Editorial Policies

The journal maintains published policies covering manuscript scope, editorial screening, peer review, and open access. The following presentation clarifies the workflow and responsibilities without replacing the currently stated criteria.

Editorial scope and manuscript sections

ZAHRA considers original research in big data, data science, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, including relevant methodological studies, surveys, and case studies. The OJS “Articles” section is open to submissions, designated for indexing within the journal system, and subject to peer review.

Initial editorial assessment

1. The submitted manuscript is checked for fit with the journal’s aims, completeness of required metadata, and originality.
2. The editor conducts an initial similarity and originality assessment. The journal’s publicly stated similarity threshold is below 25%. A numerical similarity score is reviewed in context and does not by itself establish plagiarism.
3. A manuscript passing the initial screening is forwarded to a section editor for further handling.
4. The section editor arranges scholarly assessment in accordance with the journal’s peer-review policy.

Peer-review framework

The journal currently describes its review model as double-blind peer review, with review by at least one reviewer. The public policy states a reviewer period of up to three weeks. Manuscript quality, methodology, evidence, relevance, and clarity should guide editorial evaluation. For complete steps, see Peer Review Process.

Editorial decisions

1. Accept the article for publication.
2. Request revision of the article.
3. Require resubmission and another review.
4. Recommend submission to another journal.
5. Reject the article.

The website describes an expected decision-to-acceptance period of approximately 3–8 weeks. These are published processing expectations rather than a guarantee for an individual manuscript; revision requirements and review availability may affect actual handling.

Publication and access

The journal states that published content is made immediately and freely available online. Individual reuse rights must follow the license attached to the published article and the operative copyright notice. See Open Access Policy and Copyright and Licensing.

Procedural integrity

• Editorial decisions should be made on scholarly merit rather than personal or institutional relationships.
• Review materials and author identities must be handled confidentially in accordance with the double-blind process.
• Authors should provide accurate metadata, declare relevant interests, and respond substantively to editorial requests.
• Material concerns about research or publication integrity may be sent through the official journal contact.