Role of the editorial team

The editorial committee is made up of the editor-in-chief, senior editor, and scientific committee. The functions of each of these are described below.

Editor in chief

The editor-in-chief is responsible for directing, managing, and supervising the publications of El Higo journal, as well as for the quality and consistency of its content.

He or she has extensive knowledge and experience in the field covered by the journal. He or she has leadership and management skills to lead the editorial team. He or she is able to critically evaluate manuscripts and make sound editorial decisions. He or she maintains effective communication with authors, the editorial board, and peer reviewers. He or she ensures that the journal meets the highest standards of academic and scientific quality. Responsible for the technical aspects of article preparation and publication, including formatting, design, and uploading to the platform.

Functions

• Ensure the scientific, ethical, and editorial quality of the journal.
• Establish editorial policies.
• Review and evaluate manuscripts received to verify compliance with editorial policies and quality criteria.
• Develop and manage the editorial follow-up schedule for manuscripts.
• Prepare observations and recommendations to improve the quality of reviewed manuscripts.
• Assign peer reviewers according to the thematic line and profile of the manuscript.
• Maintain contact with authors and peer reviewers, managing queries, providing guidance, and offering timely feedback.
• Edit and review the writing of articles according to the established style of organization and presentation of information (APA or other required by the journal).
• Review and approve (or reject) the final version of manuscripts prior to publication.
• Convene and chair meetings to coordinate functions, processes, and strategic decisions.
• Build and update a database of peer reviewers, considering their specialization and academic background.
• Ensure compliance with the ethical, scientific, and quality standards defined by the journal and good editorial practices.
• Appoint a committee to deal with potential conflicts, complaints, or incidents related to ethical issues in submitted or published works.
• Contact and manage relationships with databases, repositories, and indexing systems to achieve and maintain the journal's visibility.
• Establish strategies for the dissemination, promotion, and positioning of the journal in academic and scientific environments.
• Actively participate in conferences, events, and academic spaces to strengthen the visibility of the publication.
• Collaborate with other journals, institutions, and academic networks to increase the reach, impact, and prestige of the journal.
• Prepare a semi-annual report on the status and progress of the editorial process.

Senior Editor

Recognized experts in the journal's field of study. They advise and guide the editor-in-chief on manuscript selection and journal management. They critically evaluate manuscripts and provide constructive feedback to authors. They contribute to the promotion of the journal and the expansion of its reach. They collaborate with the editor-in-chief in the administration, publication, and production of publications.

Functions

• Assume the duties of the Editor-in-Chief when the latter, for justified reasons, is unable to perform them, ensuring the continuity of the editorial process.
• Provide guidance and support on issues related to scientific research, editorial quality, and the strategic direction of the journal.
• Decide, in conjunction with the Editor-in-Chief, whether manuscripts received meet the basic criteria for peer review or should be preliminarily rejected.
• Suggest measures, adjustments, or innovations to strengthen the development, positioning, and academic quality of the journal.
• Ensure, together with the Editor-in-Chief, compliance with the scientific, ethical, and editorial standards established by the journal and international best practices.
• Ensure, in coordination with the Editor-in-Chief, the thematic relevance, timeliness, methodological soundness, and academic rigor of the published content.
• Manage invitations to renowned researchers or experts in the field to contribute manuscripts.

Scientific Committee

They carry out an evaluation to determine the quality and relevance of the content to be published.

Functions

• Maintain fluid communication with the Editor-in-Chief regarding assigned reviews.
• Critically and objectively review assigned manuscripts, assessing their academic and scientific quality.
• Determine the originality of the content, the methodological soundness, and the relevance of the contributions to the field of study.
• Verify that the bibliographic references are correctly cited and that academic integrity is respected.
• Prepare reports with clear and reasoned recommendations for the acceptance, improvement, or rejection of the manuscript.
• Provide critical observations that help the author improve the scientific, methodological, and editorial quality of their work.
• Act with integrity, confidentiality, and transparency, in accordance with the journal's ethical standards and the principles of scientific publication.
• Submit review reports within the deadlines set by the Editor, respecting the editorial process timelines.
• Suggest thematic lines, emerging areas, or relevant debates that could be included in future issues of the journal.
• Propose researchers, experts, and resources that could enrich future editions of the journal.

Technical team

Content and style editor

Reviews manuscripts to ensure scientific accuracy and logical consistency. Identifies and corrects methodological, conceptual, and reasoning errors. Corrects spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors. Ensures that the writing style is consistent with the journal's standards. Suggests improvements to enhance the clarity, conciseness, and fluidity of the text.

Graphic designer

Design, layout, and visually optimize the graphic content of the scientific journal, ensuring a clear, attractive, professional presentation in line with international editorial and scientific standards.

Language Assistant

Possesses excellent language skills in the language in which the journal is published. Assists in the translation of articles from foreign languages into the language of the journal. Responsible for translating from Spanish to English in order to expand the content's reach to the public.

University Authorities

The presence of authorities on the editorial team gives the publication legitimacy and formal recognition, showing that it has the official support of the institution. The authorities provide resources, approvals, and strategic support for the development and sustainability of the journal. They promote the integration of the journal with academic, scientific, and institutional dissemination objectives. They ensure that the journal complies with regulations.

Organizational chart of the editorial team, Science and Technology Journal El Higo