Editorial Process
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Editorial Process

All articles are initially screened and those that passed the prescreening will undergo the peer review process. The JPAD has specified criteria for both prescreening and peer review.

A. Prescreening

The editor-in-chief (EIC) prescreens all article submissions. He/she may decide whether to subject the article to peer review, reject it in its current form, or suggest revision based on the following screening criteria:

  • The article conforms to the stated scope and aims of the Journal.
  • The article follows the required format as indicated in the Notes for Contributors.
  • The abstract provides brief discussion of the problem, general objective, methodology, highlights of the results/analysis of policy alternatives, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • The Introduction presents the problem, objectives of the paper, and related literature or policies.
  • The results and discussion are presented according to the objectives of the paper.
  • The article’s linguistic quality is acceptable.
  • The article should be original and innovative.

The article which passed the prescreening will undergo a double-blind review by two reviewers. Reviewers are recognized and well-published experts in their fields of specialization.

B. Peer Review

Reviewers will evaluate the paper will be based on the following criteria/guide questions:

Research Articles

  • Is the article relevant to the field of development studies and governance?
  • Is the abstract clear, well-written, and understandable?
  • Are the research design, analysis, and use of data appropriate?
  • Are the conclusions clear and supported by the findings of the study?
  • Does the article provide recommendations with policy implications?

Research Notes

  • Is the article relevant to the field of development studies and governance?
  • Is the abstract clear, well-written, and understandable?
  • Are the research design, data, and analyses robust and credible?
  • Are the proposed extension/revision to the methodology/model justified?
  • Does the article clearly articulate the theoretical insights provided?
  • Are the preliminary findings salient to the advanced understanding of development studies and governance?

Note: Depending on the focus of the article, some of the questions above may not be applicable.

Policy Papers

  • Is the policy being analyzed relevant to the Journal?
  • Does the article provide adequate description of the policy issue?
  • Does it provide a clear purpose of the policy analysis?
  • Does it present and analyze the policy process and outcomes?
  • Does it provide persuasive and comprehensive argument for selecting the preferred policy alternative?
  • Does it provide practical and logical steps to implement the recommended policy?

Reviewers may suggest the following:

  • Accept article as is;
  • Accept article with minor revision;
  • Article needs major revision; or
  • Reject article for publication in the JPAD.

For accepted papers with minor revision, the EIC will review the revised paper to determine if it has addressed the comments of the reviewers. However, those with major revision, revised papers will be forwarded to the reviewers who requested to see the revisions made. Otherwise, the EIC will evaluate the revisions made.

For inclusion in the JPAD, the article must get the approval of two reviewers.