Editorial Policies

International Journal of Arts, Social, and Humanities Studies (IJASHS)

1 About the Journal

The International Journal of Arts, Social, and Humanities Studies (IJASHS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal established by Hormuud University. IJASHS publishes original and rigorous scholarship across the arts, social sciences, and humanities. It provides an international forum for research that advances knowledge, interpretation, creative inquiry, policy, and socially relevant practice. The journal particularly encourages scholarship concerning developing societies while welcoming high-quality submissions of global relevance. IJASHS follows recognized standards of scholarly publishing and the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

2 Aims and Scope

IJASHS welcomes empirical, theoretical, historical, interpretive, qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, comparative, review, and practice-based contributions. A manuscript must make a clear contribution to scholarship, policy, professional practice, cultural understanding, or creative research. Indicative subject areas include:

• Arts and Creative Practice: visual arts, performing arts, music, theatre, dance, creative writing, film, design, arts education, and practice-based research

• Humanities: history, philosophy, ethics, language and linguistics, literature, religious studies, archaeology, heritage studies, and the study of ideas

• Sociology and Anthropology: social organization, culture, identity, family, communities, social change, and ethnographic research

• Political Science and International Relations: governance, public institutions, democracy, diplomacy, regional cooperation, political participation, and international affairs

• Psychology and Human Development: social, educational, community, developmental, cultural, and applied psychology

• Education and Pedagogy: curriculum, teaching and learning, higher education, educational leadership, assessment, inclusion, and education policy

• Communication Media and Cultural Studies: journalism, digital media, public communication, popular culture, cultural industries, and media representation

• Development, Peace, and Society: development studies, migration and diaspora, gender studies, human rights, peacebuilding, conflict transformation, humanitarian studies, and social policy

• Public Administration and Community Studies: public service, local governance, civil society, community development, and institutional change

• Interdisciplinary and Regional Studies: Somali studies, Horn of Africa and East African studies, fragile and post-conflict societies, digital humanities, technology and society, environmental humanities, climate and society, and indigenous or local knowledge systems

Submissions are welcomed from authors worldwide. Interdisciplinary manuscripts are encouraged when their principal contribution lies within the journal's arts, social sciences, or humanities remit. The journal does not restrict eligibility on the basis of nationality, institutional affiliation, research tradition, or geographic focus.

3 Peer Review Process

All research, review, conceptual, critical, and practice-based articles undergo single-blind peer review. Reviewer identities are concealed from authors. Each submission is first screened by the Editor-in-Chief or a delegated editor for scope, originality, ethical compliance, methodological or argumentative adequacy, and conformity with the author guidelines. Manuscripts passing screening are normally sent to at least two independent reviewers selected for subject expertise, absence of conflicts of interest, and disciplinary or geographic diversity. Reviewers recommend:

• Accept

• Minor Revision

• Major Revision

• Reject

Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers. The journal targets a first decision within 6–8 weeks, although specialized submissions may require additional time to secure appropriate reviewers. The Editor-in-Chief has final responsibility for acceptance decisions.

4 Plagiarism and Text Similarity Policy

IJASHS publishes original work and does not tolerate plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, duplicate publication, or other forms of research and publication misconduct. Similarity reports support editorial judgment and are not treated as automatic findings of plagiarism.

4.1 Similarity Threshold

Every manuscript is screened using a recognized text-similarity tool, such as Turnitin or iThenticate, before peer review. The reference list, correctly quoted and attributed passages, methodological boilerplate, and unavoidable technical phrasing may be excluded when appropriate. The Editor-in-Chief applies the following indicative thresholds:

• 0%–25%: acceptable for editorial consideration..

• 26%–40%: substantial revision is required and rejection may follow if overlap is inappropriate.

• Above 40%: normally rejected, with resubmission considered only after substantial rewriting and proper attribution.

Self-plagiarism and undisclosed reuse of an author's previously published text or ideas are evaluated under the same principles. Confirmed post-publication plagiarism is handled under the journal's correction and retraction procedures.

5 Generative AI Policy

5.1 Use by Authors

Generative AI and AI-assisted tools may be used for limited language improvement, grammar, readability, transcription checking, translation support, or code formatting, provided authors verify every output. AI tools must not replace author judgment, generate undisclosed arguments or interpretations, fabricate sources, create or alter research data, or produce conclusions presented as the authors' own scholarly work. Substantive use of AI as a research method or object of study must be described transparently and in sufficient detail for evaluation. Any use must be disclosed in a 'Declaration of Generative AI Use' immediately before the reference list, naming the tool and purpose. AI-generated or AI-altered images and creative materials are not permitted unless their use is integral to the research question or practice-based method, legally and ethically permissible, clearly labelled, and approved by the editor. Authors remain responsible for accuracy, originality, permissions, and integrity.

5.2 Authorship

AI tools do not qualify for authorship because they cannot approve the submitted work, accept accountability, disclose conflicts of interest, or respond to questions about research integrity. They may not be listed or cited as authors.

