AUFSCHLUSS is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of scholarly publishing through a rigorous and transparent peer review process. This policy outlines the procedures and principles that guide our peer review system.
1. Purpose of Peer Review
The primary purpose of peer review is to ensure that published research is:
- Original: Contributing new knowledge to the field.
- Rigorous: Methodologically sound and well-researched.
- Relevant: Aligning with the scope and aims of AUFSCHLUSS.
- Clear and Well-Structured: Communicating findings effectively to the academic community.
2. Peer Review Process
a. Submission
- Upon submission, manuscripts are assigned a unique identifier and undergo an initial editorial assessment to determine their suitability for the journal.
b. Reviewer Selection
- The editorial team selects at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant field. Reviewers are chosen based on their qualifications and experience, ensuring impartiality.
c. Double-Blind Review
- AUFSCHLUSS employs a double-blind review process, where both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous. This approach aims to eliminate bias and promote objectivity.
d. Review Criteria
Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on the following criteria:
- Originality and significance of the research question.
- Methodological rigor and appropriateness.
- Clarity of presentation and organization.
- Relevance to the journal’s scope and readership.
e. Review Timeline
- Reviewers are typically given [4 weeks] to complete their evaluations. Authors are kept informed about the progress of their submissions.
3. Reviewer Responsibilities
Reviewers are expected to:
- Provide constructive feedback to help authors improve their manuscripts.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding the content of the manuscript.
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
- Avoid personal bias and focus on the quality of the research.
4. Author Responsibilities
Authors are responsible for:
- Ensuring their submissions meet the journal’s formatting and ethical guidelines.
- Responding to reviewer comments and feedback in a timely and respectful manner.
- Acknowledging and addressing any potential conflicts of interest.
5. Editorial Decision
After the review process, the editorial team makes a decision based on the reviewers’ feedback:
- Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication as is or with minor revisions.
- Revise and Resubmit: The manuscript requires substantial revisions before being reconsidered.
- Reject: The manuscript is not suitable for publication in AUFSCHLUSS.
Authors are provided with feedback and recommendations from the reviewers along with the editorial decision.
6. Appeal Process
If authors disagree with the editorial decision, they may appeal by submitting a formal request to the editorial office. The appeal should include a rationale for reconsideration and any supporting evidence.
7. Confidentiality and Ethical Considerations
All parties involved in the peer review process must adhere to ethical standards:
- Reviewers must keep all information regarding the manuscript confidential.
- Any ethical concerns identified during the review process should be reported to the editorial office for investigation.
8. Commitment to Continuous Improvement
AUFSCHLUSS is committed to continuously improving its peer review process. We welcome feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers to enhance our practices and ensure the integrity of our publication.