Editorial: Navigating excellence: understanding and overcoming common causes of manuscript rejections in logistics and supply chain management research

In academic life, rejection, as depicted in this editorial, is a well-known experience for every scholar. As Editors, around four out of five decisions we make involve rejections, a norm shared by business management and premier LSCM journals. Our commitment to offering constructive, supportive feedback underscores the importance of the tone in alleviating the disappointment associated with these outcomes. In this editorial, we shed light on the five primary reasons for rejections encountered in the review process, each representing a facet crucial to the integrity and scholarly impact of the published work: Superficial/inappropriate use of theory Lack of novelty. Data, rigor and measurement issues Descriptive analysis lacking theoretical insights Descriptive analysis of structure literature review By understanding and addressing these key points, authors can navigate the submission process more effectively, ensuring that their contributions meet the high-quality standards set by IJPDLM. This proactive approach not only streamlines the review process but also positions the journal as a catalyst for advancing the field of LSCM.