Editorial Standards & Review Workflow

Reviewer Guidelines & Peer Review Process

Peer review is the cornerstone of academic publishing. CISR journals employ a strict double-blind peer review model adhering to the highest standards of international scholarly integrity.

1. The Double-Blind Review Workflow

Every submitted manuscript undergoes the following stages:

  1. Desk Review (1–2 weeks): The Editor-in-Chief reviews the submission for scope fit, academic originality, and formatting compliance. Submissions are screened with Turnitin/iThenticate for plagiarism (similarity < 15%).
  2. Double-Blind Peer Review (4–6 weeks): Qualified external reviewers with demonstrated expertise evaluate the anonymized paper. Neither authors nor reviewers know each other's identities.
  3. Editorial Decision: Based on external reports, the Editor renders one of four decisions: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject.
  4. Revision & Verification (2–4 weeks): Revised manuscripts are verified by original reviewers or the handling editor.

2. Reviewer Evaluation Criteria

  • Theoretical Contribution: Does the manuscript advance scholarly understanding beyond existing literature?
  • Methodological Rigor: Is the research design robust, clearly documented, and replicable? Are sample sizes and statistical tests appropriate?
  • Empirical Evidence & Interpretation: Are empirical claims supported by data? Are limitations transparently acknowledged?
  • Clarity & Presentation: Is the writing clear, structured logically, and appropriately referenced?
  • Policy & Managerial Relevance: Does the study provide actionable implications for enterprise practitioners or policymakers?

3. Reviewer Code of Ethics (COPE-Aligned)

Reviewers must treat all manuscripts as confidential documents, declare any potential conflicts of interest immediately, provide constructive feedback, and refrain from using unpublished material in their own research.

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