Peer Review Process

The Intercontinental Journal of Social Sciences (IJSS) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and excellence. In line with this commitment, we have implemented a stringent peer review process designed to ensure the quality, relevance, and originality of all published content. Upon submission, each manuscript is subjected to an initial evaluation by our editorial team, followed by a thorough peer review conducted by experts in the relevant field.

Initial Submission and Editorial Assessment

Authors are required to submit their manuscripts through our secure online submission system. After the manuscript is received, an initial assessment is conducted by the editorial office to check for completeness, plagiarism, and compatibility with the journal's scope and aims. If the manuscript passes these preliminary checks, it proceeds to an internal evaluation by our editorial team. Subsequently, a section editor with expertise in the subject matter is assigned to oversee the peer review process.

Peer Review and Selection of Reviewers

For each manuscript, the assigned section editor identifies and invites qualified reviewers whose expertise aligns with the paper’s subject matter. The selection is geared towards ensuring a fair, unbiased evaluation of the manuscript. To this end, IJSS employs a double-blind review process, whereby neither the authors nor the reviewers are aware of each other’s identities. Reviewers are given a set timeframe, usually 3-4 weeks, to complete their assessments.

Review Criteria and Editorial Decision

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on a variety of criteria including originality, methodological soundness, relevance to the field, and scholarly rigor. They then submit their comments and recommendations, which inform the section editor's decision on whether to accept the manuscript, ask for minor or major revisions, or reject it outright. Authors are notified of this decision and provided with constructive feedback to improve their manuscript, if necessary.

Revisions, Re-review, and Post-Acceptance Procedures

If revisions are required, authors must incorporate the reviewers' feedback and re-submit the revised manuscript for further evaluation. This may entail a second round of review to ensure all issues have been adequately addressed. Once accepted, the manuscript undergoes a final copy-editing stage to conform to British English standards. Authors receive page proofs for final approval before the article is officially published. After publication, authors are encouraged to share their work across academic and social media channels to maximise visibility.

Appeals and Ethical Guidelines

IJSS allows authors to appeal editorial decisions through a formal appeal process. These are considered on a case-by-case basis and the editor-in-chief's decision is final. It's imperative for all parties involved in the peer review process to adhere to the ethical guidelines set forth by IJSS, which include maintaining confidentiality, demonstrating objectivity, and declaring any potential conflicts of interest.

The peer review process at the Intercontinental Journal of Social Sciences is carefully orchestrated to maintain the highest academic standards. Through meticulous evaluation and unbiased feedback, we strive to publish articles that offer meaningful contributions to the field of social sciences. We appreciate your interest in publishing with IJSS and look forward to your scholarly contributions.