The review questions, from background to discussion

The following questions guide a thorough review. Work through them in order, from the framing of the manuscript to its conclusions. These questions apply whether you are reviewing for AJSW, JDA, SINCCD or the Journal of Ubuntu.

1. Has the author adhered to the journal’s aim and policies?
2. Is the topic relevant and clear?
3. Does the abstract include everything, can it stand on its own?
4. Are the key words adequate, do they reflect the topic?
5. Reviewing the background and context: is the background clear, is there adequate information to show the research gap?
6. Reviewing theories, frameworks and models: are they suitable for the African context? What could be improved?
7. Reviewing the literature: if literature has been reviewed, is this adequate? Are the methods of the review strong, justifiable and trustworthy?
8. Reviewing the methods: are they suitable for an African context? What could be improved?
9. Reviewing the analysis and findings: are results clearly presented, are they adequate, does the analysis support them?
10. Reviewing the discussion: are conclusions clear, adequate and persuasive? Do they flow from the study?
11. What are the implications of the study? Are they clear and reasonable? Do they flow from the study?
12. Generally, how is the quality of the work and the writing?
13. Should the manuscript be accepted, rejected, or returned for revisions?

Practice: applying the questions to a sample manuscript

Example: a JDA submission

Consider a JDA manuscript on decentralised service delivery. In the background section, note whether the research gap is established with reference to specific administrative structures in the country studied, rather than a generic claim that gaps exist. In the theory section, check whether the framework used engages with African development administration scholarship, or relies entirely on models developed elsewhere without adaptation.

Example: a Journal of Ubuntu submission

Consider a manuscript submitted to the Journal of Ubuntu itself. Here the theory question becomes central, since the entire journal is built around Ubuntu philosophy. Assess whether the manuscript engages with Ubuntu across its fuller range, family, community, society, environment and spirituality, or whether it uses the term as a label without depth.