Publishing Model
1. This journal operates under a continuous publication model, in line with international best practices in academic publishing.
2. Each article is assigned a unique identifier (DOI) and is immediately citable upon publication.
Peer Review
About the Peer Review Process
Peer review is crucial to maintaining the quality and integrity of published research. When you submit an article to the FCE, it will be evaluated by at
least two independent reviewers. Their feedback plays a significant role in the editor’s decision on whether to accept or reject your article for publication.
What is Peer Review and Why is it Important?
Peer review involves the critical evaluation of manuscripts submitted to journals by external experts who are not part of the editorial staff. The primary aim of peer review is to ensure the integrity of scientific research by
filtering out studies that are invalid or of low quality.
How Does It Work?
At FCE, all submitted manuscripts undergo a rigorous peer review process conducted by at least two independent experts in the relevant field.
The peer review process is managed by the Editorial Board and operates as follows:
Initial Screening and Plagiarism Check
All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial editorial screening for scope and quality, and are screened for originality using iThenticate plagiarism detection software. Manuscripts that fall outside the journal's scope, do not meet basic quality standards, or show evidence of plagiarism are rejected at this stage and do not proceed to peer review.
Reviewer Selection
Each manuscript is assigned to reviewers with recognised expertise in the subject area. Reviewers are selected independently by the Editorial Board and have no conflicts of interest with the authors.
Reviewer Assessment
Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on scientific merit and relevance, including originality, methodological rigour, validity of results,
clarity of presentation, and contribution to the field. Reviewers provide detailed, constructive reports and may recommend acceptance, revision, or rejection.
Editorial Decision
The decision to publish is made by the Editor-in-Chief, following recommendations from the Editorial Board Members.
Decisions are based solely on academic merit and the quality of the reviewers’ evaluations.
Authors may be asked to revise their manuscripts in response to reviewer comments prior to a final decision.
FCE operates a double-anonymised peer review system, in which reviewer identities are not disclosed to authors and reviewers are not aware of author identities.
This review model supports informed, objective, and accountable assessment of submitted research.
What Do Editors and Reviewers Look For?
During the peer review process, editors and reviewers at FCE assess the following attributes:
• Scope: Is the content appropriate for the journal's audience?
• Novelty: Does the article present new findings or insights not previously published?
• Validity: Is the study well-designed and executed with rigour?
• Data Presentation: Are the data presented clearly and accurately, with appropriate analysis?
• Clarity: Are the concepts conveyed clearly, concisely, and coherently?
• Ethical Compliance: Does the article meet all ethical standards and journal requirements?
Appeals and Complaints
1. Complaints may relate to the editorial process (e.g., perceived bias, long delays, or improper behavior), publication ethics (e.g., plagiarism, data manipulation), or other concerns
related to the journal’s content or practices.
2. All complaints should be submitted in writing to the journal's editorial office via fce@cspub-hk.org. Each complaint will be acknowledged promptly and investigated
thoroughly, with respect for all parties involved. Outcomes will be communicated as soon as a conclusion is reached.
3. Authors who wish to appeal an editorial decision should clearly state the grounds for appeal and provide any supporting evidence. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of
receiving the decision.
Use of Journal Revenue
Article Processing Charges collected by Future Cities and Environment contribute to the costs of peer review management, article production, and the long-term dissemination and preservation of published research. Invoices are issued following publication of the article.
Advertising Policy
The journal does not accept any form of advertising, in order to maintain editorial independence and uphold the integrity of the academic content.