About the Journal
Focus and Scope
The International Arab Journal of English for Specific Purposes (IAJESP) is a peer-reviewed, open-access, annual journal that welcomes original research papers from across the world. The purpose of this journal is to further the progress of English for Specific Purposes by reporting new research and promoting its growing importance and benefits. The IAJESP Journal covers a diverse array of subject areas, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of topics essential to the advancement of English for Specific Purposes. The Journal covers a wide range of topics within ESP, organized into the following key areas:
- ESP Methodology: Focuses on teaching approaches, course design, materials development, and needs analysis in ESP contexts.
- ESP Disciplines: Addresses ESP applications in various fields, including business, science, medicine, engineering, law, and tourism.
- Technology and Innovation in ESP: Explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and digital resources in ESP teaching, course design, and personalized learning.
- Assessment and Evaluation: Discusses developing effective assessments, evaluating ESP programs, and innovative testing techniques.
- Cross-Cultural Communication and ESP Translation : Examines intercultural competence, communication challenges, and translation in ESP contexts.
- Professional Development: Focuses on training and continuing professional development for ESP teachers, along with the role of internationalization.
- Language Policy and Planning: Covers policies and planning related to ESP in the Arab region and post-Covid19 impacts.
- ESP in Specific Regions: Discusses research and practices specific to the Arab region, with comparative studies from other international contexts.
- ESP and Soft Skills: Emphasizes the integration of soft skills, professional skills, and employability in ESP programs.
- Language and Social Issues: Addresses gender, race, inclusivity, and social justice within ESP research and practice.
Peer Review Process:
- Process: IAJESP implements a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality and integrity of published research. In this system:
- Reviewers: Each manuscript is evaluated by at least two independent reviewers who are experts in the relevant field. Reviewers are selected based on their expertise and experience, ensuring a thorough and objective assessment.
- Anonymity: The identities of both the authors and the reviewers are kept confidential throughout the review process to minimize bias and maintain impartiality.
- Review Criteria: Manuscripts are assessed based on originality, methodological rigor, relevance to the journal’s scope, clarity of presentation, and contribution to the field of ESP. Reviewers provide constructive feedback to authors to enhance the quality of their submissions.
- Decision: Based on the reviewers' feedback, the editorial team makes a decision on whether to accept, reject, or request revisions to the manuscript. Authors are provided with detailed feedback to improve their work, if necessary.
Open Access Policy :
- Immediate and Free Access: The IAJESP Journal is committed to providing immediate, unrestricted access to all published content. All articles are available for free to anyone with an internet connection, with no subscription or payment barriers.
- Compliance with DOAJ Guidelines: The journal adheres to the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) guidelines by ensuring that all published content is freely accessible. This approach supports the principles of open access by allowing readers worldwide to view, download, and use the research without financial or institutional restrictions.
- User Access: Articles are published in full-text format on the journal’s website. Users can access the complete content without any registration or login requirements. This policy enhances the visibility and impact of the research, facilitates wider dissemination, and supports the advancement of knowledge in the field of English for Specific Purposes.
Publication Frequency:
- Schedule: The International Arab Journal of English for Specific Purposes is published annually. Each issue is released on a set date each year, ensuring a regular and predictable publication schedule.
- Planning: The annual publication schedule is planned in advance, with clear timelines for manuscript submission, review, and publication. The editorial team adheres to these timelines to ensure timely dissemination of research findings.
Manuscript Procedure Timeline
- Submission to Initial Decision: within 4-6 weeks of submission.
- Peer Review Process: 8-10 weeks.
- Revision by Authors: 4-6 weeks (depending on the extent of revisions required).
- Final Decision: 4-6 weeks after resubmission.
- Proofreading, Formatting, and Publication: 4-6 weeks.
- Total Time from Submission to Publication: Average Timeframe: 5-8 months.
Publication Fee:
- Publication Fees: The IAJESP Journal does not charge any fees for publication. All submissions are processed and published free of charge.
