Peer review process

Peer Review Process

Peer Review Process in Sage Sphere Multidisciplinary Studies (SSMS)

Sage Sphere Multidisciplinary Studies (SSMS), published by Sage Sphere Ediciones, is an open-access multidisciplinary journal that follows a rigorous peer review process to ensure the quality, originality, and impact of the articles. Its double-blind review process ensures objective and impartial evaluation, aiming to maintain high scientific standards in each publication.

Phase 1: Initial Review

The review process begins with a preliminary evaluation by the editorial team of Sage Sphere Multidisciplinary Studies (SSMS). Within a maximum of 72 hours, authors will receive an email notification along with a unique reference number. During this phase, the Editor-in-Chief or an assigned editor assesses the manuscript's alignment with the journal's goals and standards, its originality, academic relevance, and potential contribution to scientific knowledge.

At this stage, articles may be rejected if they do not meet the journal’s criteria, if they have structural issues, unclear findings, or if plagiarism is detected. In the case of rejection, authors will be informed promptly. If the manuscript raises doubts, the Editorial Board will be consulted for further review.

Articles that pass this phase are forwarded to the next stage of peer review.

Phase 2: Double-Blind Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass the initial review are subjected to a more detailed evaluation by experts in the field under the double-blind peer review process. In this process, both the authors and the reviewers remain anonymous, ensuring impartial evaluation. Each reviewer uses a detailed form that considers the following aspects:

  • Relevance of the work to the academic field and its impact on scientific knowledge.

  • Clarity and coherence in writing.

  • Theoretical rigor and logical structure of the content.

  • Proper and up-to-date use of bibliographic sources.

  • Methodological robustness and validity of the research design.

  • Depth and coherence of the analysis.

  • Originality and contribution of the conclusions.

Reviewers have a period of up to 30 days to complete their evaluation. At the end, authors will receive the editorial decision. If the reviewers request revisions, authors will have between 8 and 15 days to make the necessary changes, depending on the nature of the requested modifications.

Phase 3: Editorial Quality Control

Once peer review is completed, manuscripts undergo editorial quality control. This process includes a grammatical and spelling review, as well as ensuring that the manuscript complies with the journal’s formatting guidelines. In this phase, the suitability of the content to the journal’s objectives and editorial policy is also evaluated.

It is important to note that successful completion of this process does not guarantee immediate publication, as the final decision rests with the editors, who will consider factors such as editorial priorities, the publication schedule, and the journal’s overall impact.

Total Editorial Process Time

The entire editorial process for Sage Sphere Multidisciplinary Studies (SSMS) usually takes between 8 to 12 weeks. This includes the initial review, peer review, editorial quality control, and the final decision. The time may vary depending on the complexity of the article and the availability of reviewers.

Roles and Confidentiality in the Review Process

  • Role of the Academic Editor: The Academic Editor supervises the entire evaluation process, ensuring that manuscripts receive the necessary reviews to maintain quality and rigor. Reviewers have a maximum of 8 days to provide their assessment. If there are delays, authors will be notified about the status of their manuscript.

  • Confidentiality of Reviewers: The identity of the reviewers is kept confidential throughout the evaluation process, except in cases where they choose to reveal their identity.

  • Number of Reviewers Assigned: Manuscripts are typically reviewed by at least two subject matter experts. If the Academic Editor deems it necessary, additional reviewers may be assigned.

Final Editorial Decision

Once the reviews are completed, the Academic Editor makes the final decision regarding the publication of the manuscript. This decision is based on the peer reviews and the editor's technical judgment. The final decision is communicated to the authors through the editorial system and by email.

Possible decisions include:

  • Acceptance without modifications: The article is accepted as is for publication.

  • Minor revisions: Minor adjustments are required before final acceptance.

  • Major revisions: Substantial changes are required before a re-evaluation.

  • Rejection: The article does not meet the journal’s standards.

This process ensures the scientific quality and academic rigor of the articles published in Sage Sphere Multidisciplinary Studies (SSMS), reinforcing its commitment to excellence and the global dissemination of relevant and impactful knowledge.