Editor Guidelines

Editorial guidelines are crucial for maintaining consistency, quality, and integrity in academic journal publications. They typically cover aspects such as formatting, citation style, ethical considerations, and the review process.

• Consistency and QualityBy adhering to clear editorial guidelines, journals can uphold their reputation, promote scholarly discourse, and maintain a high level of academic rigour.
• Shared FrameworkThese guidelines serve as a unified framework for editors, authors, and reviewers to follow throughout the entire publication lifecycle.
• Editor ResponsibilityEditors are responsible for ensuring that all submissions comply with these standards before they are considered for publication.

Before submitting a manuscript, authors must be informed of the journal's specific submission requirements. Editors must verify that manuscripts comply with these requirements, as failure to do so can lead to delays or rejections.

• Format and StructureEditors must verify that manuscripts include the correct format, length, structure, and referencing style as stipulated in the journal's submission guidelines.
• Originality and PlagiarismAuthors must submit original work free of plagiarism. Editors should ensure all submissions are screened for similarity before entering the peer review stage.
• Scope ComplianceSubmissions — whether research articles, reviews, or case studies — must fall within the journal's stated aims and scope. Editors are responsible for this preliminary assessment.

The peer review process is a critical quality control mechanism. Editors must manage this process fairly, transparently, and efficiently to maintain the journal's credibility.

• Suitability AssessmentEditors must first determine whether the manuscript is suitable for review before assigning it to peer reviewers with relevant subject expertise.
• Reviewer AssignmentAppropriate reviewers must be selected based on their expertise in the subject matter, ensuring the evaluation is both fair and informed.
• Editorial DecisionBased on reviewer feedback, editors must decide whether to accept, reject, or request revisions. Each decision must be communicated clearly and promptly to the author.
• Clear CommunicationEditors must ensure that authors fully understand reviewers' comments and are guided on how to respond effectively in their revision.

Editors must uphold ethical standards by ensuring that submitted manuscripts comply with principles of academic integrity, including proper citation, authorship, and conflict of interest declarations.

• Academic IntegrityClear guidelines must be in place for handling cases of plagiarism, data falsification, or other ethical breaches, and editors must apply them consistently.
• Copyright PermissionsEditors should verify that authors have obtained appropriate permissions for any copyrighted materials — including images, figures, and data — included in the manuscript.
• Ethics Committee ApprovalEditors are responsible for confirming that studies involving human or animal subjects have received ethical approval from a recognised review board before publication.
• Advancing Science EthicallyMaintaining high ethical standards is not only important for the journal's reputation but is fundamental to the responsible advancement of scientific knowledge.

In cases of suspected misconduct, editors must take swift and fair action according to the journal's established procedures. Transparency in handling misconduct ensures that the journal remains trustworthy.

• Investigation of AllegationsEditors must investigate all credible allegations of plagiarism, authorship disputes, or unethical research practices promptly and impartially.
• Fairness to All PartiesAll parties involved must be given the opportunity to present their case before any decision is made. Editors must approach such matters without prejudice.
• Corrective ActionsIf misconduct is confirmed, editors should take appropriate corrective action — such as issuing retractions, corrections, or escalating to the relevant institution or funding body.
• TransparencyAll misconduct investigations and outcomes must be handled transparently, with appropriate records maintained in accordance with the journal's editorial policies.

Once a manuscript has been published, editors have a responsibility to ensure its continued accessibility and to address any post-publication issues that arise.

• Corrections and ErrataEditors should monitor published articles for new data or information that may impact findings, and take action promptly by issuing an erratum or retraction where necessary.
• RetractionsWhere serious errors or ethical violations are identified post-publication, editors must manage the retraction process in a transparent and timely manner.
• Promoting Published ContentEditors should be proactive in promoting the journal's published content through academic networking platforms, conferences, and social media channels.
• Impact and VisibilityPost-publication engagement helps sustain the visibility and impact of the journal's work, maximising its reach and contribution within the academic community.