The Peer Review Policy is a cornerstone in upholding the quality, credibility, and scientific integrity of the Social Empowerment Journal (SEJ). We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of academic publishing through a meticulous double-blind peer review process. Each submitted manuscript undergoes a comprehensive evaluation by subject-matter experts to assess its validity, originality, relevance, and adherence to ethical standards.

Double-Blind Peer Review Process

To ensure impartiality and fairness, SEJ implements a double-blind review system where both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous. This approach eliminates bias, allowing manuscripts to be evaluated solely based on their academic and scientific merit. By maintaining anonymity, we foster an unbiased and objective review process.

Selection of Reviewers

Reviewers are chosen based on their expertise, experience, and familiarity with the subject matter of the manuscript. SEJ emphasizes diversity in reviewer selection, incorporating varied perspectives to ensure a thorough and balanced evaluation. Our reviewers are typically researchers, academics, or professionals with recognized expertise in relevant fields.

Timeliness and Constructive Feedback

Providing authors with prompt and constructive feedback is a priority. Reviewers are requested to complete their evaluations within 2 to 4 weeks from the time of invitation. If a reviewer cannot meet this timeline, they are encouraged to inform the editorial team promptly to avoid delays. Constructive and actionable feedback is central to our review process, helping authors enhance the quality of their work.

Evaluation Criteria

Manuscripts are assessed based on key criteria, including:

• Originality: The novelty and contribution of the research to existing knowledge.
• Significance: The relevance and potential impact of the research in its field.
• Methodology: The appropriateness and rigor of research design, data collection, and analysis.
• Results: The validity, reliability, and alignment of findings with the study's objectives.
• Conclusions: The logical coherence and data-supported conclusions.
• Presentation: The clarity, structure, and quality of writing, figures, and tables.

Reviewers are encouraged to provide specific suggestions for improvement to guide authors in refining their work.

Confidentiality and Ethics

Reviewers must uphold strict confidentiality throughout the review process. Manuscript details, including content and author identity, must not be disclosed outside the review process. All submissions must comply with ethical guidelines, avoiding plagiarism and properly acknowledging previous research. Manuscripts undergo plagiarism checks to ensure integrity.

Ethical Standards

SEJ adheres to global ethical standards in academic publishing. This includes:

• Authorship: Proper acknowledgment of contributors and disclosure of conflicts of interest.
• Conflict of Interest: Disclosure of any factors that may influence objectivity.
• Plagiarism and Fabrication: Zero tolerance for plagiarism, with thorough checks for originality.
• Human and Animal Rights: Compliance with ethical standards for studies involving humans or animals.

Appeals and Revisions

Authors may appeal decisions by submitting a detailed rebuttal explaining their concerns. Appeals are reviewed by the editorial board, and additional reviewers may be consulted if needed. For revisions, authors must address reviewer comments comprehensively, providing a point-by-point response. Revisions are reassessed to ensure compliance with required standards.

Transparency in the Review Process

To promote accountability, authors may suggest potential reviewers during submission, though the final selection remains at the discretion of the editorial team. After the review, authors receive detailed feedback summarizing reviewer comments and the editorial decision, ensuring transparency in the process.

Adherence to COPE Guidelines: Reaffirm alignment with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for ethical standards in peer review and publishing.