To ensure consistency and professionalism in all publications, NextGen Innovations in Computing and Technology (NICT) requires authors to adhere to strict referencing standards. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate source materials.

1. Citation Style

NICT accepts references formatted in one of the following styles:

• APA 7th Edition (preferred for social-tech and interdisciplinary topics)

Authors must remain consistent in applying the chosen style throughout the manuscript. Inconsistencies may result in delays during review.

2. Recommended Reference Managers

To simplify citation formatting, authors are encouraged to use reference management tools, such as:

• Mendeley – Free and widely used for APA and IEEE styles
• Zotero – Open-source and great for collaborative citation
• EndNote – Preferred in academic institutions for large libraries
• Microsoft Word built-in referencing tools (acceptable for simple reference lists)

3. Minimum and Recent Sources

• Authors are encouraged to cite at least 15 references for original research articles.
• At least 40% of the references should be from the last 5 years to ensure novelty and relevance.
• Authors should prioritize peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and reputable technical reports.

4. In-text Citation and Reference List

In-text citations must correspond exactly with the entries in the reference list. Common examples:

• APA: (Smith & Lee, 2023)

Authors should avoid excessive self-citation or reliance on non-academic sources such as blogs or Wikipedia.

5. DOI and Persistent Links

Wherever possible, references must include a DOI or permanent URL. This enhances the accessibility and credibility of the citation.

Example: -

6. Citation Ethics

• Do not cite papers without reading them.
• Avoid citation manipulation (e.g., coercive citation, citation padding).
• All citations should reflect accurate interpretation and relevance.

Proper reference management is essential for scholarly integrity. Failure to adhere to citation standards may result in manuscript rejection.