Peer Review Policy

 
 
Peer Review Policy
 
01

Introduction

The scientific manuscripts submitted to Journal of Azzaytuna University (JAZU) are subject to rigorous peer review aimed at evaluating the quality, originality, methodology, scientific significance, and relevance of the research to the journal's scope.

The journal is committed to applying clear, transparent, fair, and consistent peer review procedures that ensure the independence of editorial decisions, confidentiality of the review process, and integrity of scholarly evaluation.

02

Type of Peer Review

Double-Blind Peer Review
Double-Blind Review

The journal adopts a Double-Blind Peer Review system, whereby the identity of the authors is not disclosed to the reviewers, and the identity of the reviewers is not disclosed to the authors, where practicable and in accordance with the journal's established procedures.

03

Initial Screening

Upon receipt of a manuscript, the Editorial Board conducts an initial screening to determine whether it meets the journal's basic requirements. The screening includes:

✓ Relevance of the manuscript to the journal's scope.
✓ Compliance with the authors' guidelines and formatting requirements.
✓ Scientific originality of the manuscript.
✓ Quality and organization of the scientific presentation.
✓ Completeness of the essential manuscript information and components.
✓ Textual similarity and originality screening.
✓ Identification of any preliminary indications of research or publication misconduct.
Important Note: Passing the initial screening does not constitute acceptance for publication. It means only that the manuscript may proceed to the scientific evaluation and peer review stage after satisfying the preliminary requirements.
04

Reviewer Selection

Reviewers are selected based on their scientific expertise and competence in the subject area of the manuscript. The journal considers the following criteria to ensure the quality and independence of the review:

Subject Expertise
Relevance of the reviewer's specialization to the research topic.
Research Experience
Relevant research experience and scientific competence.
No Conflict of Interest
Absence of relationships that could compromise the reviewer's impartiality.
Independence
No direct relationship with the authors or the research that could influence the review.
Objectivity
Ability to provide an independent, balanced, and constructive scientific assessment.
The journal clearly states the type of peer review, the reviewer selection process, and the basis on which the final editorial decision is made.
05

Number of Reviewers

2
Specialist Reviewers
 
As a general rule, each manuscript is referred to two specialized reviewers. If the reviewers' reports differ substantially, the Editorial Board may appoint an additional reviewer to assist in reaching a balanced and well-informed scientific decision.
06

Peer Review Time

14
Target Days

The journal aims to complete the peer review process within two weeks from the date the manuscript is sent to the reviewers. However, the actual duration may vary depending on the nature of the research, reviewer availability, and reviewer response times. The journal does not guarantee acceptance of any manuscript or a final editorial decision within a specific period.

07

Peer Review Decisions

01
Accept Without Revision

The manuscript is accepted in its current form.

02
Minor Revisions

The manuscript may be accepted subject to limited revisions.

03
Major Revisions

The manuscript is returned to the authors for substantial revisions and may be subject to further evaluation.

04
Reject

The manuscript is rejected because it does not meet the required scientific or editorial standards.

08

Confidentiality of Peer Review

All manuscripts and peer review reports are treated as strictly confidential. Reviewers are required to maintain the confidentiality of all information accessed during the review process and are prohibited from:

✓ Sharing the manuscript or any part of it with others.
✓ Using data, findings, or information from the manuscript before publication.
✓ Contacting the authors directly regarding the manuscript without permission from the Editorial Board.
✓ Using information contained in the manuscript for personal or professional benefit.
Confidentiality Principle: The journal is committed to protecting the confidentiality of manuscripts and the identities of participants in the peer review process, in accordance with its adopted Double-Blind Peer Review system.
09

Final Editorial Decision

The Editorial Board is responsible for making the final editorial decision regarding a manuscript, based on the reviewers' reports, the quality of the research, and its compliance with the journal's scientific and editorial standards.

The final editorial decision is not necessarily based on a single review report. The Editorial Board may request an additional review when there is a substantial disagreement among the reviewers or when an additional specialized opinion is required.

 
Peer Review Policy | Journal of Azzaytuna University