Peer Review Process

Peer Review Process

Peer review is a fundamental mechanism for maintaining academic quality and research integrity. It serves as a critical evaluation process through which the validity, originality, significance, and scholarly contribution of submitted manuscripts are assessed. In addition to ensuring quality, peer review supports authors by providing constructive feedback aimed at strengthening the clarity, rigor, and impact of their work.

During the review process, expert reviewers examine the manuscript’s content, research design, methodology, originality, and relevance to the field. Reviewers identify strengths and limitations, highlight methodological or conceptual gaps, and recommend improvements or additional analyses where appropriate.

To maintain the highest scientific standards, all manuscripts submitted to the Zhedar Journal undergo a structured and rigorous peer review process as outlined below.

Double-Blind Peer Review

Zhedar applies a double-blind peer review model, in which the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the evaluation process. This approach ensures fairness, impartiality, and academic objectivity by minimizing potential bias related to authorship, institutional affiliation, or academic reputation. Manuscripts are evaluated solely on their scholarly quality and contribution to the field.

Expert Reviewer Selection

Reviewer selection is a critical component of the publication process. Reviewers are chosen based on their subject-matter expertise, academic reputation, research background, previous reviewing performance, and the absence of conflicts of interest. Priority is given to reviewers who demonstrate professionalism, analytical rigor, and the ability to provide timely and constructive evaluations.

Rigorous Evaluation

Each submission is evaluated for:

  • Originality and contribution to knowledge

  • Scientific validity and methodological soundness

  • Clarity of analysis and argumentation

  • Relevance and significance to strategic and social studies

All manuscripts are reviewed by two or three independent expert reviewers.

Scope Alignment

Only manuscripts that clearly fall within the aims and scope of the journal are sent for peer review. Submissions that do not align with the journal’s thematic focus may be declined prior to review.

Constructive Feedback

Reviewers are encouraged to provide detailed, objective, and constructive comments intended to enhance the academic quality, coherence, and scholarly value of the manuscript. Feedback may include suggestions for clarification, restructuring, additional references, or methodological improvement.

Review Timeline

Zhedar is committed to conducting an efficient and timely review process while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Every effort is made to minimize delays without compromising the integrity of the evaluation.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts submitted to JKSS are treated as strictly confidential documents. Editors and reviewers are required to maintain confidentiality regarding the content of submissions and all aspects of the editorial and peer review process.

Editorial Decision

Final publication decisions are made by the Editorial Board based on reviewer reports and the journal’s academic standards. Decisions may fall into one of the following categories:

  • Acceptance

  • Minor Revision

  • Major Revision

  • Rejection