Submission Process

1. General Principles

  • All manuscripts are submitted 100% online through the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform of the specialized journals under HCMCOUJS;
  • The submission process follows the standard structure and workflow of OJS 3.3, comprising the steps: Start → Upload Submission → Enter Metadata → Confirmation → Next Steps;
  • Each submission is automatically assigned a Manuscript ID by the system for tracking throughout its processing lifecycle;
  • Authors are responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of all information declared in OJS, in the manuscript, and in the accompanying submitted documents.

2. Preparation Before Submission

Authors should prepare the following files in accordance with Manuscript Preparation and Submission Package, including:

  • Main Manuscript;
  • Title Page;
  • Cover Letter;
  • Unified Author Disclosure Form;
  • Appendices and supplementary materials (if any);
  • Research data (if any).

3. Submission Steps

3.1. Step 1 – Starting the Submission

  • Select the appropriate Section;
  • Confirm the Journal's Submission Requirements / Checklist;
  • Agree to the Copyright Notice, License Terms, and Privacy Statement;
  • Click Save and Continue to proceed to the next step.

3.2. Step 2 – Uploading the Manuscript and Related Files

  • Upload the remaining files under the correct file type in OJS: Article Text, Title Page, Cover Letter, Unified Author Disclosure Form, Appendices (if any), Research Data (if any);
  • Click Save and Continue.

3.3. Step 3 – Entering Metadata

  • Enter the title, abstract, keywords (4–6 words), and references;
  • Enter all authors: full name, email, affiliation, country, and ORCID (mandatory);
  • Designate the Corresponding Author;
  • Ensure that the metadata matches exactly with the manuscript, title page, cover letter, and Unified Author Disclosure Form;
  • Click Save and Continue.

3.4. Step 4 – Confirmation and Completion

  • Review all submitted information and files;
  • Click Finish Submission to complete the submission;
  • The OJS system sends a confirmation email and displays the Manuscript ID.

3.5. Step 5 – After Submission

  • The manuscript moves to Submitted status in OJS;
  • Authors can track the processing progress on the Dashboard;
  • All subsequent communications (revision requests, peer review, editorial decisions) take place through the system.