Processing Times Policy

1. Purpose and Principles

We ensure a transparent, fair, and timely editorial process aligned with COPE’s ethical guidance, international peer‑review standards, and leading index requirements.

2. Definitions

• Business days: Monday–Friday, excluding public holidays.
• Calendar days: All calendar days.
• Review round: From sending a manuscript to reviewers to the editorial decision (excluding authors’ revision time).

3. Target Service Levels (per one review round)

• Initial editorial check: up to 10 business days.
• Peer review (first round): up to 90 calendar days (may extend due to reviewer replacement or late responses).
• Authors’ revision: up to 30 calendar days.
• Copyediting: up to 14 business days.
• Typesetting & proofs: up to 14 business days.

Typical total for one review round: within 100–120 days.
May extend to 160+ days in case of multiple rounds, reviewer/author delays, or complex editorial/ethical checks.

4. Multiple Review Rounds

Each additional round generally includes:

• re‑review (up to 45–60 calendar days),
• authors’ revision (up to 14–30 calendar days),
• brief editorial check (up to 5 business days).

5. Communication

If any stage exceeds its target by 15+ days, we inform authors and provide an updated estimate. Status queries are welcome at [Editorial email] quoting the submission ID.

6. Expedited Path (if available)

Priority handling may be offered for thematic issues or funder deadlines at the editor’s discretion. Criteria and availability are communicated on the special issue page or via editorial reply.

7. Ethical/Technical Exceptions

Timelines may be extended for ethical assessments, additional expert checks, or reviewer replacement; authors will be notified.