Peer Review Process

International Journal of Commerce, Management and Social Sciences is an international, peer-reviewed scholarly journal that follows a rigorous peer review mechanism to ensure academic quality, originality, and ethical integrity. The journal is declared as a Peer-Reviewed Journal through the constitution of a Peer Review Committee comprising eminent scholars and academicians. The objective of this process is to enhance research quality and effectively prevent plagiarism by evaluating manuscripts prior to publication. The journal follows a double-blind peer review system. Peer review is one of the most important quality control measures for any academic journal. This process involves a critical and objective evaluation of scholarly work from multiple perspectives, including writing quality, technical content, documentation, methodological soundness, and relevance to the discipline by subject experts in the relevant fields. Initially, each manuscript is examined by the Editorial Office, including a plagiarism screening. Manuscripts found suitable after preliminary screening are forwarded to at least two independent subject experts for peer review. If revisions are required, the manuscript is returned to the author for necessary corrections. Authors are informed about acceptance or rejection through email, generally within 7–15 working days of submission. Accepted manuscripts are scheduled for publication after completion of all required formalities.

Guidelines for Peer Review Process

International Journal of Commerce, Management and Social Sciences is a reputed peer-reviewed, refereed, and multidisciplinary research journal committed to promoting high-quality research and maintaining academic integrity. The journal follows a rigorous and transparent review process in compliance with established ethical guidelines to ensure the credibility and reliability of published research. This transparent review policy provides clear guidance for authors, reviewers, and editors, ensuring fairness, objectivity, and a standardized evaluation process for all submitted manuscripts.

Purpose of the Review Process

Stages of the Peer Review Process

1. Initial Editorial Screening

Upon submission, each manuscript undergoes a preliminary editorial assessment to ensure compliance with the journal’s scope and quality standards. This stage includes:

■ Relevance Check – Assessment of whether the manuscript aligns with the aims and scope of the journal.
■ Plagiarism Screening – Each submission is screened using recognized plagiarism detection software.
■ Quality of Research – Evaluation of originality, novelty, and academic significance.
■ Language and Formatting – Assessment of clarity, coherence, and adherence to journal guidelines.

Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria may be returned to authors for revision or declined prior to peer review.

2. Double-Blind Peer Review Process

International Journal of Commerce, Management and Social Sciences follows a Double-Blind Peer Review system, which ensures that:

■ Reviewers do not know the identity of the author(s).
■ Authors do not know the identity of the reviewers.

Each manuscript is evaluated by at least two independent subject experts based on the following criteria:

1. Originality and Novelty – Assessment of the originality and contribution of the research.
2. Methodological Rigor – Evaluation of research design, methodology, and analytical framework.
3. Accuracy and Validity of Results – Assessment of results, analysis, and conclusions.
4. Relevance of References – Appropriateness and adequacy of cited literature.
5. Language and Presentation – Clarity, coherence, and academic presentation.

Reviewers submit detailed reports and recommendations to support informed editorial decisions.

3. Reviewer Comments and Revision Process

After completion of the peer review process:

■ Authors receive anonymized reviewer comments and revision suggestions.
■ Authors are required to submit a revised manuscript within the stipulated timeline.
■ Revised manuscripts may be sent for further review, if necessary.

This process ensures that all published articles meet the highest academic and ethical standards.

4. Final Decision by Editorial Board

The final decision on manuscript acceptance is taken by the Editorial Board based on:

1. Reviewers’ Recommendations – Expert evaluation reports.
2. Editorial Assessment – Overall academic quality and contribution.
3. Compliance with Journal Guidelines – Adherence to journal policies.

The manuscript may be:

■ Accepted – If it meets all quality and ethical standards.
■ Accepted with Minor/Major Revisions – If improvements are required.
■ Rejected – If it does not meet the required criteria.

Transparency and Ethical Standards

International Journal of Commerce, Management and Social Sciences adheres strictly to the ethical guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the research publication process.

1. Plagiarism and Originality Check

⇒ Every manuscript undergoes similarity checking using recognized plagiarism detection tools.
⇒ Manuscripts exceeding acceptable similarity limits may be returned for revision or rejected, depending on severity.

2. Conflict of Interest Policy

⇒ Reviewers and editors must disclose any potential conflict of interest prior to manuscript evaluation.
⇒ Any form of bias or undue influence in the review process is strictly prohibited.

3. Reviewers and Editorial Board Accountability

⇒ Editorial decisions are based solely on academic merit and research quality.
⇒ Reviewers are required to maintain confidentiality and provide objective, constructive feedback.