5.3 Use by Reviewers and Editors

Reviewers and editors must not upload unpublished manuscripts, images, reviewer reports, or confidential correspondence to public generative AI systems. Limited language polishing of an editor's or reviewer's own text is acceptable only when no confidential manuscript content is disclosed and the person remains responsible for the final text and recommendation.

6 Authorship Criteria and Responsibilities

Authorship is limited to individuals who made a substantial contribution to the conception, design, evidence gathering, creative or analytical process, interpretation, or writing of the work; drafted or critically revised the manuscript; approved the final version; and agree to be accountable for it. All listed authors must meet these criteria. Material contributors who do not qualify as authors should be acknowledged. Authors must confirm originality, secure permissions for copyrighted or culturally sensitive material, disclose funding and conflicts of interest, and ensure that the work is not under consideration elsewhere. The corresponding author coordinates submission and confirms the approval of all co-authors.

7 Research and Publication Ethics

• Research involving human participants must include appropriate ethics-review approval or a justified exemption, informed consent, and safeguards for privacy and confidentiality.

• Research involving children, displaced people, survivors of violence, marginalized communities, or other potentially vulnerable groups must explain enhanced protections and risk management.

• Ethnographic, oral-history, community-based, and participatory research must address consent, representation, reciprocity, anonymity, and the potential consequences of publication.

• Research involving indigenous, traditional, sacred, or community-held knowledge must respect community protocols, attribution, cultural ownership, and any restrictions on disclosure.

• Authors must obtain permission to reproduce artworks, photographs, archival documents, maps, recordings, performances, translated texts, and other copyrighted or culturally sensitive materials.

• Conflicts of interest and all sources of financial or institutional support must be disclosed.

• Fabrication, falsification, deceptive image or media manipulation, duplicate submission, citation manipulation, and undisclosed redundant publication are serious misconduct.

• Reviewers must preserve confidentiality, avoid using unpublished material for personal advantage, and recuse themselves where a conflict exists.

• Editors evaluate submissions on scholarly merit without discrimination and follow COPE procedures when investigating suspected misconduct.

8 Correction Retraction Withdrawal and Version Control

Minor errors that do not change the central interpretation of a published article are corrected through a formal corrigendum. Errors that materially undermine the validity or integrity of the work, or confirmed cases of serious misconduct, may result in retraction under COPE guidance. Correction and retraction notices are linked to the original article and state the reason for the action.

8.1 Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal during initial screening or peer review is acknowledged by the Editorial Office. Withdrawal after acceptance is considered only in exceptional circumstances and requires the Editor-in-Chief's approval. Once formally published, an article cannot be withdrawn; post-publication concerns are handled through correction or retraction. Unjustified withdrawal after peer review has begun, or simultaneous submission to another journal, may lead to restrictions on future submissions.

9 Open Access Copyright and Licensing

IJASHS is a fully open-access journal. Submission fees and article processing charges are waived for manuscripts submitted through December 2027. Published articles are freely available immediately. Authors retain copyright and grant IJASHS and Hormuud University a non-exclusive license to publish and distribute the work in print and digital form under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. Authors must confirm originality and secure all permissions required for third-party content.

10 Article Types

IJASHS accepts the following manuscript types for editorial consideration and peer review:

Article Type Description Approximate Word Limit
Original Research Article Empirical, historical, qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, or practice-based research presenting original findings 5,000–8,000
Review Article Systematic, scoping, integrative, or critical reviews that synthesize scholarship on a defined topic 6,000–10,000
Humanities or Critical Essay Original interpretive or argument-driven scholarship based on texts, archives, cultural materials, ideas, or historical evidence 4,000–8,000
Practice-Based or Creative Research Documented artistic or creative inquiry accompanied by rigorous contextualization and critical reflection 4,000–7,000
Case Study In-depth analysis of a community, institution, cultural practice, policy setting, event, or social phenomenon 4,000–7,000
Short Communication Concise report of significant preliminary findings, methodological innovation, archival discovery, or field insight 2,000–3,500
Policy or Practice Analysis Evidence-based analysis of social, cultural, educational, governance, or development policy and practice 4,000–7,000
Conceptual or Theoretical Paper Development, refinement, or critical examination of theories, concepts, or analytical frameworks 5,000–8,000

11 Manuscript Structure

Manuscripts must be prepared for single-blind review, with author-identifying information removed from the main file. Every submission must include the following core components:

• Cover Letter (optional): confirmation that the work is original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere; a concise statement of contribution; and the names and affiliations of all authors.

• Title Page: full title, author names, affiliations, ORCID identifiers where available, corresponding-author contact details, acknowledgements, funding, and conflict-of-interest information.

• Title and Abstract: an informative abstract of approximately 200–300 words summarizing the purpose, approach, principal argument or findings, contribution, and conclusion.

• Keywords: 5–8 specific terms immediately below the abstract.

• Main Text: a coherent structure appropriate to the article type and disciplinary tradition.

