Initial editorial screening
Each submission is first assessed by the editorial office for fit with the journal’s aims and scope, completeness, originality concerns and basic scholarly quality. Submissions may be declined at this stage if they are unsuitable or do not meet minimum requirements.
External assessment
Manuscripts considered suitable may be sent to independent subject specialists. Reviewers are asked to assess originality, methodological soundness, clarity, contribution and relevance. The editor considers reviewer feedback when making an editorial decision.
Editorial decisions
Possible outcomes include acceptance, minor revision, major revision or rejection. Authors may be asked to respond to reviewer comments and submit a revised manuscript. A revision does not guarantee acceptance.
Confidentiality and conflicts
Editors and reviewers must treat manuscripts as confidential and disclose any conflicts of interest. Reviewers should decline assignments where impartiality may reasonably be questioned.