Review Policy
Transparent and rigorous peer review process ensuring academic excellence and integrity
What is Double-Blind Review?
In double-blind peer review, both the reviewer and author identities are concealed from each other throughout the review process, ensuring unbiased evaluation based solely on the merit of the research.
- • Authors remain anonymous to reviewers
- • Reviewers remain anonymous to authors
- • Eliminates potential bias and conflicts
- • Ensures objective evaluation
Review Criteria
- • Originality: Novel contribution to knowledge
- • Methodology: Sound research design and methods
- • Significance: Importance and impact of findings
- • Clarity: Clear presentation and writing quality
- • Ethics: Adherence to research ethics
- • Scope: Alignment with journal's aims
Initial Editorial Screening (3-5 days)
Editor-in-Chief or Associate Editor reviews manuscript for scope, format, and basic requirements
Reviewer Assignment (2-3 days)
Minimum 2-3 expert reviewers are selected based on expertise and availability
Peer Review Period (21-28 days)
Reviewers conduct thorough evaluation and provide detailed feedback
Editorial Decision (3-5 days)
Editor makes final decision based on reviewer recommendations
Accept
Manuscript accepted with minor or no revisions required
Minor Revisions
Manuscript requires minor changes before acceptance
Major Revisions
Significant revisions needed; re-review required
Reject
Manuscript does not meet publication standards
Decision Factors
- • Quality and rigor of research methodology
- • Originality and significance of contribution
- • Clarity of presentation and writing
- • Adherence to ethical standards
- • Alignment with journal scope
- • Statistical validity (where applicable)
- • Literature review comprehensiveness
- • Practical implications and impact
Expertise Requirements
- • PhD in relevant field or equivalent expertise
- • Active research record in the subject area
- • Publication history in peer-reviewed journals
- • International recognition in the field
- • Previous peer review experience
- • Current institutional affiliation
Selection Process
- • Database of qualified reviewers maintained
- • Automatic conflict of interest screening
- • Geographic and institutional diversity ensured
- • Workload balance considered
- • Author suggestions may be considered
- • Final selection by Associate Editor
Review Responsibilities
- • Provide objective, constructive feedback
- • Evaluate manuscript within expertise area
- • Maintain confidentiality throughout process
- • Complete review within agreed timeframe
- • Declare any conflicts of interest
- • Provide detailed written comments
- • Recommend appropriate editorial action
- • Respect intellectual property rights
Review Report Structure
- • Summary: Brief overview of the manuscript
- • Strengths: Positive aspects and contributions
- • Weaknesses: Areas needing improvement
- • Specific Comments: Detailed line-by-line feedback
- • Recommendation: Clear editorial recommendation
- • Confidential Comments: Additional notes for editor
Grounds for Appeal
- • Procedural errors in review process
- • Reviewer bias or misconduct
- • Misunderstanding of manuscript content
- • New evidence or significant corrections
- • Conflict of interest not disclosed
Appeal Process
- • Submit formal appeal within 30 days
- • Provide detailed justification
- • Independent editorial review
- • Additional expert opinion if needed
- • Final decision within 21 days
Process Monitoring
- • Regular review timeline tracking
- • Reviewer performance evaluation
- • Author satisfaction surveys
- • Editorial decision consistency
Reviewer Training
- • New reviewer orientation
- • Best practices guidelines
- • Ethics training programs
- • Feedback and improvement
Continuous Improvement
- • Annual policy review
- • International best practices
- • Technology integration
- • Stakeholder feedback