Last updated: 4 August 2026
Overview
Nothing moves through the workflow by accident. Each stage has a named person responsible for it, and a manuscript only advances when that person confirms the criteria for the stage have been met.
Submit
Author submits the cover letter and manuscript on the journal template.
AuthorCheck
Completeness, declarations and formatting verified; receipt acknowledged.
Editorial AssistantScreen
Scope, originality, relevance and ethical compliance assessed.
Managing EditorReview
Two independent experts assess under double-blind conditions.
ReviewersThe Five Stages
| Stage | Responsible | Advances when |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Manuscript Submission | Author | Cover letter and .docx manuscript are submitted on the journal template |
| 2. Initial Editorial Checking | Editorial Assistant | All files, declarations and formatting are confirmed complete |
| 3. Editorial Screening | Managing Editor | Scope, originality, relevance and ethics are satisfied |
| 4. Double-blind Review | Two reviewers, plus a third if they conflict | Both evaluations are returned with recommendations |
| 5. Reviewer Recommendations | Editorial Assistant, overseen by the Managing Editor | Feedback is consolidated into a single evaluation form and sent to the author |
| Revision | Author | Revisions returned within one to two weeks, addressing remarks by page number |
| Verification | Reviewers, or the Managing Editor for modest revisions | Reviewers confirm their concerns have been addressed |
| Final decision | Editor-in-Chief | The official verdict on publication is issued |
Who Does What
| Role | Responsible for |
|---|---|
| Editor-in-Chief | The final decision and official verdict on publication; appeals; editorial policy |
| Managing Editor | Editorial screening for scope, originality, relevance and ethics; oversight of the consolidated evaluation form |
| Editorial Assistant | Acknowledging receipt, verifying completeness, consolidating reviewer reports, communicating with authors, tracking compliance |
| Technical Editor | Methodological and technical scrutiny where specialist input is needed |
| Layout Editor | Typesetting, proofs and final article files |
| Reviewers | Independent assessment against the evaluation form, and a recommendation |