Major aspects

Title

Does it reflect the purpose and content of the paper in a short form?

Abstract

Does it effectively and concisely represent the content of the manuscript? Does it highlight the findings and conclusion of the paper?

Introduction

Is the background of the study clearly, adequately but briefly discussed to justify the importance of the research problem. Is the situation which created the research problem is convincingly and coherently described and critically analyzed? Is this description adequately phrased for a diverse international readership to understand? 

Literature review

Are the contemporary literatures relevant to the study reviewed adequately?

Theoretical aspect

Is the theory sufficiently sound, and supported by the evidence? Is it testable? Is it preferable to competing theories? Is the manuscript theoretically grounded?

Methodological aspect

Are the methodology, data and analyses sound? Is the statistical design and analysis appropriate? Are the choice and availability of materials for study and the methodological approach (including mathematical statistics) appropriate, adequate and feasible?  Is the description clear, simple and accessible for a diverse international readership?  Is the choice supported by an adequate critical review of the international literature?

Results

Are the findings discussed appropriately and in a ‘to the point’ manner?

Synthesis  

Are the findings original? Are the findings synthesized adequately and compared with other national and international relevant studies?

Conclusion

Are the conclusions justified, consistent with the content and result of the section?

Reference

Is the reference section made by following the respective referencing style? Is the manuscript free of citation problem such as a reference is cited in the text but not in the list or vise-versa?

Minor aspects

Structure

Is the manuscript logically developed and appropriately subdivided and subtitled?  Is there consistency between the subsections of the manuscript?

Style  and Presentation

Is the manuscript easy for a diverse readership to read?  Is it written in plain scientific or technical English?  Are the terminologies correct?

Length

Does the manuscript justify its length?

Illustrations and Tables

Do they suitably and adequately supplement the text?  Do the captions explain their contents satisfactorily that they can be understood without reference to the text?  Are their design adequate and their information content relevant, sufficient and accurate/precise?

Ethics

Does the research work consider ethical issues? Is the article covered by appropriate licensing or ethical approval?