Decision-Making

This section explains the EIC's final authority on editorial decisions, including acceptance, rejection, and special issue approvals, based on reviewer recommendations and overall journal policy.

Editorial Decision Process

The decision-making process involves:

• Considering reviewer recommendations and comments
• Evaluating manuscript quality, originality, and significance
• Assessing alignment with journal scope and reader interests
• Making timely decisions to respect authors' work
• Providing clear, constructive feedback to authors

Decision Types

EICs may make the following decisions:

• Accept: Manuscript meets all criteria for publication
• Minor revisions: Accept after addressing specific minor concerns
• Major revisions: Requires substantial changes and re-review
• Reject: Manuscript does not meet publication standards
• Transfer: Recommend submission to a more appropriate journal

Special Issue Approval

When considering special issues, EICs should:

• Evaluate proposals for relevance, timeliness, and potential impact
• Ensure guest editors have appropriate expertise and credentials
• Establish clear guidelines and timelines for special issues
• Monitor special issue progress and maintain quality standards
• Ensure all special issue articles undergo standard peer review

Appeals Process

EICs should establish a fair appeals process:

• Provide clear instructions for submitting appeals
• Designate an impartial associate editor to handle appeals when possible
• Respond to appeals within a defined timeframe (typically 2-4 weeks)
• Document the rationale for appeal decisions
• Recognize that most appeals will not result in reversed decisions