Submission: An author submits a manuscript to a journal. This manuscript includes the research findings, methodology, and references.
Initial Editorial Review: The journal's editorial team conducts an initial review to determine if the manuscript fits the journal's scope and meets basic quality standards. If it does not, it may be rejected at this stage.
Selection of Reviewers: If the manuscript passes the initial review, the editor selects experts in the field (peer reviewers) to evaluate the work. Reviewers are typically chosen based on their expertise and experience related to the manuscript's topic.
Review Process: The selected reviewers read the manuscript and provide feedback on various aspects, including:
Originality and significance of the research
Methodology and experimental design
Clarity and organization of the writing
Validity of the conclusions drawn
Compliance with ethical standards
Reviewer Recommendations: After reviewing, the peer reviewers submit their recommendations to the editor. They may suggest:
Acceptance of the manuscript
Minor or major revisions
Rejection of the manuscript
Editorial Decision: Based on the reviewers' feedback, the editor makes a decision regarding the manuscript. The author is then informed of the decision, along with any comments or suggestions from the reviewers.
Revisions: If revisions are requested, the author makes the necessary changes and resubmits the manuscript. The revised manuscript may be sent back to the original reviewers for further evaluation.
Final Decision: After the revisions are reviewed, the editor makes a final decision. If accepted, the manuscript moves forward to the publication process. If rejected, the author may be given the option to submit to another journal or to revise and resubmit.
Publication: Once accepted, the manuscript undergoes final editing, formatting, and typesetting before being published in the journal.
Post-Publication Review: After publication, the research may still be subject to scrutiny and discussion within the academic community, and readers can provide feedback or critiques.
This process helps ensure that published research is credible, reliable, and contributes meaningfully to the field.