Journal editing: Managing the peer review process for timely publication of articles

Conclusions

Four recommendations arose from this application of business process re-engineering to the review process used for journal articles. First, an electronic transmission system should be developed to facilitate timeliness in the publication process. We found that large amounts of time were lost due to the use of ground delivery mailings of manuscripts, reviews, and general correspondence. Second, the removal of non-value-added operations is essential. We found that considerable time was spent on operations that were not only unnecessary but, in fact, impeded the review process. For example, the editor’s review of all mailings was discontinued. Third, we found that it would both aid the reviewers and expedite the review process to develop a web based reviewer form that would allow for quicker transmission of completed reviews. Finally, editors need to develop a tracking system that would note the dates processed at each major phase in the process and indicate the current location of articles in progress. We theorize that a process that would facilitate expeditious communication between the reviewers, authors, and editors would help to decrease or avoid the occurrence of publication of dated articles.

It is expected that making these changes will allow a journal to reap other benefits as well. As process time decreases and communication increases, then overall customer satisfaction will be achieved. Those who submit articles will appreciate faster review and publication if accepted. Finally, by decreasing the time required for the peer review process, current information will reach the consumers of knowledge in a timelier manner.