Peer Review Process
All manuscript submissions undergo rigorous evaluation through a double-blind peer review process conducted by recognized academics and practitioners within the relevant research domains. The review process is designed to maintain the highest standards of scholarly integrity while ensuring fair and objective assessment.
Review Process Stages
- Initial Editorial Review: The editorial team verifies that the manuscript meets the journal’s formal requirements and thematic scope. At this stage, a similarity check is performed using Turnitin Similarity Check, and the presence of the required sections stipulated in the template is confirmed. Articles that do not comply with editorial guidelines may be rejected at this stage without proceeding to peer review.
- Reviewer Assignment: At least two external reviewers who are experts in the manuscript's field of study are selected to conduct a critical evaluation of the content.
- Peer Review Evaluation: Reviewers provide a report based on originality, methodological rigor, contribution to the field of study, and clarity of presentation. See evaluation format. Reviewers may recommend:
- Acceptance without changes.
- Acceptance with minor revisions.
- Major revisions and resubmission.
- Rejection
- Editorial Decision: Based on the reviewers' reports, the editor makes the final decision on the manuscript’s publication and notifies the authors.
- Review of Revised Versions: If modifications are required, authors must respond to the reviewers' comments and submit a revised version of the manuscript, which may undergo another round of evaluation if deemed necessary.
Transparency and Ethics in Review
- All reviewers must declare any potential conflicts of interest before accepting an evaluation.
- Acceptance with minor revisions.
- Major revisions and resubmission.
- Rejection
Availability of the Review Policy
This policy is published on the official website of The HOST and is publicly available at all times.