Peer Review Process

Overview

The journal is committed to ensuring the quality, integrity, and scholarly value of all published articles through a rigorous, transparent peer-review process. All manuscripts undergo evaluation by qualified experts in the relevant field prior to publication.

Type of Peer Review

The journal employs a double-blind peer review process.

  • The identities of authors are concealed from reviewers. 
  • The identities of reviewers are concealed from authors. 

This ensures an unbiased and impartial evaluation of all submissions.

Who Conducts the Peer Review

Peer review is conducted by at least two independent reviewers who are external experts in the relevant discipline. Reviewers are selected based on their expertise, research background, and publication record.

Members of the editorial board may be involved when appropriate; however, efforts are made to prioritize independent external reviewers.

Reviewer Selection and Author Suggestions

Authors may recommend potential reviewers during submission. However:

  • The journal is not obligated to use the recommended reviewers. 
  • The editorial team ensures that all selected reviewers are free from conflicts of interest. 

The final selection of reviewers is at the sole discretion of the editorial team.

Peer Review Procedure

  1. Initial Screening 
    • The editorial office reviews submissions for scope, originality, formatting, and ethical compliance. 
    • Manuscripts that do not meet basic requirements may be rejected without external review. 
  2. Assignment to Reviewers 
    • Eligible manuscripts are assigned to at least two independent reviewers. 
  3. Review Evaluation 
    • Reviewers assess the manuscript’s originality, methodology, clarity, significance, and ethical compliance. 
    • Reviewers provide recommendations: accept, minor revision, major revision, or reject. 
  4. Editorial Decision 
    • The Editor-in-Chief or assigned editor evaluates reviewer comments and makes the final decision. 
    • In cases of conflicting reviews, an additional reviewer may be consulted. 

Anonymity and Confidentiality

  • The journal maintains strict confidentiality throughout the review process. 
  • Reviewer reports are anonymous and are not signed. 
  • Review reports are not published alongside the article. 

Supplementary Materials

Any supplementary materials submitted with the manuscript (e.g., datasets, appendices, instruments) may also be subject to peer review where relevant to the evaluation of the study.

Decision-Making Authority

The final decision regarding acceptance, revision, or rejection of a manuscript rests with the Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with the editorial board and reviewers.

Exceptions to Peer Review

All research articles and systematic reviews undergo peer review.

Editorial Independence and Integrity

To ensure transparency and avoid conflicts of interest:

  • Manuscripts submitted by editors, editorial board members, or reviewers are handled independently. 
  • Such manuscripts undergo the same rigorous peer review process. 
  • Editorial involvement in published articles is monitored. 

The journal ensures that no more than 25% of the published articles in the two most recent issues include an author who is an editor, an editorial board member, or a reviewer.

Commitment to Quality

The journal is dedicated to maintaining a fair, objective, and timely peer review process that upholds the highest standards of academic publishing.