REVIEWER GUIDELINES

We greatly appreciate your contribution as a reviewer for the International Journal of Innovation and Thinking. As a reviewer, your role is pivotal in ensuring the quality and integrity of the research published in our journal. Please carefully review the following guidelines to help you perform your duties effectively and efficiently.

1. Responsibilities of a Reviewer

As a reviewer, your primary responsibility is to evaluate the manuscript for its scientific quality, originality, and significance. Please focus on the following aspects during the review:

  • Originality: Is the manuscript novel, and does it contribute new insights or advance knowledge in the field?
  • Clarity: Is the manuscript clearly written, well-organized, and easy to understand? Are the arguments presented logically?
  • Methodology: Are the methods used in the study appropriate, robust, and clearly explained? Do they support the conclusions drawn by the authors?
  • Relevance: Is the research relevant to the field? Does it address important questions or gaps in the existing literature?
  • Ethical Considerations: Are ethical standards maintained in the research? Check if there is a clear statement about ethical approval, conflicts of interest, and informed consent.
  • References: Does the manuscript include a comprehensive and up-to-date review of relevant literature? Are important references missing?

2. Review Process

When reviewing a manuscript, please provide the following:

  • Recommendation: You will be asked to recommend one of the following decisions:

    • Accept as is
    • Minor revisions
    • Major revisions
    • Reject

  • Constructive Feedback: Provide detailed and constructive feedback. Your comments should be specific, helpful, and aimed at improving the manuscript. Point out strengths and weaknesses and provide suggestions for improvement. Where possible, suggest how the authors can address issues or improve the clarity of the work.

  • Confidentiality: As a reviewer, you must keep the manuscript and any related discussions confidential. Do not share or discuss the manuscript with others unless authorized by the editor. This includes all data, figures, and results within the manuscript.

  • Conflicts of Interest: If you feel there is any conflict of interest with the authors or the content of the manuscript (e.g., personal, financial, or professional conflicts), you should decline to review the manuscript and inform the editor.

3. Timeliness of the Review

We value your time and aim to make the peer review process as efficient as possible. When you are invited to review, you will be given a deadline for submitting your review. Please make every effort to complete the review within the given timeframe. If you are unable to meet the deadline, please notify the editorial office as soon as possible.

4. Anonymous and Impartial Review

The International Journal of Innovation and Thinking follows a double-blind review process, meaning both authors and reviewers remain anonymous. Please avoid identifying yourself in the review or using any personal information that may compromise anonymity. Your review should focus solely on the manuscript's academic merit, without regard for the author's identity, affiliation, or other personal characteristics.

5. Suggested Revisions and Clarifications

If you recommend revisions, please provide detailed suggestions on how the manuscript can be improved. Specific comments should address:

  • Clarity of writing and structure
  • Adequacy of references and literature review
  • Accuracy of data and analysis
  • Appropriateness of conclusions

Authors rely on your feedback to improve their work, so please ensure your comments are constructive and respectful.

6. Ethical Review

Ensure that the research you are reviewing complies with the highest ethical standards. Check for:

  • Clear statements about ethics approval and informed consent (where applicable).
  • Any potential conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of the research.
  • The integrity of the data and findings presented in the manuscript.

If you suspect any issues related to plagiarism, data fabrication, or ethical violations, please report these concerns to the editor immediately.

7. Potential Bias

It is crucial that your review remains objective and free from bias. Please avoid personal biases and ensure your review focuses purely on the scientific quality of the manuscript. If you have any potential personal or professional relationships with the authors that could create a conflict of interest, please disclose them before agreeing to review the manuscript.

8. Providing Feedback

Feedback should be clear, polite, and constructive. Remember that your goal is to help the authors improve their manuscript. If there are significant concerns with the manuscript (e.g., major flaws in the study design or methodology), explain these concerns thoughtfully and provide guidance for how the authors can address them. When possible, suggest additional references or research to support the authors' arguments.

9. Acceptance of Review Invitation

If you accept a review invitation, please confirm your availability to complete the review within the allotted time. If for any reason you cannot complete the review (due to time constraints, conflicts of interest, etc.), please inform the editorial team as soon as possible so they can identify an alternative reviewer.

10. Reviewer Recognition

We recognize the invaluable role of reviewers in the academic publishing process. Reviewers will be acknowledged in the journal (if requested) and may receive a certificate of appreciation for their contribution. We also offer the option for reviewers to receive early access to published articles in recognition of their efforts.

Your dedication and expertise as a reviewer contribute to maintaining the high academic standards of the International Journal of Innovation and Thinking. We sincerely appreciate your efforts in ensuring the quality and credibility of the research published in our journal.