The process begins when an author submits a new manuscript or a revision of a previous manuscript to the journal system
Authors typically upload documents through the journal's online manuscript management system
The manuscript must follow the journal's formatting guidelines and topic scope
The system checks administrative completeness such as author statement forms, conflict of interest disclosures, and research ethics
Assigned to editor
The Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor briefly reviews the manuscript to determine its suitability with the journal's scope
The manuscript is then assigned to a topic/field/section editor who has expertise in the research area
The appointed editor will be responsible for overseeing the entire review process for this manuscript
Editorial assessment
The editor conducts an initial evaluation of the manuscript to assess:
Compatibility with the journal's scope and mission
General scientific quality
Research originality
Compliance with research ethics guidelines
Adherence to journal format
Potential impact and significance in its field
Triage decision: desk reject or send to referees
Based on the initial assessment, the editor decides:
Desk reject: Rejecting the manuscript without sending it to reviewers (usually due to incompatibility with journal scope, inadequate quality, or serious methodological issues)
Proceed to peer review: Selecting and inviting appropriate reviewers to evaluate the manuscript in depth
In some cases, requesting initial revisions before proceeding to the review process
External peer review
Typically 2-3 independent reviewers (sometimes more) are invited to evaluate the manuscript
Reviewers provide in-depth evaluation of:
Research methodology
Validity of results
Data interpretation
Conclusions and significance
References and contribution to existing literature
