Review process and editorial decision making
Publication in JOUS is based on peer review process by reviewer. This process is essentially a quality control mechanism by which experts evaluate manuscripts, and its objective is to ensure a high quality of published science. However, peer reviewers do not make the decision to accept or reject papers. Decision-making authority rests solely with journal editors or the journal’s editorial board and editor is considered to be central to the decision-making process.
Initial screening (up to 10 Days)
All the manuscripts submitted to the JOUS, goes under the initial checking process. During the initial screening, journal editors mainly check the following:
ORIGINALITY: Are the problems discussed in the article new? Does the article point out differences from related research? Does the article describe an innovative combination of techniques from different disciplines?
SIGNIFICANCE: Does the article have a considerable contribution to a certain area of research? Does the article stimulate discussion of important issues or alternative points of view?
RELEVANCE: Does the article fit in journal’s area of research? Is the article relevant to journal’s objectives? Does the article present relevant information for its area of research?
PRESENTATION: Does the article have a logic structure? Is the article clearly written? Is the article correctly written (from the grammar point of view)? Does the article present in an appropriate way the terminology for its area of interest?
Peer review (2-3 Months)
Once a manuscript clears the above-mentioned initial screening, it is sent for double blind peer review in which names of reviewers and authors are not revealed to each other. A minimum of 2 peer reviewers (up to 4) are chosen for the peer review. Peer reviewers are ideally experts in their field.
The manuscript is reviewed in a double-blind process and the following elements are scored:
Title: Does the title clearly express the content of the article? Is the title suggestive for the theme proposed by journal (if there is a proposed theme)?
Abstract: Is the abstract sufficiently informative? Does the abstract describe the research and the results? Does the abstract provide a good perspective on the final message of the article?
Introduction: Does the introduction correctly highlight the current concerns in the area? Does the introduction specify the research objectives? Does the introduction present the article contribution to research eria?
Methodology: Are the methods used clearly explained? Are the methods used validated / recognized? Are the data and statistics used reliable?
Results: Are the results clearly presented? Are all relevant connections with others’ work/research declared? Is the literature used in support of research sufficiently comprehensive and current? Do the results sufficiently avoid misinterpretation? Do the results sufficiently avoid assumptions and speculations?
Conclusions: Are the conclusions correctly / logically explained? Do the conclusions sufficiently avoid misinterpretation? Do the conclusions sufficiently avoid too general or biased information?
References: Do the references reflect the latest work/research in the considered area?
Tables: Do the tables correctly indicate the measuring units and the source? Are the tables correctly named and numbered Are the data presented in tables correctly valued and interpreted in the article? Are the tables well-proportioned and aesthetically placed in the article?
Graphs and figures: Do the graphs and figures properly illustrate the discussed subject? Do the graphs and figures correctly indicate the measuring units and the source? Are the graphs and figures correctly named and numbered? Are the data presented in graphs and figures correctly valued and interpreted in the article? Are the graphs and figures well-proportioned and aesthetically placed in the article?
Final decision
Editorial board considers the feedback provided by the peer reviewers and arrives at a decision. The following decisions may be made in JOUS: