Initial editorial screening

The Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor checks the manuscript's fit with the journal's Focus and Scope, adherence to the Author Guidelines, and originality via a similarity check (see Screening for Plagiarism). Manuscripts that fail this stage are returned to the author without external review.

Reviewer assignment

Manuscripts that pass initial screening are assigned to at least two reviewers with relevant expertise from the journal's Reviewer pool, or invited external reviewers where specialized expertise is required.

Double-blind review

Reviewers evaluate the manuscript's originality, methodological soundness, clarity, and contribution to the field, and provide written, substantive feedback to the author. Reviewers are expected to complete their evaluation within 2–4 weeks of assignment.

Each reviewer recommends one of: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject.

Editorial decision

The handling editor weighs the reviewers' recommendations and makes the final decision. Where recommendations diverge significantly, the editor may consult an additional reviewer before deciding.

Revision and resubmission

Authors asked to revise their manuscript are given a defined deadline to resubmit. Revised manuscripts may be sent back to the original reviewers for verification before a final decision is issued.

Final decision and production

Accepted manuscripts proceed to copyediting, layout, and are scheduled for publication in an upcoming issue.