All manuscripts submitted to the Journal of Leadership, Strategy, and Impact in Africa undergo a rigorous peer review to maintain high standards of quality, accuracy, and credibility. The journal follows a double-blind review system, ensuring that both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the process.

Review Process Steps

1. Manuscript Submission: Authors submit their work via the journal’s online platform.
2. Initial Screening: The editorial team assesses whether the manuscript aligns with the journal’s scope and standards.
3. Peer Review: At least two independent experts evaluate the submission based on specific criteria, providing detailed feedback and recommendations.
4. Editorial Decision: Based on the reviewers’ evaluations, the editorial team decides to accept, request revisions, or reject the manuscript.
5. Revisions: If required, authors revise their work in response to reviewer comments and resubmit.
6. Final Approval and Publication: Once the manuscript meets all necessary standards, it undergoes editing, proofreading, and final preparation for publication.

Key Aspects of the Review Process

• Quality Evaluation: Editors select subject-matter experts to ensure a thorough assessment of the manuscript’s quality, impact, and scientific integrity.
• Confidentiality: Reviewers must keep the process strictly confidential.
• Constructive Feedback: Reviewers provide helpful suggestions to assist authors in improving their work.
• Timely Completion: Reviews must be completed within the designated timeframe.

Review Timeline

The journal strives for a fair and efficient review process, typically completing evaluations within four weeks of submission. However, the timeline may vary depending on reviewer availability and the extent of required revisions.

Peer Review Process for Special Issues

• Guest Editors: Subject-matter experts may serve as guest editors, assisting with the initial manuscript screening and selecting suitable reviewers.
• Review Criteria: Submissions are evaluated based on both scholarly quality and their relevance to the special issue’s theme.
• Collaboration: Guest editors work closely with the journal’s editorial team to maintain a consistent and fair review process.
• Final Decision: The editorial board retains full authority over final acceptance and publication to ensure journal standards are upheld.

Editorial Oversight for Special Issues

• Guest Editors’ Role: When a special issue is managed by guest editors, they collaborate with the editorial board to ensure that all submissions meet the journal’s standards.
• Initial Screening: Manuscripts are reviewed by guest editors or the editorial board to confirm alignment with the special issue’s theme and journal guidelines.
• Editorial Board Authority: The editorial board oversees the process to maintain quality and integrity, holding the final decision on all manuscripts, including those in special issues.

Peer Review Policy for Guest Editors’ Papers

1. Independent Review Process:
   • Guest editors’ papers undergo the same double-blind peer review as other submissions.
   • They are not involved in selecting reviewers or making editorial decisions about their own manuscripts.
   • An impartial editor or a member of the editorial board oversees the review to avoid conflicts of interest.
2. Limit on Guest Editor Submissions:
   • Guest editors can contribute no more than 25% of the total articles in a special issue.
   • This ensures a balanced representation of authors and prevents undue influence.