SLRSystematic Literature ReviewFrom Literature Discovery to Publication

STAGE 4 · GUIDED REFINEMENT WORKSPACE

5. Journal Matching

Shortlist suitable, legitimate journals and choose a realistic first target.

Step 5 of 7
Step by step: Read the guidance, open the linked tools if needed, then record your verified decisions below. Your work is saved in this browser; export the portfolio to keep a backup.
ESTIMATED HANDS-ON TIME40–50 min
You are ready to continue when

You have 3–5 journals compared on scope, indexing, review history, cost and timeline, and a justified first choice.

Tools, templates and prompts for this stepLearn the software on its own guide. Return here to record verified outputs.

Key guidance

  • Start from where your included studies and the closest prior reviews were published — they show which journals accept this topic.
  • Confirm the journal explicitly accepts review articles (some only publish invited reviews).
  • Verify indexing directly in Scopus Sources and the Web of Science Master Journal List; do not rely on the journal’s own website.
  • Compare: aims and scope, article type and word limit, quartile, open-access options and APC, typical time to first decision, acceptance rate (if published).
  • Screen for predatory practices with Think. Check. Submit.: unsolicited invitations, guaranteed fast acceptance, unclear peer review, fake metrics.
Stage 4 output worksheetRecord concise, verified outputs. Keep the full working files (matrices, drafts, reference library) in your own storage.

Journal Matching

Indexing and quartile must be checked in Scopus or Web of Science directly, and recorded with the date checked.
Saved locally as you type
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