The International Journal of World Geography and Human History (IJWGHH) follows a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the academic quality, methodological accuracy, originality, and ethical integrity of all manuscripts considered for publication. The journal follows internationally recognized ethical guidelines for peer reviewers and the best practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to maintain transparency, fairness, confidentiality, and accountability throughout the review process.
1. Initial Editorial Evaluation
Each submitted manuscript undergoes an initial evaluation by the editorial office. During this stage, the manuscript is assessed for:
- Alignment with the aims and scope of the journal
- Compliance with the journal’s author guidelines and submission requirements
- Originality, relevance, and academic merit
- Basic academic and ethical standards
Manuscripts that do not meet the journal's basic requirements or fall outside its scope may be rejected at this stage without external peer review, in accordance with good editorial practices recommended by COPE.
2. Double-Blind Peer Review
Manuscripts that successfully pass the initial editorial screening are forwarded to two or more independent expert reviewers with appropriate expertise in geography, human history, spatial studies, historical studies, cultural geography, regional studies, or related interdisciplinary research areas.
The journal follows a double-blind peer review model, meaning that the identities of both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the review process. This approach is intended to promote an objective, fair, and unbiased evaluation of submitted manuscripts in accordance with ethical peer review practices.
3. Reviewer Evaluation Criteria
Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on several academic, methodological, and technical factors, including:
- Originality and contribution to the fields of world geography and human history
- Relevance to the aims and scope of the journal
- Methodological rigor and appropriateness of the research design
- Accuracy and reliability of data, analysis, and interpretation
- Quality of geographical, historical, spatial, or interdisciplinary analysis
- Relevance and significance of the research findings
- Clarity, organization, and overall presentation of the manuscript
- Adequacy and relevance of references and scholarly sources
- Compliance with ethical and professional research standards
Reviewers are expected to follow COPE guidelines for peer reviewers and maintain confidentiality, objectivity, fairness, and professional conduct throughout the review process.
4. Editorial Decision
After receiving the reviewer reports, the editorial office evaluates the comments and recommendations and communicates an editorial decision to the authors. Possible editorial decisions include:
Authors receive constructive reviewer comments, where applicable, to assist them in improving the academic quality, clarity, and presentation of their manuscript.
5. Revision and Re-evaluation
When revisions are requested, authors are expected to submit a revised manuscript together with a detailed response to the reviewer comments, clearly explaining how each concern has been addressed.
The revised manuscript is evaluated by the handling editor and, when considered necessary, may be returned to the original reviewers for further assessment. The journal follows a transparent and consistent revision process aligned with recognized ethical publishing practices.
6. Final Decision
The final decision regarding publication is made by the Editor-in-Chief, taking into consideration the reviewers' recommendations, the quality of the revised manuscript, and the overall editorial evaluation.
Editorial decisions are made independently and in accordance with the journal's academic and ethical standards. Reviewer recommendations are carefully considered but do not automatically determine the final editorial decision.
7. Timeliness and Transparency
The International Journal of World Geography and Human History (IJWGHH) is committed to maintaining a timely, transparent, and efficient peer review process. While the journal aims to minimize unnecessary delays in the evaluation of manuscripts, academic rigor, scholarly integrity, and ethical standards remain the primary priorities throughout the review process.
8. Ethical Responsibilities
Editors and reviewers involved in the peer review process are expected to adhere to strict ethical responsibilities, including:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and unpublished research
- Disclosing any actual or potential conflicts of interest
- Providing objective, fair, constructive, and professional evaluations
- Avoiding discrimination, personal criticism, or inappropriate comments
- Not using unpublished information obtained through peer review for personal or professional advantage
- Treating all submitted manuscripts with integrity and respect
These responsibilities are consistent with the ethical principles and peer review practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for responsible scholarly publishing.
International Journal of World Geography and Human History (IJWGHH)
Committed to rigorous peer review, scholarly integrity, and responsible academic publishing.