Editorial Policy

Joornaalii Dilbii Qoranno(JDQ, Journal of Accumulated Resources)

Introduction

Joornaalii Dilbii Qoranno(JDQ, Journal of Accumulated Resources) is a non-profit, APC-free journal affiliated with Wollega University, Ethiopia. It publishes original research articles, review articles, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, short communications, research/technical notes, case studies, and policy briefs from international scholars across all disciplines in Afaan Oromo. Research, innovations, indigenous knowledge, and practices are critical for addressing global challenges and disseminating information.

1. Editorial Bodies

Dilbi Journal (Joornaalii Dilbii Qoranno-JDQ) is governed by a structured editorial team committed to upholding the journal’s mission of advancing research in equity, sustainability, and scientific innovation. The editorial bodies, appointed by the management team of Wollega University, include the Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editors (Section Editors), Technical Editors, who collectively form the Editorial Board, and the National and International Advisory Board.

The Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editors serve three-year terms, with the possibility of renewal for a second term. The Editor-in-Chief, acting on behalf of the Editorial Board member and in consultation with the journal editors, appoints Technical Editors. The appointment of new Technical Editor positions requires approval from both Dilbi Journal (JDQ) Editorial Board and the University Management Team. Members of the National and International Advisory Board serve five-year terms, while members of the Editorial Board serve three-year terms, with the possibility of renewal for a second term.

2. Editorial Independence and Responsibilities

Editorial operations related to content and peer review are independent and free from the influence of the institution that support the journal. The Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with Associate Editors and the Editorial Board, is responsible for deciding which submitted articles will be published, guided by the Editorial Policy and legal requirements regarding libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism. Commercial, political, or personal influences are not permitted to interfere with editorial decisions. Editors ensure a fair, unbiased peer-review process, maintain confidentiality of submissions, and handle conflicts of interest transparently.

2.1. Editor-in-Chief

The Editor-in-Chief holds overall responsibility for the editorial direction, integrity, and operations of JDQ. Appointed by the management team of Wollega University for a three-year term, renewal for a second term, the Editor-in-Chief serves by virtue of their role on the JDQ Editorial Board and chairs the JDQ Editorial Policy Committee. His responsibilities include:

  • Strategic Oversight: Define and maintain the journal’s editorial vision, ensuring alignment with JDQ’s mission to foster inclusive and sustainable development through interdisciplinary research.
  • Publication Decisions: Make final decisions on manuscript publication, in consultation with Associate Editors, Technical Editors, and the Editorial Board, guided by the journal’s Editorial Policy and legal requirements regarding libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism.
  • Editorial Appointments: Recommend the appointment and reappointment of Associate Editors and other editorial roles to the JDQ Editorial Board Chair. Appoint Technical Editors, in consultation with journal editors, to positions approved by the JDQ Editorial Board and University Management Team.
  • Policy Development: Lead the JDQ Editorial Policy Committee to develop and update editorial policies, ensuring compliance with international standards, such as those from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
  • Appeals and Conflict Resolution: Handle appeals of manuscript decisions unresolved by Associate Editors, with their decision being final. Address ethical concerns or misconduct allegations, consulting with the Editorial Board and following COPE guidelines.
  • Representation: Represent JDQ in academic and professional settings, promoting the journal’s mission and enhancing its visibility and reputation.

2.2. Associate Editors (Section Editors)

Associate Editors oversee specific thematic or disciplinary sections of JDQ. Appointed by the management team of Wollega University for a three-year term, renewal for a second term, they serve as members of the Editorial Board. Their responsibilities include:

  • Manuscript Management: Manage the peer review process for manuscripts within their section, assigning reviewers, evaluating reviewer feedback, and recommending publication decisions to the Editor-in-Chief.
  • Reviewer Selection: Select qualified reviewers with expertise in the manuscript’s subject area, ensuring they are not from the authors’ institutions or have recent collaborations with authors, in line with JDQ’s double-blind peer review process.
  • Quality Control: Ensure manuscripts align with JDQ’s scope, standards of scientific rigor, and ethical guidelines, providing feedback to authors to improve submissions.
  • Initial Appeals: Handle initial author appeals regarding manuscript decisions, escalating unresolved cases to the Editor-in-Chief.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with the Editor-in-Chief and Technical Editors to ensure consistency in editorial processes and adherence to JDQ’s policies.

2.3. Technical Editors

Technical Editors support the editorial process by focusing on the technical and formal aspects of manuscripts. Appointed by the Editor-in-Chief, on behalf of the Editorial Board Chair and in consultation with journal editors, to positions created by the JDQ Editorial Board and approved by the University Management Team, they serve three-year terms as members of the Editorial Board.  Their responsibilities include:

  • Manuscript Formatting: Review manuscripts for adherence to JDQ’s formatting, style, and submission guidelines, ensuring clarity, consistency, and compliance with publication standards.
  • Technical Accuracy: Verify the technical accuracy of figures, tables, data presentations, and references, ensuring they meet the journal’s standards for reproducibility and clarity.
  • Plagiarism and Ethical Checks: Assist in screening manuscripts for plagiarism using Turnitin and flag potential ethical issues, such as undisclosed conflicts of interest or improper citations, to the Associate Editors or Editor-in-Chief.
  • Peer Review Support: Coordinate with Associate Editors to ensure reviewers receive properly formatted manuscripts and provide technical feedback to authors based on reviewer comments.
  • Data and Code Verification: Review Data Availability Statements, Code Availability Statements, and shared research data or protocols to ensure compliance with JDQ’s open data policies.

2.4. Editorial Board Members

Editorial Board members, including the Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Technical Editors, are approved by the management team of Wollega University for three-year terms. They collectively ensure the journal’s editorial integrity and alignment with its mission. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Policy Guidance: in consultation with the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Chair, they are working on developing editorial policies, strategic initiatives, and journal development, such as expanding indexing or abstracting, thereby enhancing journal reputability.
  • Manuscript Evaluation: Participate in manuscript evaluation when consulted by the Editor-in-Chief or Associate Editors, particularly for complex or contentious submissions.
  • Ethical Oversight: Support investigations into ethical concerns or misconduct, providing expertise and ensuring adherence to COPE guidelines.
  • Journal Promotion: Promote JDQ within academic and professional communities, encouraging high-quality submissions and increasing the journal’s visibility.

2.6. National and International Advisory Board Members

The National and International Advisory Board provides strategic and expert guidance to JDQ, appointed by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with the Editorial Board for five-year terms. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Journal Strategic Advice: Provide high-level guidance on JDQ’s long-term goals, including expanding its global reach, enhancing its reputation, and aligning with international standards in equity and sustainable development research.
  • Expert Consultation and Training: Offer specialized expertise in areas relevant to JDQ’s scope, advising on emerging trends, interdisciplinary approaches, and global challenges in equity and sustainability.
  • Quality Assurance: Review and advise on editorial policies, peer review processes, and journal indexing to maintain high academic standards.
  • Journal Networking and Advocacy: Promote JDQ in national and international academic networks, fostering collaborations and encouraging submissions from diverse national researchers.
  • Ethical Guidance and Advice: Provide guidance and advice in case of complex ethical issues or misconduct cases when consulted by the Editor-in-Chief or Editorial Board.