PEER REVIEW PROCESS

PEER REVIEW PROCESS

STAGE ONE: PRE-PEER REVIEW

  • Initial screening of abstracts and introductions: The Managing Editor, in conjunction with the Editor-in-Chief reviews all submitted abstracts and introduction. Submissions are assessed and ranked based on their clarity, analytical depth, originality, and overall quality.
  • Decision on abstracts and introductions: The Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief jointly determine which submissions will be accepted or declined. Authors are then notified accordingly.
  • Review of Full Manuscripts: For submissions that pass the initial stage, the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief review the full manuscripts and decide whether to accept or reject them for peer review.

STAGE TWO: EDITORIAL BOARD PEER REVIEW

  • Editorial Board review: Accepted manuscripts are shared with members of the journal’s editorial board, along with the journal’s peer review assessment form.

STAGE THREE: EXPERT PEER REVIEW

  • Expert peer review: Following authors revisions based on editorial board feedback; manuscripts undergo a second round of peer review by thematic experts.
  • Review criteria: During both phases of peer review, particular attention is paid on:
    1. The Topic: Relevance to current and emerging debates on Africa, whether it has been discussed satisfactorily considering existing theory and/or practice in the area concerned and whether it brings new perspective or insight
    2. Methods: Conceptual quality (framework, theory, hypotheses), methodological quality (design and sample, measurement, method), referencing of sources, adherence to journal guidelines
    3. Content: Clarity and readability, effective use of headings and sub-headings, originality and coherence of discussion(s)
    4. Findings: Clear presentation of findings and/or insights, contribution to relevant literature
    5. Conclusion: Strength, validity and coherence of conclusions

STAGE FOUR: REVISION

  • Author revisions: Authors resubmit revised manuscripts, accompanied by a detailed list of changes with corresponding page numbers. The Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief review these revisions and may request further modifications if necessary.

STAGE FIVE: COPY EDITING

  • Final preparation for publication: Once the manuscript meets all journal requirements, it proceeds to copy editing, layout, and final publication.