Peer Review Process
Peer Review and Editorial Process
1. Submission Requirements
All manuscripts submitted to the Journal of Commerce, Management and Tourism Studies (JCMTS) must strictly adhere to the journal's focus, scope, and author guidelines. Submissions must demonstrate scientific merit, originality, and novelty relevant to the journal's scope. Manuscripts must be original, must not contain plagiarism, and must not have been previously published or be under consideration for publication in another journal.
All manuscripts must be written in clear and accurate English. Authors whose native language is not English are encouraged to have their manuscripts professionally reviewed for grammar, language accuracy, and clarity before submission. English-language editing and copyediting services may be obtained through providers such as International Science Editing and Asia Science Editing.
2. Peer Review Policy
JCMTS applies a rigorous peer review process to evaluate the quality, originality, relevance, scientific validity, and contribution of submitted manuscripts. Research articles that pass the initial editorial screening are sent to qualified experts in the relevant fields for independent assessment.
Each research article is reviewed by at least two expert reviewers. Reviewers evaluate the manuscript's scientific merit, methodology, quality of analysis, relevance to the journal's focus and scope, originality, and contribution to existing knowledge. They provide constructive comments and recommendations to help authors improve their manuscripts and assist the editors in making informed editorial decisions.
The peer review process is conducted fairly and objectively, with the aim of maintaining academic integrity, publication quality, and transparency in editorial decision-making.
3. Double-Blind and Single-Blind Review
JCMTS primarily employs a double-blind peer review process, in which the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed from one another throughout the review process. Authors must ensure that their submitted manuscripts do not contain identifying information that could compromise the anonymity of the review. Reviewers are likewise expected to maintain confidentiality and avoid disclosing their identities through their reports or communications.
A single-blind peer review process is a review method in which reviewers know the identities of the authors, while the identities of the reviewers remain confidential to the authors. This method may be used only when deemed appropriate under the journal's editorial procedures and when the relevant review arrangement is communicated transparently.
Regardless of the review method used, reviewers must assess manuscripts objectively, maintain confidentiality, disclose potential conflicts of interest, and provide fair and evidence-based recommendations. The journal's editors are responsible for ensuring that the review process is conducted ethically and consistently.
4. Editorial Decision and Acceptance
The final decision regarding the acceptance, revision, or rejection of a manuscript rests with the Editor-in-Chief or an authorized editor. Editorial decisions are based on the reviewers' evaluations, the scientific quality and originality of the manuscript, its relevance to the journal's focus and scope, and compliance with the journal's publication policies.
Reviewers provide recommendations but do not make the final publication decision. The Editor-in-Chief may consult the Editorial Board when necessary to ensure that decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with the journal's academic standards.
Manuscripts may be accepted, returned for minor or major revisions, or rejected. When revisions are requested, authors must address the reviewers' comments and submit a revised manuscript within the period specified by the editorial office. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers for further evaluation when necessary.
5. Publication Scheduling
The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for determining the publication schedule and assigning accepted manuscripts to specific issues. Scheduling decisions may consider the date of acceptance, thematic relevance, the composition of each issue, and the journal's publication schedule. The journal also seeks to encourage the geographical diversity of contributing authors while maintaining consistent academic quality and editorial standards.
Acceptance of a manuscript does not necessarily guarantee publication in the immediately following issue. All accepted articles are scheduled according to the journal's editorial planning and publication procedures.
6. Plagiarism Screening and Research Integrity
To maintain academic integrity, all submitted manuscripts are subject to plagiarism and similarity screening. Authors are strongly encouraged to use reliable plagiarism detection software before submission to verify the originality of their work and ensure that all sources are appropriately cited.
The editorial team checks manuscript similarity using plagiarism detection software. Similarity reports are evaluated contextually rather than solely on the basis of a numerical similarity score. Properly cited quotations, references, standard terminology, and other legitimate textual similarities are considered appropriately during the assessment.
Manuscripts containing plagiarism, fabricated or falsified data, inappropriate citation practices, or other forms of research misconduct may be rejected. Where necessary, the journal may request clarification or revisions from authors before making an editorial decision.
7. Confidentiality, Conflicts of Interest, and Ethical Responsibilities
All manuscripts received for peer review are treated as confidential documents. Editors and reviewers must not disclose manuscript contents or use unpublished information for personal or professional advantage. Reviewers must inform the editorial office of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could affect the impartiality of their assessments.
Authors are responsible for ensuring that their research complies with applicable ethical standards, that all contributors are appropriately acknowledged, and that any necessary research ethics approvals and permissions are obtained before submission.
JCMTS is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, confidential, and academically rigorous peer review process to ensure the quality and integrity of its published research.