• Conclusion: the principal contribution, implications, limitations where relevant, and directions for further research or practice.

• Declarations: acknowledgements; funding; conflict of interest; ethics and consent where applicable; data, materials, or archive availability; author contributions for multi-authored work; and generative AI use where applicable.

• References: complete and accurate, using APA 7th edition.

• Tables Figures Images and Media: placed near their first discussion in the manuscript, numbered or labelled consistently, captioned, credited, and supplied separately in suitable resolution or format when requested.

11.1 Structures by Manuscript Type

• Empirical social-science research may use Introduction, Literature Review or Conceptual Framework, Methodology, Results or Findings, Discussion, and Conclusion. Sections may be combined when disciplinary practice supports it.

• Humanities, historical, philosophical, literary, and critical scholarship may use an introduction, scholarly or historical context, a clearly developed thesis or research question, logically ordered thematic or analytical sections, and a conclusion.

• Qualitative, ethnographic, oral-history, and community-based studies should explain context, researcher positioning where relevant, participant selection, data generation, analytical approach, ethics, findings or themes, interpretation, and limitations.

• Practice-based and creative research should state the research context and objectives, document the creative process and methods, present or describe the resulting work, critically reflect on decisions and outcomes, and explain the contribution to knowledge or practice.

• Review, conceptual, policy, case-study, and short-communication manuscripts may adapt the sequence to their purpose but must maintain a transparent method or basis of evidence and a clear scholarly contribution.

12 Formatting Guidelines

Authors must prepare manuscripts according to the following requirements:

• Font: Times New Roman throughout, including headings, body text, tables, and captions.

• Font size: 12 pt for body text; headings may be bold and slightly larger.

• Line spacing: 1.5 lines throughout the body of the manuscript.

• Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.

• Page size: A4, with consecutive page numbers at the bottom.

• Alignment: justified body text, with paragraph spacing or first-line indentation applied consistently.

• Language: manuscripts must be written in clear academic English. Authors are responsible for accurate translation and transcription of non-English material.

• Tables and figures: numbered consecutively, titled or captioned, cited in the text, and accompanied by source or permission information where required.

• Media and supplementary files: audio, video, datasets, interview guides, appendices, or creative documentation should be clearly labelled and submitted in accessible formats.

Manuscripts that do not conform to these requirements may be returned for technical correction before peer review.

13 Reference Style

IJASHS uses the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style, 7th edition, for in-text citations and the reference list.

• In-text citations use the author–date format, for example (Ahmed & Warsame, 2024) or Ahmed and Warsame (2024). Direct quotations include a page or paragraph number where available.

• The reference list is titled 'References,' arranged alphabetically by the first author's surname, and formatted with a hanging indent.

• DOIs must be presented as URLs where available. Stable URLs should be included for online sources when a DOI is unavailable.

• Works in languages other than English should retain the original title and may include an English translation in square brackets, in accordance with APA guidance.

• Every in-text citation must have a corresponding reference-list entry, and every reference-list entry must be cited in the text.

Illustrative examples:

• Journal article — Ahmed, S. A., & Warsame, H. M. (2024). Youth participation and community resilience in Somalia. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 42(2), 145–162. https://doi.org/10.0000/example

• Book — Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2023). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). SAGE.

• Book chapter — Hassan, A. M. (2022). Oral tradition and social memory in the Horn of Africa. In F. Ali (Ed.), Culture and society in Eastern Africa (pp. 55–76). East African Academic Press.

• Artwork — Artist, A. A. (Year). Title of work [Medium]. Collection or location. URL

• Website or report — United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2023). Culture and education: Global perspectives. https://www.unesco.org/

Authors should consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition) for source types not illustrated above.

14 Publication Frequency and Fees

IJASHS publishes biannually, with Issue 1 released in September and Issue 2 in March. It operates as a fully open-access journal. Submission fees and article processing charges are waived for manuscripts submitted through December 2027.

15 Editorial Contact and Governance

IJASHS is governed by an Editor-in-Chief who holds academic, ethical, and administrative responsibility for the journal, supported by an Editorial Board representing the arts, humanities, sociology, political science, international relations, psychology, education, communication and media, development studies, peace and conflict studies, and related interdisciplinary fields. Board membership should reflect national and international disciplinary and geographic diversity. Manuscripts are submitted through Hormuud University's Open Journal Systems portal. Editorial, submission, ethics, and permissions enquiries may be directed to the IJASHS Editorial Office at ijashs@journals.hu.edu.so.

Preservation and Long Term Access

Published content is maintained on the Hormuud University journal platform with regular backups. The journal intends to participate in distributed preservation services available to Open Journal Systems journals and to support repository deposit. Persistent identifiers will be assigned when registration and publishing arrangements are completed.

Recommending IJASHS to Your Institution

Librarians may add IJASHS to electronic-journal lists, discovery systems, subject guides, and open-access directories, and may inform faculty and researchers across arts, humanities, social sciences, education, communication, governance, development, peace studies, and regional studies of its scope and free availability.