Peer Review Policy

Sage Sphere Higher Education (SSHE), published by Sapiens Ediciones, follows a rigorous and transparent peer review process to ensure the academic quality, originality, and scholarly impact of the manuscripts it publishes. The journal employs a double-blind peer review system, in which both authors and reviewers remain anonymous, ensuring an impartial and unbiased evaluation.

Phase 1: Initial Assessment

The review process begins with an initial screening conducted by the editorial team of Sage Sphere Higher Education. Within a maximum of 72 hours, authors receive an email notification along with a unique reference number. During this stage, the Editor-in-Chief or an assigned editor assesses the manuscript’s alignment with the journal’s scope, its originality, academic relevance, and potential contribution to the field.

Manuscripts may be rejected at this stage if they do not meet the journal's standards, show structural deficiencies, unclear findings, or signs of plagiarism. When needed, the Editorial Board is consulted for a second opinion.

Manuscripts that meet the initial criteria proceed to the formal peer review stage.

Phase 2: Double-Blind Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass the preliminary evaluation are sent for in-depth review by subject matter experts under a double-blind process. This ensures that both author and reviewer identities remain confidential, promoting objectivity. Reviewers assess the manuscript based on several criteria:

  • Relevance to the academic community and potential scientific impact

  • Clarity and coherence of writing

  • Theoretical rigor and logical structure

  • Proper use of up-to-date bibliographic references

  • Methodological robustness and validity of the research design

  • Depth and coherence of the analysis

  • Originality and significance of the conclusions

Reviewers are given up to 30 days to complete their evaluations. Once feedback is submitted, the authors receive the editorial decision. If revisions are required, authors are given 8 to 15 days to submit corrections, depending on the scope of the requested changes.

Phase 3: Editorial Quality Control

After peer review, manuscripts undergo editorial quality control. This includes grammar and spelling checks, adherence to the journal’s formatting guidelines, and final confirmation that the content aligns with Sage Sphere Higher Education's editorial policy and scope.

It is important to note that successful completion of this phase does not guarantee immediate publication. The final decision depends on editorial priorities, the publishing schedule, and the overall impact of the article.

Total Editorial Timeline

The complete editorial process at Sage Sphere Higher Education generally takes between 8 and 12 weeks. This timeline includes initial screening, peer review, editorial quality control, and the final decision. Timeframes may vary depending on the manuscript’s complexity and reviewer availability.

Roles and Confidentiality in the Review Process

Role of the Academic Editor: The Academic Editor oversees the review process, ensuring that manuscripts receive comprehensive feedback to maintain scientific and editorial standards. Reviewers are expected to deliver their evaluations within 8 days. Any delays are communicated to the authors.

Reviewer Confidentiality: Reviewer identities remain confidential throughout the review process, unless reviewers choose to disclose them.

Number of Reviewers: Each manuscript is reviewed by at least two subject experts. Additional reviewers may be assigned if deemed necessary by the Academic Editor.

Final Editorial Decision

Once peer reviews are completed, the Academic Editor makes the final decision on publication. This decision is based on peer reviewer recommendations and editorial judgment.

Possible outcomes include:

  • Accepted without revisions: The manuscript is approved for publication as is.

  • Minor revisions: Minor changes are requested before final acceptance.

  • Major revisions: Significant changes are required and a new review may be necessary.

  • Rejected: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s academic or editorial standards.

This process ensures that Sage Sphere Higher Education upholds high academic standards and publishes impactful scholarly contributions.