Peer Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to PLANDEV-S: Planning and Development for Sustainability undergo a double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, relevance, and originality of published content. The identities of both authors and reviewers are kept confidential throughout the review process.

Review Stages:

  1. Initial Screening
    The editorial team conducts a preliminary check to ensure that the manuscript fits the journal's scope, meets basic formatting requirements, and is free from plagiarism. Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria may be rejected without external review.

  2. Assignment to Reviewers
    Suitable manuscripts are sent to at least two independent reviewers who are experts in the relevant field. The editor selects reviewers based on their expertise, prior publications, and absence of conflicts of interest.

  3. Review Process
    Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on the following criteria:

    • Originality and significance of the research

    • Clarity and structure of the manuscript

    • Soundness of methodology and analysis

    • Relevance to the journal’s focus and scope

    • Quality of references and adherence to ethical standards

  4. Editorial Decision
    Based on the reviewers’ recommendations, the editor may make one of the following decisions:

    • Accept

    • Minor Revisions Required

    • Major Revisions Required

    • Reject

  5. Revision and Resubmission
    Authors are given an opportunity to revise their manuscripts according to reviewers' comments. Revised manuscripts may be sent back to the original reviewers for re-evaluation before a final decision is made.

  6. Final Decision
    The final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief, who considers the reviewers’ input, the quality of the revisions, and the overall suitability for publication.

Review Timeline

  • The peer review process generally takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on reviewer availability and the complexity of the manuscript.

Ethical Considerations

  • The journal follows the ethical standards set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

  • All parties involved in the review process are expected to disclose any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality.