Efficiency in managing peer-review of scientific manuscripts -- editors' perspective

TL;DR

This paper introduces a model to measure the efficiency of peer-review management by editors, based on seven variables, using survey data from Serbian chemistry journal editors to improve editorial processes.

Contribution

It presents a novel efficiency measurement model for peer-review management, adaptable for different journals to assess and enhance editorial performance.

Findings

Model evaluated with responses from 24 journals and 50 editors.

Provides a tool for assessing and improving editorial efficiency.

Highlights key variables influencing peer-review management.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model for measuring the efficiency in managing peer-review of scientific manuscripts by editors. The approach employed is based on the assumption that the editorial aim is to manage publication with high efficiency, employing the least amount of editorial resources. Efficiency is defined in this research as a measure based on 7 variables. An on-line survey was constructed and editors of journals originating from Serbia regularly publishing articles in the field of chemistry were invited to participate. An evaluation of the model is given based on responses from 24 journals and 50 editors. With this investigation we aimed to contribute to our understanding of the peer-review process and, possibly, offer a tool to improve the "efficiency" in journal editing. The proposed protocol may be adapted by other journals in order to assess the managing potential of editors.