Peer-Review Process

All research papers submitted for publication in the Scientific Journal of the Faculty of Economics and Commerce are subject to peer review by a select group of experts and specialists in the same field as the submitted paper. The peer-review process проходит through several stages, as outlined below:

1. Pre-Review Stage

At this stage, the research paper is received from the authors via the journal’s official academic email (as a Microsoft Word document) or by completing the publication application through the journal’s website. The author then receives an acknowledgment of receipt. Upon receiving the manuscript, the Editor-in-Chief refers it to the subject-area editor for an initial screening to verify compliance with the journal’s publication rules and policies, as well as linguistic accuracy. If the manuscript meets these requirements, the author is requested to complete a declaration and undertaking for publication in the journal. However, if the author violates the journal’s publication policies or rules, the manuscript is returned to the author.

2. Peer-Review Stage

This stage requires complete confidentiality in the evaluation process, both among reviewers and between reviewers and the author. The author’s name is removed from the manuscript sent for review. The subject-area editor selects two reviewers specializing in the field of the manuscript, provided that their academic rank is higher than that of the author. If the reviewers’ decisions differ—one recommending acceptance and the other rejection—a third reviewer is appointed to make the final decision. The Editor-in-Chief may also give precedence to the opinion of either the first or second reviewer.

The manuscript is evaluated in its entirety, from the introduction to the research results, including the literature review, models used, methodology, hypotheses, objectives, and statistical analysis, while considering all scientific research criteria such as originality, scientific contribution, quality, and writing style. The reviewers then prepare their reports by completing the designated peer-review form, which includes three possible outcomes:

• acceptance without comments,

• acceptance with comments, or

• rejection, in which case the reasons for rejection must be clearly stated.

3. Decision Stage

At this stage, the author is informed of the journal’s decision electronically via the journal’s website or by email. If the decision requires revisions to the reviewed manuscript, the author is granted a period not exceeding ten days to complete the required amendments.