1. Submission and technical check

Manuscripts must be submitted through OJS. The editorial office checks completeness, scope, file integrity, declarations, anonymisation, and conformity with author guidelines.

2. Editorial screening

An editor assesses originality, methodological plausibility, ethical compliance, and relevance. Manuscripts that are out of scope, seriously flawed, duplicative, or non-compliant may be declined without external review.

3. External peer review

At least three reviewers with relevant expertise are invited. Reviewers assess originality, methods, ethics, analysis, clarity, evidence, and whether conclusions are supported.

4. Revision

Authors receive anonymised comments and must provide a point-by-point response. Revised manuscripts may be returned to reviewers when necessary.

5. Editorial decision

The editor evaluates the manuscript and reports and decides to accept, request revision, or reject. Reviewer recommendations are advisory; the editor remains accountable for the final decision.

Conflicts, confidentiality, and appeals

Editors and reviewers must disclose conflicts and recuse themselves when independence could reasonably be questioned. Manuscripts and reports remain confidential. Authors may appeal a decision using the Complaints and Appeals Policy.