Unit 3: Reference Lists
Organisations as Authors
Some sources may not have any people listed as authors. If so, use the organisation that produced the information as the author instead.
Organisations and Acronyms
This rule applies only if the authoring organisation is also known by an acronym.
When you first mention the organisation's name, either in a narrative or parenthetical citation, write the full name followed by the acronym in brackets.
You should not create your own acronyms in order to reduce on word count, if the company is not officially also known by its acronym. For example, you would not shorten Scottish Government to SG in the same way as you cite the Association for Project Management as APM.
Some organisations are widely known across society by their initials (BBC, NHS). You do not need to give full names for these.
Example
- There is strong evidence to support that [...] (Scottish Intecollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), 2005). In addition to this, further research indicates that [...] (SIGN, 2010).
- According to the Scottish Intecollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) (2005), [...]. Building upon this study, further research indicates that [...] as outlined by SIGN (2015).
What about in the reference list?
Simply write the full name of the author, followed by the accronym in brackets.
If the author is also the publisher, you can just use the acronym in the publisher section.
Example
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2015) The code: professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwifes and nursing associates. Available at: https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/nmc-publications/nmc-code.pdf (Accessed: 18 January 2024).
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