Editorial Board

Editorial Workflow

The editorial workflow is the foundation of any journal’s ability to deliver thorough, high-impact, and meaningful research to its readers. The editorial process at ICPK adheres to the best practices found in leading academic journals such as Nature, Science [5], and The Lancet [6], maintaining a high standard of critical review at every stage. This review provides an overview of our editorial process and offers clarity for researchers wishing to contribute to IJBED.

1. Manuscript Submission

The submission process begins with authors submitting papers to ICPK through our advanced online manuscript system. Authors should summarize key data, including title, abstract, keywords, and references, in a way that aligns with the journal’s Author Guidelines. This stage marks the beginning of the editorial flow, establishing the foundation for future progress. Our submission tool is designed to make this process seamless, ensuring that authors can easily submit all necessary information without unnecessary paperwork.

2. Initial Screening

After submission, an editorial panel ensures the manuscript meets formatting and referencing rules. This step verifies that all necessary resources are included and that the manuscript adheres to the journal’s editorial standards. Manuscripts are assessed for their compliance with journal formatting, ethics, and relevance. If a manuscript fails to meet these criteria, practical advice for improvement is provided. Manuscripts that pass the screening stage are forwarded for editorial review.

3. Editorial Evaluation

In this stage, the Chief Editor or Associate Editor reviews the manuscript to assess its novelty, significance, and contribution to the field. Editors evaluate whether the manuscript addresses critical gaps in the field, whether it presents new findings, and what value it offers to academic research or practical applications. Based on these criteria, articles are either sent to reviewers or returned to authors for further revisions or rejection.

4. Double-Blind Peer Review

The peer review process is crucial for maintaining the quality and validity of research. At ICPK, we use a double-blind peer review process, where authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other. This approach reduces bias and enhances objectivity. Expert reviewers assess the manuscript’s methodology, data analysis, results, and conclusions, providing both positive and negative feedback to help improve the manuscript. This feedback is vital for revising the manuscript to meet the journal’s high standards.

5. Decision-Making

After peer review, the editor decides whether to accept, reject, or request revisions to the manuscript. Accepted papers meet the journal’s standards and are ready for publication. Rejected manuscripts do not meet the journal’s criteria, and detailed feedback is provided to help authors understand the reasons for rejection. Manuscripts requiring revisions are sent back to authors, who must address the reviewers’ comments before resubmission.

6. Revisions

Revisions are a critical part of the editorial process. Authors must carefully respond to the peer reviewers’ comments. This may involve modifying sections of the manuscript, reframing conclusions, or adding further data or analysis. Reviewers are expected to provide a detailed, itemized list of their feedback. Manuscripts must be rewritten to meet the journal’s standards for brevity, novelty, and translational value.

7. Copyediting

Once revisions are complete, the manuscript undergoes copyediting. Editors ensure the manuscript is clear, correct, and formatted according to the journal’s style. This includes checking spelling, grammar, references, and overall readability. Copyediting ensures that the research is presented professionally and is easily accessible to the journal’s audience.

8. Proofing

Proofing is the final step before publication. Authors are given a proof manuscript to identify any remaining errors or inconsistencies. This is the last opportunity for authors to review the manuscript before it is finalized for publication. Proofreading guarantees that the manuscript is error-free and of the highest professional quality, ensuring the research is presented in the best possible light.

9. Publication

After all previous stages are completed, the manuscript is assigned a DOI and enters the publication workflow. ICPK aims for rapid publication, ensuring that high-quality research is made available to the academic community without unnecessary delays. Published articles are accessible online and in print, providing researchers, policymakers, and practitioners with valuable information.

For more details on the field of coverage, please refer to our Aims and Scope section.

Conclusion

The editorial process at ICPK is rigorous and systematic, ensuring that each article is handled with the utmost academic integrity. Every step, from submission to publication, maintains the rigor and authenticity of the research we publish. We provide clear guidance to authors, offering constructive and supportive feedback, even when it challenges them to improve their work. Despite the extensive effort required in the peer review, editorial revision, and expert copyediting stages, IJBED guarantees that its published research makes a significant contribution to the advancement of its field. Throughout the editorial process, ICPK remains committed to delivering research of the highest standard, furthering the academic community’s knowledge and understanding.