The Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (AJMS) employs a rigorous and double-blind peer review process, ensuring the publication of high-quality research. This process is central to our commitment to academic integrity, fostering a constructive and unbiased evaluation of submissions. Below is a detailed overview of AJMS's peer review process:
Step 1: Submission and Initial Check
- Manuscript Submission: Authors submit their manuscripts via the AJMS online submission system using OJS. Submissions must adhere to the journal's author guidelines.
- Initial Editorial Screening: Upon receipt, the Editorial Office conducts an initial check to ensure the submission's completeness, adherence to author guidelines, and alignment with the journal's scope. Manuscripts that do not meet the initial criteria will be returned to authors for correction or may be rejected without review.
Step 2: Assignment to Editors
- Editor Assignment: Manuscripts passing the initial check are assigned to an Associate Editor based on subject relevance. The Associate Editor performs a preliminary assessment to determine the manuscript's suitability for peer review.
Step 3: Peer Review
- Reviewer Selection: The Associate Editor selects at least two external reviewers with expertise in the manuscript's subject area. The double-blind review process ensures that both reviewers and authors remain anonymous to each other.
- Review Process: Reviewers are asked to evaluate the manuscript based on originality, methodological rigor, clarity of presentation, and contribution to the field. They provide detailed comments and recommendations: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject.
- Review Duration: The review process is typically completed within 2-4 months, depending on reviewer availability and response time.
Step 4: Editorial Decision
- Decision Compilation: The Associate Editor collects the reviews and makes a recommendation to the Editor-in-Chief (EIC).
- Decision by EIC: The EIC makes the final decision based on the reviewers' recommendations and Associate Editor's input. The possible decisions are Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject.
- Communication to Authors: Authors are informed of the decision along with reviewer comments. If revisions are required, specific instructions and a deadline for resubmission are provided.
Step 5: Revision and Re-Review
- Revision by Authors: Authors submit the revised manuscript by the given deadline, including a detailed response to reviewers' comments and a summary of changes made.
- Re-Review: Revised manuscripts may be sent back to the original reviewers or to new reviewers for further evaluation, particularly if significant changes were suggested.
Step 6: Final Decision and Publication
- Final Review and Decision: Once the manuscript meets AJMS's standards, the EIC makes a final acceptance decision. Rejected manuscripts are informed with reasons for the decision.
- Copyediting and Proofreading: Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting and proofreading to ensure accuracy and clarity.
- Publication: Upon final approval, manuscripts are scheduled for publication in the next available issue of AJMS.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
- Feedback to Reviewers and Editors: AJMS values the contributions of its reviewers and editors and may provide feedback to improve the review process.
- Appeals: Authors may appeal editorial decisions by providing detailed reasons for their disagreement and additional supporting information.
This peer review process is designed to uphold the standards of excellence and integrity that AJMS is known for, ensuring that all published research is of the highest quality and relevance to the multidisciplinary academic community.