Double blind peer review

This Journal offers a double-blind peer review option. Neither the peer reviewers nor the authors are revealed to each other. Authors may suggest preferred and non-preferred reviewers during manuscript submission. However, the ultimate selection of the reviewers will be determined by the editor(s).

We ask reviewers not to identify themselves to authors while the manuscript is under consideration without the editor's knowledge. If this is not practicable, we ask authors to inform the editor as soon as possible after a reviewer has revealed his or her identity to the author.

Peer review process

The peer-review process is the main mechanism for ensuring the quality of published articles. To this end, the submitted articles are rigorously peer-reviewed to ensure the high quality submissions are accepted and published. The decision to accept a manuscript is not based solely on the scientific validity and originality of the study content; other factors are considered, including the level of innovation, extent and importance of new information in the paper as compared with that in other papers being considered, the Journal's need to represent a wide range of topics, and the overall suitability for Journal. Peer review process is follow as below mention steps:

1. At first, editor acts as a first filter by evaluating each manuscript for novelty, interest for our readers and chances to compete in peer review. Yet the process avoids futile cycles of review for manuscripts that are better suited for a more specialized journal, saving time for authors and reviewers. Modifications/corrections may be requested from the authors at this stage before starting the peer review.
2. In the second step, editors select typically two reviewers, experts in the topic. Often, we also include one expert for statistics or a particular technique. peer reviewers will make suggestions to the editor.
3. The authors can monitor the progress of the manuscript throughout the review process in his/her profile.
4. Submitted manuscripts will be rendered one of the following decisions: Accept Submissin: The submission will be accepted without revisions. Revisions Requierd: The submission will be accepted after minor changes have been made. Resubmit for Review: The submission needs to be re-worked, but with significant changes, may be accepted. It will require a second round of review, however. Decline Submission: The submission will not be published with the journal.
5. If the author(s) believe that the journal has rejected their article in error, perhaps because the reviewers have misunderstood its scientific content, an appeal may be submitted by e-mail to the editorial office (journal's email). However, appeals are ineffective in most cases and are discouraged.

A) Article Evaluation Process
Upon receiving an article through the journal's submission system, the manuscript first undergoes an originality check by the journal's administrative office, followed by an initial review and assessment by the editorial board. If the article meets the basic requirements, it is sent to peer reviewers. Once the evaluations and comments from two reviewers are received, the results and scores are discussed by the editorial board. If the article achieves the required score and is accepted, it is then scheduled for publication.
Timeframe: The initial review is completed within 10 days. Upon preliminary approval by the editor-in-chief, the article is sent to specialized peer reviewers. The peer review process takes approximately 4-6 months; revisions and re-evaluations may extend this timeframe.
Plagiarism Check: To prevent plagiarism, the journal uses the "Samim Noor" software.
Review and Publication Fees: The journals of the Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute do not charge authors any fee for the initial review of submitted articles. However, for articles that are accepted after completing the peer review process, a fee is charged to cover evaluation and editing costs:
•    For articles reviewed by one reviewer: 5,000,000 Iranian Rials.
•    For articles reviewed by two reviewers: 7,000,000 Iranian Rials.
Files Required for Submission (to be uploaded by the corresponding author during registration):
1.    Main article file
2.    Similarity report file

B) Author Guidelines
Conditions
1.    Articles must be of a research-analytical nature, possess a logical structure, cohesive content, be well-documented and reasoned, and be written in clear, fluent Persian.
2.    Articles must not be part of a series. Their length should be between 4,000 and 8,000 words.
3.    Articles must not have been previously published as part of a book or as an article elsewhere.
4.    Translated articles will only be considered if they include a critical analysis.
Structure
1.    Abstract: (150–180 words) Must include: statement of the problem, research objectives, methodology, and a summary of key findings.
2.    Keywords: A maximum of 7 keywords.
3.    Introduction: Should include the definition of the problem, a brief literature review, the necessity and importance of the study, innovative aspects, and main and subsidiary research questions.
4.    Main Body: The article’s main body must meet at least one of the following criteria:
a. Present a new scientific theory or finding;
b. Provide a new explanation or interpretation of an existing theory;
c. Offer new reasoning in support of an existing theory;
d. Present a comprehensive scientific critique of a theory.
5.    Conclusion: Should detail the research findings, presented concisely in declarative statements.
6.    References and Citations: Must follow the APA style. (Download APA Style Guide)
7.    Citations must be in-text in the following format:
(Author’s Last Name, Year of Publication, Volume, Page)