Reviewers play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality, integrity, and scholarly impact of the International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science (IJITSS). The peer review process relies on their expertise and dedication to ensure that only high-quality research is published. Below are the responsibilities, guidelines, and benefits for reviewers of IJITSS.

RS Global publisher strongly recommends that our reviewers follow the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers to ensure the highest ethical standards in the review process.

1. Responsibilities of Reviewers

1.1 Evaluating Manuscripts

• Content Quality: Reviewers are tasked with evaluating the overall quality and significance of the manuscript. This includes assessing whether the research contributes new knowledge, whether the methodology is sound, and whether the conclusions are supported by the data presented.
• Originality: Manuscripts must be original contributions to the field of social sciences and technology. Reviewers are responsible for identifying if any part of the manuscript lacks originality or has been previously published elsewhere.
• Clarity and Organization: Reviewers should assess the clarity of the manuscript’s writing and organization, ensuring that the research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions are well presented and easy to follow.
• Ethical Standards: Reviewers must ensure that ethical standards have been adhered to, especially in research involving human or animal subjects. Any concerns regarding unethical research practices or plagiarism should be reported to the editors.

1.2 Providing Constructive Feedback

• Detailed Comments: Reviewers are expected to provide detailed feedback that will help authors improve the quality of their manuscript. This feedback should be constructive, offering suggestions on how to clarify arguments, improve methodologies, or strengthen the discussion.
• Tone and Professionalism: Feedback should be delivered in a respectful and professional manner, even if significant revisions or rejections are recommended. The goal is to help authors enhance the quality of their work while maintaining a supportive tone.

1.3 Ensuring Confidentiality

• Confidentiality of the Review Process: Reviewers are required to maintain the confidentiality of the peer review process. Manuscripts should not be shared or discussed with anyone outside the editorial team without explicit permission. Unpublished information from the manuscript should not be used for personal research purposes.

2. Peer Review Guidelines

2.1 The Double-Blind Review Process

• Anonymity: IJITSS follows a double-blind peer review process. The identities of both the reviewers and the authors are kept anonymous to ensure impartiality. Reviewers should avoid revealing their identity within their comments or suggestions to the authors.
• Review Timeline: The journal operates on a strict timeline to ensure timely publication. Reviewers are typically given two weeks to complete the review. If an extension is needed, the reviewer should inform the editorial office as early as possible.
• Recommendation Categories: Reviewers are asked to recommend one of the following actions:
  • Accept: The manuscript is ready for publication with no or very minor revisions.
  • Minor Revisions: The manuscript requires small changes that the authors can address in a short timeframe.
  • Major Revisions: Substantial revisions are required, and the manuscript should be re-evaluated after the changes are made.
  • Reject: The manuscript does not meet the quality or relevance standards for IJITSS and should not be published.

2.2 Ethical Considerations for Reviewers

• Following COPE Guidelines: RS Global publisher strongly recommends that all reviewers follow the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers. These guidelines provide best practices for maintaining objectivity, confidentiality, and transparency in the peer review process.
• Conflict of Interest: Reviewers should disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect their ability to provide an unbiased review. If a conflict exists, reviewers should recuse themselves from the review process to ensure fairness.
• Plagiarism and Research Misconduct: If reviewers identify any form of plagiarism or unethical practices within the manuscript, they should notify the editor immediately. It is the responsibility of reviewers to help uphold the journal’s ethical standards.

3. Reviewer Benefits

3.1 Free Publication Opportunity

Reviewers receive a full waiver of the Article Processing Charge (APC) for one article they submit to IJITSS within a one-calendar-year period. This benefit allows reviewers to publish their research in the journal at no cost, helping them share their work with a global audience.

3.2 Professional Development

• Building Expertise: Reviewing manuscripts for IJITSS offers a valuable opportunity to stay updated on the latest research and methodologies in social science and technology. It also helps reviewers sharpen their critical analysis skills and gain experience in academic evaluation.
• Networking Opportunities: Participation in the peer review process provides reviewers with an opportunity to engage with leading researchers in the field. Reviewers may be invited to collaborate on future projects or special issues within the journal.

3.3 Acknowledgment and Recognition

• Annual Recognition: The journal acknowledges the valuable contribution of its reviewers by including them in an annual report and on the journal’s website. This recognition highlights their role in ensuring the quality and integrity of the journal.
• Certificates of Contribution: Upon request, reviewers can receive a certificate that acknowledges their contribution to IJITSS. This certificate can serve as an official record of their participation in the peer review process and contribute to their professional portfolios.

4. The Importance of Reviewers

Reviewers are fundamental to maintaining the quality and academic integrity of IJITSS. Their expertise and constructive feedback help shape the journal’s content and ensure that only the most relevant and high-quality research is published. By participating in the peer review process, reviewers contribute not only to the advancement of knowledge in the field but also to their own professional development as scholars and experts.