OJS Editorial and Publishing Process

OJS Editorial and Publishing Process

The Open Journal Systems (OJS) Editorial and Publishing Process is designed to streamline the workflow from manuscript submission to final publication. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the typical steps involved:

1. Submission

  • Manuscript Submission: Authors submit their manuscripts via the OJS submission system, including all required documents (e.g., cover letter, manuscript, and any supplementary materials).
  • Initial Screening: The journal's editorial staff conducts an initial screening to ensure the manuscript meets basic submission requirements and aligns with the journal’s scope.

2. Preliminary Review

  • Plagiarism Check: Manuscripts are checked for plagiarism using tools integrated with OJS or external services. Manuscripts with significant indications of plagiarism are rejected immediately.
  • Editorial Assessment: The managing editor assesses the manuscript's suitability for peer review based on its originality, relevance, and adherence to submission guidelines.

3. Peer Review

  • Reviewer Assignment: The editor-in-chief or handling editor assigns the manuscript to qualified reviewers with expertise in the relevant field.
  • Review Process: Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on its quality, originality, methodology, and contribution to the field. They provide feedback and recommendations.
  • Reviewer Feedback: Reviewers submit their feedback and recommendations through the OJS system. The editor reviews these comments to make an informed decision.

4. Decision Making

  • Editorial Decision: Based on reviewers' feedback, the editor-in-chief or handling editor makes a decision regarding the manuscript. The decision can be:
    • Accept as is
    • Accept with minor/major revisions
    • Revise and resubmit
    • Reject
  • Decision Notification: Authors are notified of the decision through the OJS system, along with reviewer comments and instructions for any required revisions.

5. Revisions

  • Author Revisions: Authors make necessary revisions based on feedback and resubmit the revised manuscript through the OJS system.
  • Re-evaluation: Revised manuscripts may undergo a second round of peer review or be reviewed by the same reviewers for final assessment.

6. Final Decision

  • Final Evaluation: The editor reviews the revised manuscript and decides whether it meets the journal’s standards for publication.
  • Acceptance: If the manuscript is accepted, the editor moves it to the production stage.

7. Production

  • Copyediting: Manuscripts undergo copyediting to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to the journal’s style guidelines.
  • Proofreading: The edited manuscript is proofread to correct any typographical or formatting errors.
  • Formatting: The final version is formatted for publication, including layout adjustments and integration of any figures or tables.

8. Publication

  • Final Approval: The final version of the manuscript is reviewed and approved by the editor-in-chief or managing editor.
  • Online Publication: The manuscript is published online through the OJS platform. It is made available to readers and indexed in relevant databases.
  • Archiving: The published article is archived according to the journal’s digital archiving policy, ensuring long-term access and preservation.

9. Post-Publication

  • Promotion: The journal may promote the published article through various channels, including social media, newsletters, or academic networks.
  • Author Feedback: Authors may receive feedback from readers and can address any post-publication queries or corrections if necessary.

This structured process ensures the quality and integrity of the published research while maintaining an efficient workflow from submission to publication.