About the Journal

Mission Statement

             "The Applied Dispute Resolution Journal (ADRJ) is committed to advancing scholarship, research, and practical applications in the field of alternative dispute resolution. Upholding the highest ethical standards and professional integrity, ADRJ publishes innovative studies, case analyses, and policy discussions that shape best practices in mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

            Through rigorous peer review and interdisciplinary collaboration, ADRJ fosters intellectual engagement, promotes ethical decision-making, and contributes to the evolving landscape of dispute resolution with a steadfast commitment to fairness, transparency, and academic excellence."

Scope and Focus

            ADRJ is committed to leading in the fields of mediation, negotiation, conflict resolution, arbitration, and ombudsman practices. As a trusted resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, ADRJ is committed to advancing research, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of dispute resolution.

            The journal’s editorial scope reflects the journal’s commitment to advancing both theory and practice across key domains of dispute resolution. The following areas represent our primary focus:

            Mediation: Exploring best practices, ethical considerations, and emerging trends in facilitated dispute resolution.

            Negotiation: Analyzing strategies, frameworks, and psychological dynamics that drive successful negotiations.

            Conflict Resolution: Investigating interdisciplinary approaches to resolving disputes across legal, corporate, and social sectors.

            Arbitration: Examining procedural developments, comparative arbitration models, and the evolving role of arbitrators.

            Ombudsman Practices: Assessing the impact of ombudsman services in ensuring autonomy, fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Open Access Policy

            ADRJ adheres to open access publishing, ensuring that all research and scholarly contributions are freely available to the public.

            The journal is an open-access publication. Authors retain full rights to their work and may share, reproduce, or distribute their articles freely. Readers are encouraged to use and cite the content with proper attribution.

Key Principles of ADRJ’s Open Access Policy

            Free Accessibility: All articles published in ADRJ are available online without subscription fees or paywalls.

            Author Rights: Authors retain copyright and grant ADRJ a license to publish their work under an open-access framework.

            Creative Commons Licensing: Articles are published under a Creative Commons license, allowing for responsible sharing, distribution, and citation. 

             Academic Integrity: Open access enhances transparency, collaboration, and the dissemination of knowledge in the field of dispute resolution.

            ADRJ believes that unrestricted access to research fosters innovation and supports the global academic community.

Peer Review Process

            All submissions undergo double-blind peer review (DBPR), ensuring fair and impartial review or evaluation.

            Reviewers assess manuscripts based on originality, relevance, clarity, and contribution to the field of dispute resolution.

            Authors receive detailed, constructive feedback designed to enhance clarity, methodological rigor, and relevance to the field before final acceptance.

Publication Frequency

            ADRJ is published annually in the Fall. Special Editions may be released in response to scholarly demand and emerging topical priorities. These editions spotlight timely subjects to ensure that pressing issues in the field receive the academic attention and discourse they deserve. This flexible publishing model enables ADRJ to respond swiftly to evolving challenges, delivering relevant scholarship when it matters most.

Ethics Statement

            The Applied Dispute Resolution Journal (ADRJ) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, transparency, and ethical publishing. All submissions, reviews, and editorial decisions adhere to rigorous ethical guidelines to ensure fairness, accountability, and scholarly excellence.

Core Ethical Principles

            Integrity & Honesty: Authors must present original research, properly cite sources, and avoid plagiarism or data manipulation.

            Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any potential conflicts that could influence objectivity.

            Respect for Confidentiality: All submitted manuscripts and reviewer feedback remain confidential throughout the review process.

            Ethical Research Standards: Studies involving human subjects, mediation, arbitration, or dispute resolution must comply with ethical research guidelines and obtain necessary approvals.

            These statements align with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) or similar standards if applicable.

Redistribution Guidelines

            Academic & Non-Commercial Use: Excerpts may be shared for educational or research purposes, provided proper attribution is given.

            Fair Use Compliance: Redistribution must align with fair use principles to preserve intellectual property rights.

            For inquiries regarding redistribution, please contact gpapica@csudh.edu. Applied Dispute Resolution Journal is committed to protecting the integrity of published work while fostering academic collaboration.

Closing Note from the Managing Editor

            As Managing Editor of ADRJ, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our contributors, reviewers, and readers. This issue reflects the collaborative spirit and intellectual rigor that define our field. May the insights within spark dialogue, deepen understanding, and inspire continued innovation in dispute resolution. We look forward to your engagement in future editions.