1. Initial Editorial Screening

Upon submission, each manuscript is evaluated by the Editorial Office to check for compliance with the journal’s scope, originality, novelty, ethical standards, format guidelines, and completeness (including abstracts, references, figures, author affiliations). Manuscripts that fail to meet basic standards may be desk-rejected without external peer review.

2. Assignment to an Academic Editor

If the manuscript passes initial screening, it is assigned to an Academic Editor with expertise in the relevant discipline. The Academic Editor oversees the review process.

3. Selection of Reviewers

Typically, two independent external reviewers are invited. Reviewers are selected for their subject-matter expertise, impartiality, and ability to provide constructive feedback. Conflicts of interest are avoided. The review model used is **double-blind peer review, meaning neither reviewers nor authors know each other’s identities.

4. Review Criteria

Reviewers evaluate the manuscript along several dimensions, including but not limited to:

      a) Originality and significance of the research question

      b) Theoretical/conceptual framing

      c) Rigor and appropriateness of methodology

      d) Quality of data analysis and interpretation

      e) Clarity of presentation (writing, structure, figures/tables)

      f) Relevance to the journal’s focus and scope

      g) Ethical considerations (e.g., human subjects, data integrity)

5. Review Rounds & Revision

Based on reviewer reports, the Academic Editor makes a recommendation: accept, minor revisions, major revisions, or reject. Authors are given a chance to revise their manuscript. Revised manuscripts may undergo additional review rounds until the standards are met.

6. Final Decision

Once reviewers’ feedback and revisions are satisfactory, the Academic Editor (often with the Editorial Board) will make the final decision regarding acceptance.

7. Post-Acceptance Processing

After acceptance, the manuscript undergoes copy-editing, proofreading, formatting, and typesetting. Authors review proofs before final publication. Publication may be online ahead of print, depending on schedule.

8. Timeline (Approximate)

    a) Initial screening: 1-2 weeks

    b) Peer review (external): 3-6 weeks

    c) Revision (by authors): 2-4 weeks

    d) Final decision & production: 2-4 weeks

9. Transparency and Ethics

   a) Reviewers are expected to keep manuscripts confidential.

   b) All reviewers should declare any conflict of interest.

   c) If ethical misconduct is suspected, journal follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

   d) The process ensures the integrity of published research.