is published, that you do not post the entire issue PDF on any websites or social media sites unless given express permission.

Author Compensation: We are pleased to offer Amplify authors a complimentary online subscription to Amplify upon signing an author agreement. In addition, we occasionally pull excerpts, along with the author's bio, to include in weekly email Advisors to clients and in our bi-monthly Amplify Spotlight email newsletter, which reaches another 8,000 readers, and we publish excerpts on the Cutter LinkedIn feeds. 

Endnotes/References: When you draw on the work of other authors and researchers, please cite your sources. All sources/side commentary must be noted in relevant part of text (using endnote numbers) and listed in sequential order (i.e., order of appearance, not alphabetical order) at end of article in "References." All sources should include basic publishing information (i.e., author(s) name(s), complete title, publisher, date, and hyperlink and/or URL). Sources can be repeated but must be listed as a new endnote. The following are examples of various types of endnotes:

1DeMarco, Tom, and Timothy Lister. Waltzing with Bears: Managing Risk on Software Projects. Dorset House, 2003.

2In this survey, “innovation” refers to any new initiatives to introduce innovative, leading-edge, or unconventional software project development methods, processes, tools, or techniques.

3Hall, Curt. “AI & Machine Learning in the Enterprise, Part XI: Success of AI Application Development Efforts.” Cutter Consortium Data Analytics & Digital Technologies, Executive Update, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2019.

4DeMarco and Lister (see 1).

5"About the Sustainability Practice." Cutter Consortium, accessed January 2021 .


Guest Editor Guidelines

Amplify is a monthly publication, published 12x/year. The typical timeframe from issuing the Call for Papers to publication is approximately four months. 

The following is a list of guidelines and expectations of Amplify Guest Editors:

  1. Collaborate on Issue Topic. Work with the Publisher to define and frame the theme of the issue.

  2. Draft the Call for Papers. Create a draft of the Call for Papers (CFP) to solicit articles. The Publisher will review, edit, post the CFP on their website, and promote it via social media channels and internal networks.
     
  3. Help Promote the Call for Papers. Help extend the CFP’s reach by identifying qualified authors through your professional network, inviting authors to contribute, sharing the CFP on your LinkedIn page or resharing related posts with your connections.
     
  4. Select abstracts. Collaborate with the Publisher to review and select submitted abstracts for inclusion in the issue. Each issue includes 5-7 articles.
     
  5. Review and Provide Feedback on Articles. Evaluate final submitted articles, in a timely manner, to ensure business value and alignment with the issue's theme. Provide constructive feedback to authors as necessary.
     
  6. Write the Opening Statement. Prepare an approximately 1,500-word Opening Statement (OS) for the issue. The OS should restate and elaborate on the issue’s theme, offer additional insights into the topic, briefly introduce each article in the order they appear in the issue. Use final versions of all articles as reference material when crafting the OS.
     
  7. Guest Editor Availability Throughout the Process. Please remain accessible to address any questions from the Publisher during the process. If you anticipate being unavailable for an extended period, kindly provide advance notice to ensure smooth communication and workflow. Adherence to the established process and deadlines is essential for ensuring that the publication schedule is met and that the high standards valued by our audience are maintained.

 


Editorial Calendar 2025

Publishing Month Topic Guest Editor
January Corporate Sustainability Strategies: Unifying Efforts for Greater Impact Margaret O'Gorman and Frank Werner
February Quantum Software: Development, Management, Governance Mario Piattini and Ricardo Pérez-Castillo
March Innovating for Competitive and Successful Clinical Trials Ulrica Sehlsted, Franziska Thomas, Ben Enejo
April Corporate Board Decision Making Mirko Benischke
May Supply Chain Regeneration Oana Branzei
June TBD  
July TBD  
August TBD  
September TBD  
October TBD  
November TBD  
December TBD  

Editorial Calendar 2024

Publishing Month Topic Guest Editor
January Embedding Character Leadership Into Organizational DNA Dusya Vera and Ana Ruiz Pardo
February Beyond Orbiting: Toward a Sustainable Space Economy Matteo Ainardi and Guillaume Storck
March Sustainable Urban Mobility Ani Melkonyan-Gottschalk
April The Future of Corporate Responsibility Cynthia Clark
May Maximizing Business Value with Analytics Denis Dennehy
June Analytics: The Catalyst for Economic Value & Innovation Denis Dennehy
July Cultivating Resilience: Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture Athula Ginige
August Scaffolding Purpose: An Infrastructure for Humanity Oana Branzei and Dusya Vera
September Scaffolding Purpose in Times of Polycrisis Oana Branzei and Dusya Vera
October The Twin Transition: Digital Innovation and Climate Action Lukas Falcke
November Charting a Sustainable Future with Digital-First Solutions Lukas Falcke
December Vision 2030: Digital Era Imperatives Noah Barsky