Editorial Board and Roles :
- Composition: The Editorial Board of IAJESP is comprised of a diverse group of scholars and practitioners with recognized expertise in ESP and related disciplines. Board members are selected based on their academic achievements, contributions to the field, and professional standing.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Editor-in-Chief: The Editor-in-Chief oversees the entire editorial process of the journal, including manuscript selection and review, and makes final decisions on acceptance or rejection based on reviewer feedback and adherence to journal standards. This role ensures that editorial practices align with the journal’s guidelines, maintains the quality and integrity of published research, and provides leadership by setting strategic goals and addressing any issues that arise.
- Editorial Board: The Editorial Board provides strategic guidance related to research areas relevant to the journal's focus. They assist in the journal’s development and growth by supporting initiatives, promoting the journal, and expanding its reach.They are engaged in editorial activities, including manuscript reviews and recommendations, to ensure the journal maintains high-quality standards.
- Scientific Committee: The Scientific Committee, composed of subject-matter experts, provides specialized assessments and recommendations on the scientific content of submitted manuscripts. They evaluate the novelty, relevance, and methodological rigor of research articles to ensure they advance the field and contribute valuable knowledge. The committee advises the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board on scientific matters, including emerging trends, and helps maintain the journal’s academic credibility. Additionally, they support the journal in organizing special issues, thematic reviews, and collaborative research initiatives to enhance its impact and relevance.
Ethical Policies
- Policy: The IAJESP is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism, in any form, is strictly prohibited. All submitted manuscripts are expected to be original works, and any instances of plagiarism or self-plagiarism will result in immediate rejection of the manuscript.
- Detection Tools: IAJESP utilizes advanced plagiarism detection tools, such as Turnitin or iThenticate, to screen all submitted manuscripts for potential instances of plagiarism. These tools help ensure that all content is original and properly cited.
- Procedure: If plagiarism is detected, the editorial team will: Notify the author(s) and give them the opportunity to address and correct the plagiarism. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, the manuscript will be rejected, and the author(s) may be barred from future submissions.
- Citation Practices: The IAJESP requires authors to follow APA citation style for all in-text citations and reference lists. Detailed guidelines are provided during submission to ensure accuracy and consistency. Authors are responsible for proper citation practices, and tools like EndNote or Zotero are recommended for managing references. Citations are reviewed for compliance during the editorial process to maintain scholarly integrity.
Conflict of Interest
- Disclosure Requirements: All authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their work. This includes financial, professional, or personal interests that might affect the impartiality of their contributions.
- Author Disclosure: Authors are required to declare any financial or non-financial conflicts of interest related to their research upon submission. This information must be clearly stated in the manuscript and included in the Conflict-of-Interest section.
- Reviewer and Editor Disclosure: Reviewers and editors must disclose any conflicts of interest when invited to participate in the review process. If a conflict of interest is identified, they must recuse themselves from the review or editorial process for the relevant manuscript.
- Management: The editorial team will review all disclosed conflicts of interest and take appropriate measures to manage or mitigate any potential biases. This may involve assigning alternative reviewers or editors if necessary.
Ethical Approval
- Requirement for Ethical Approval: Research involving human subjects must obtain appropriate ethical approval from relevant ethics committees or institutional review boards before submission to IAJESP.
- Adherence to Guidelines: Manuscripts must adhere to ethical guidelines concerning the treatment of human subjects. This includes: Ensuring that informed consent was obtained from all participants involved in the research; Maintaining the confidentiality of participants’ data and identities; Following ethical standards related to the collection, use, and reporting of data.
- Non-Compliance: Manuscripts that do not meet these ethical standards or lack appropriate ethical approval will be rejected. Authors are responsible for ensuring that their research complies with all applicable ethical guidelines and legal requirements.
Archiving Policy:
- The journal implements an archiving policy to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of published articles.
- Articles are archived in digital repositories or platforms of the institutions: Institut Marocain de l'Information Scientifique et Technique, National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST).
- The archived articles are assigned persistent identifiers (such as DOIs) to facilitate citation and retrieval.
- Authors and readers have continued access to archived articles, promoting the ongoing dissemination of research findings and scholarly dialogue.