Peer Review Process

Peer Review Process

CJSS employs a double-blind peer review system. After initial editorial screening for scope, quality, and compliance (including plagiarism check), each manuscript is sent to at least two independent expert reviewers. Neither authors nor reviewers know each other’s identities. Reviewers assess the manuscript’s originality, significance, methodology, results, and clarity. They provide detailed reports and recommendations (accept, revise, or reject) to the editor. Based on these reports, the Editor-in-Chief makes a decision. The process typically takes 4–8 weeks.

Key steps:
1. Initial Screening: Editors evaluate fit with CJSS scope, compliance with guidelines, and scan for ethical issues.
2. Reviewer Assignment: Qualified reviewers are chosen, with care to avoid conflicts of interest. Reviewers are given a deadline (usually 2–4 weeks).
3. Review Reports: Reviewers submit their evaluations and comments. The editor may consult additional reviewers if needed.
4. Decision: The editor synthesizes the feedback and decides to accept, request revisions (minor or major), or reject.
5. Revision Cycle: Authors revise and resubmit if invited; the revised paper may be sent back to reviewers or handled editorially.
6. Final Acceptance: Upon acceptance, the article is prepared for publication.

We publicly describe this process on our website to meet Scopus’s requirement for transparency in peer review. All reviews are confidential. CJSS is committed to a fair, timely, and constructive review process to ensure the quality of published research.