Peer Review Policy

Peer Review Policy

The peer review process is a fundamental mechanism for ensuring the academic quality, validity, and credibility of published research. Journals may adopt different peer review models, including open, transparent, or anonymized review, depending on editorial policy.

The Zhedar applies a double-blind peer review model, in which the identities of authors and reviewers remain confidential throughout the evaluation process.

Editors are responsible for securing at least two independent peer reviewers for manuscripts reporting original research or secondary analysis of primary data. In exceptional cases, and when justified by reviewer expertise and report quality, editorial decisions may be based on a single peer review.

Initial Manuscript Assessment

All submissions undergo an initial evaluation by the editorial team to assess:

  • Completeness of submission

  • Compliance with author guidelines

  • Relevance to the journal’s aims and scope

  • Overall academic quality

Manuscripts meeting these criteria are assigned to a Handling Editor, who determines their suitability for external peer review.

If a Handling Editor has a conflict of interest or is an author of the submission, another Editorial Board member will oversee the review process. The editorial team reserves the right to desk reject manuscripts that do not meet the journal’s scope or minimum quality standards.

Double-Blind Peer Review Process

Zhedar uses a double-blind peer review process, ensuring impartiality, objectivity, and academic fairness.

The process includes the following steps:

  1. The Handling Editor assigns at least two qualified expert reviewers.

  2. Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on:

    • Originality

    • Methodological rigor

    • Scientific validity

    • Significance and contribution to the field

    • Clarity and structure

  3. Reviewers submit detailed reports with recommendations.

  4. Anonymous reviewer comments are shared with the authors.

  5. Authors may submit revised versions addressing reviewer feedback.

  6. The Editorial Board makes the final publication decision.

Final decisions may include:

  • Acceptance

  • Minor Revision

  • Major Revision

  • Rejection

Selection and Diversity of Peer Reviewers

Reviewer selection is based on:

  • Demonstrated expertise in the manuscript’s subject area

  • Academic reputation and publication record

  • Recommendations from recognized scholars

  • Absence of conflicts of interest

  • Ability to provide timely and constructive reviews

Zhedar promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in peer review and encourages the participation of reviewers from different institutions, disciplines, and geographic regions.

Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to adhere strictly to the ethical principles outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), including:

  • Conducting objective and unbiased evaluations

  • Providing constructive, evidence-based feedback

  • Maintaining strict confidentiality

  • Declaring conflicts of interest prior to accepting review invitations

  • Refraining from using unpublished material for personal research

Failure to comply with ethical standards may result in removal from the Zhedar reviewer database.

Editorial Decisions and Revisions

Editorial decisions are made based on reviewer reports, editorial judgment, and journal standards.

Decision categories include:

  • Acceptance: No further revisions required

  • Minor Revision: Limited changes required prior to acceptance

  • Major Revision: Substantial revisions required; resubmission may undergo additional review

  • Rejection: Manuscript does not meet journal standards

Authors must submit revised manuscripts within the specified deadline and provide a detailed response to reviewer comments. Unsatisfactory revisions may result in further review rounds or rejection.

Confidentiality and Integrity

All submitted manuscripts and related communications are treated as strictly confidential. Editors and reviewers are obligated to protect the integrity of the review process.

Zhedar follows international publication ethics guidelines, including COPE standards. Any ethical misconduct—such as plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, or biased assessment—will be investigated and addressed through appropriate corrective measures, including manuscript rejection or retraction when necessary.

Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions if they believe the evaluation was unfair or based on factual errors.

Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief, including a clear explanation and supporting evidence. The editorial team may consult external experts before issuing a final decision. Appeal outcomes are final.

Timeliness of the Peer Review Process

Zhedar is committed to maintaining an efficient and transparent review timeline while preserving academic rigor.

Typical processing times are:

  • Initial editorial assessment: 1–2 weeks

  • Peer review period: 4–6 weeks

  • Author revision period: 2–4 weeks

  • Final editorial decision: approximately 2 weeks

These timelines may vary depending on reviewer availability and manuscript complexity.

Open Access Policy

Zhedar is fully committed to the principles of open access publishing, recognizing that unrestricted access to scholarly research promotes knowledge dissemination and global academic collaboration.

All articles published in Zhedar are freely available online immediately upon publication, without subscription or access fees.

Authors are encouraged to deposit all versions of their manuscripts—including preprints, accepted manuscripts, and final published articles—in institutional or subject-based repositories. Zhedar supports responsible self-archiving practices to enhance visibility and citation impact.

Archiving Policy

Zhedar ensures the long-term digital preservation of published content through trusted international archiving systems.

The journal participates in:

  • LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe)

  • CLOCKSS (Controlled LOCKSS)

In addition, Zhedar content is preserved through the PKP Preservation Network (PKP PN), guaranteeing continued accessibility even in the event of journal discontinuation.

Repository Policy

Zhedar supports open-access initiatives and long-term research preservation.

The journal management office deposits published materials in recognized institutional or subject-based repositories to enhance discoverability and accessibility. Zhedar aligns its repository policies with international best practices and collaborates with Jisc Sherpa Services to ensure transparency and compliance with global archiving standards.

This policy strengthens global research dissemination and promotes collaboration across institutions and regions.