Pacific University is committed to prompt evaluation and publication of fully accepted papers to maintain a high-quality publication, all submissions undergo a rigorous review process. The practice of peer review is intended to ensure that only good manuscript is published. As an objective method of guaranteeing excellence in scholarly publishing, it has been adopted by all reputable management journals. Our referees play a vital role in maintaining the high standards of the Journal, which is why all incoming manuscripts are peer reviewed following the procedure outlined below.

Initial manuscript evaluation

The Editorial Board first evaluates all submitted manuscripts. It is rare, but it is possible for an exceptional manuscript to be accepted at this stage. Manuscripts rejected at this stage are insufficiently original, have serious scientific flaws, have poor grammar or English language, or are outside the aims and scope of the journal. Those that meet the minimum criteria are normally passed on to at least two expert referees for reviewing.
Authors of manuscripts rejected at this stage will usually be informed within two weeks of receipt.

Type of peer review

We follow "double blind" review process, in which the referees remain anonymous to the author(s) throughout and following the refereeing process, whilst the identity of the author(s) is likewise unknown to the reviewers.

How the referee is selected

Whenever possible, referees are matched to the paper according to their expertise. As our reviewer database is constantly being updated, we welcome suggestions for referees from the author(s), though such non-binding recommendations are not necessarily used.

Referee reports

Referees are asked to evaluate whether the manuscript:

• Is original as to thought and method (including data)
• Is methodologically sound
• Has results which are clearly presented and support the conclusions
• Correctly and exhaustively references previous relevant work
• Follows appropriate ethical guidelines, especially as concerns plagiarism
• Clearly adds to the knowledge and development of the field
• Language & style of the manuscript

How long does the review process take?

Typically the manuscript will be reviewed within 3 months. Should the referees reports contradict one another or a report is unnecessarily delayed a further expert opinion will be sought. All our referees sign a conflict of interest statement. Revised manuscripts are usually returned to the initial referees within 1 week. Referees may request more than one revision of a manuscript.

Final report

A final decision to accept or reject the manuscript will be sent to the author, the decision of the editorial board is final.