Peer Review Process
International Technology and Education Journal (ITEJ) employs a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, validity, and integrity of published research. This means that both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the review process.
1. Submission and Initial Screening
Upon submission through our online manuscript management system:
- The Editorial Office conducts an initial technical screening within 3-5 business days
- Manuscripts are checked for completeness, formatting compliance, and scope alignment
- Plagiarism screening is performed using iThenticate/Turnitin software
- Manuscripts with similarity index above 20% (excluding references) are returned for revision
2. Editorial Assessment
Manuscripts passing initial screening are assigned to the Editor-in-Chief or a Section Editor who:
- Evaluates the manuscript's scientific merit and relevance to the journal's scope
- May desk-reject manuscripts that do not meet basic quality standards
- Selects appropriate reviewers based on expertise and availability
Timeline: 1-2 weeks from submission
3. Peer Review
Suitable manuscripts are sent to at least two independent expert reviewers. Reviewers are selected based on:
- Expertise in the manuscript's subject area
- No conflicts of interest with the authors
- Track record of providing quality reviews
Timeline: Reviewers are given 3-4 weeks to complete their review
4. Review Criteria
Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|
| Originality | Novel contribution to the field |
| Significance | Importance and potential impact of the research |
| Methodology | Appropriateness and rigor of research methods |
| Literature Review | Adequate coverage of relevant literature |
| Data Analysis | Validity and appropriateness of statistical/analytical methods |
| Presentation | Clarity, organization, and quality of writing |
| Conclusions | Supported by the evidence presented |
| Ethical Compliance | Adherence to research ethics standards |
5. Editorial Decision
Based on reviewer recommendations, the handling editor makes one of the following decisions:
- Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication without further changes
- Minor Revision: Small changes required; no re-review needed (2 weeks for revision)
- Major Revision: Significant changes required; will be re-reviewed (4 weeks for revision)
- Reject and Resubmit: Substantial revisions needed; treated as new submission
- Reject: The manuscript is not suitable for publication in ITEJ
6. Revision Process
For manuscripts requiring revision:
- Authors receive detailed reviewer comments and editorial guidance
- A point-by-point response to reviewers is required
- Changes in the manuscript should be highlighted or tracked
- Revised manuscripts may undergo additional review rounds if necessary
- Maximum of 3 revision rounds before final decision
7. Review Timeline Summary
| Stage | Duration |
|---|
| Initial Screening | 3-5 business days |
| Editorial Assessment | 1-2 weeks |
| Peer Review | 3-4 weeks |
| Editorial Decision | 1 week after reviews received |
| Minor Revision Period | 2 weeks |
| Major Revision Period | 4 weeks |
| Total (First Decision) | 6-8 weeks |
8. Appeals Process
Authors who disagree with an editorial decision may appeal under the following conditions:
- Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the decision
- Appeals should be sent to the Editor-in-Chief via email
- A detailed explanation addressing reviewer concerns is required
- New evidence or data supporting the appeal should be provided
- Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and may involve additional reviewers
- The Editor-in-Chief's decision on appeals is final
9. Confidentiality
All parties involved in the review process must maintain strict confidentiality:
- Reviewers must not share manuscript content with third parties
- Reviewers must not use information from manuscripts for personal benefit
- Author identities are concealed from reviewers and vice versa
- Review reports are confidential and shared only with relevant editorial staff
10. Reviewer Recognition
ITEJ acknowledges the valuable contributions of peer reviewers:
- Annual list of reviewers published in the journal
- Review certificates available upon request
- Reviewers may receive Publons/Web of Science recognition
