Guide for Reviewers
Thank you for the effort and expertise that you contribute to reviewing, without which it would be impossible to maintain the high standard of our double blind peer-reviewed Journal “The Annals of the University of Oradea. Economic Sciences” (AUOES).
Peer review is a critical element of academic publication, and one of the major cornerstones of the scientific process. Peer Review serves two key functions:
- Acts as a filter: Ensures research is properly verified before being published
- Improves the quality of the research: rigorous review by other experts helps to hone key points and correct inadvertent errors
On being asked to review
Does the paper you are being asked to review truly match your expertise?
The Editor who has approached you may not know your work intimately, and may only be aware of your work in a broader context. Only accept an invitation if you are competent to review the paper.
Do you have time to review the paper?
Reviewing a paper can be quite time consuming. The time taken to review can vary greatly between disciplines and of course on paper type. Will you have sufficient time before the deadline stipulated in the invitation to conduct a thorough review? If you cannot conduct the review let the editor know immediately, and if possible advise the editor of alternative reviewers.
Are there any potential conflicts of interest?
A conflict of interest will not necessarily eliminate you from reviewing a paper, but full disclosure to the editor will allow them to make an informed decision. For example; if you work in the same department or institute as one of the authors; if you have worked on a paper previously with an author; or you have a professional or financial connection to the paper. These should all be listed when responding to the editor’s invitation for review.
Conducting the Review
Reviewing needs to be conducted confidentially, the paper you have been asked to review should not be disclosed to a third party. If you wish to elicit an opinion from colleagues or students regarding the paper you should let the editor know beforehand. Most editors welcome additional comments, but whoever else is involved will also need to keep the review process confidential.
You should not attempt to contact the author if you believe you might know her or him.
Be aware when you submit your review that any recommendations you make will contribute to the final decision made by the editor.
According to our Review Policy, you will be asked to evaluate the paper on the points included in the Reviewer’s Form.
Also, you will be asked to provide comments on the following:
- A summary of your reactions to the paper;
- The major strengths of the research;
- Any major shortfalls of the paper;
- A list of any problem areas that need to be addressed (for minor revisions);
- How the author(s) can improve the quality and contribution of the manuscript;
- The major factor that influenced your decision.
Communicating your Report to the Editor
After evaluating the paper according to the Reviewer’s Form, you must make a recommendation by choosing one of the following alternatives:
- Unconditional acceptance (accept without revision)
- Conditional acceptance with minor revision (revise)
- Revise & Resubmit with minor revision
- Revise & Resubmit with major revision
- Reject – not suitable for publication in this journal (explain reason in report)
As a courtesy, let the editor know if it looks like you might miss your deadline. Kindly remember that commentary should be courteous and constructive, and should not include any personal remarks or personal details including your name.
Providing insight into any deficiencies is important. You should explain and support your judgment so that both editors and authors are able to fully understand the reasoning behind your comments. You should indicate whether your comments are your own opinion or are reflected by the data.
Last, clearly identify what revision is required, so the editor could know if you would be able to review the revised paper.
Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers
At the time of the review of a paper considered for publication in the Journal “The Annals of the University of Oradea. Economic Sciences” (AUOES), reviewers must take into consideration the following ethical standards:
- Reviewers commit themselves to assist the Editorial Board in the editorial decisions regarding the suitability of a paper for publication in the AUOES.
- Manuscripts will always be evaluated only based on their intellectual merit and contribution to the aims and scope of the AUOES and the EINCO Conference, as the reviewers should adhere to standards of fairness, integrity, and objectivity. Kindly note that personal criticism is unacceptable.
- Reviewers who feel that their review comments might be biased and/or unqualified regarding a particular manuscript submitted for publication to the AUOES should notify the AUOES Editorial Board immediately and excuse themselves from the review process.
- Reviewers should be clear in their review comments and provide proper explanations and arguments for their decisions. If suspicion is raised about the originality of the manuscript (unattributed to source), reviewers are expected to notify the Editorial Board immediately, with the appropriate justification.
- During the review process, reviewers will keep in mind at all times that the manuscript and related materials are confidential.
- Reviewers warrant that they will not use the manuscripts and related materials submitted to the EINCO Conference for publication in the AUOES for any other purpose other than the double-blind peer review process, without the AUOES Editorial Board´s and/or author´s permission.