Peer Review Process

The JSimE peer review process can be summarized into two sub-processes illustrated in Figure 1 (i.e., pre-acceptance peer review process) and Figure 2 (i.e., post-acceptance peer review process).

Figure 1. Pre-Acceptance Peer Review Process

The peer review process starts when the author submits the manuscript to the journal. Once received, the manuscript is screened to check if it is in line with the scope and aim of the journal, and adheres to the Author Guidelines. The quality of the manuscript is not assessed at this point. If decided not suitable, the manuscript is not reviewed any further and the author is notified that the manuscript is "Out of Scope" of the journal.

Otherwise, the editor identifies and assigns at least 2 peer reviewers to assess the originality, quality and relevance of the manuscript. Once all reviewers replies back their detailed assessment report with recommendations and comments on the manuscript, the editor makes an overall decision whether to Accept as is, Accept with Minor Revision, Revise and Resubmit, or Reject the manuscript.

If the editor decides the author needs to Revise and Resubmit, the editor notifies the author and requests the resubmission of a revised version accompanied with a letter answering all reviewers' recommendations and comments. Once resubmitted, the editor sends the revised manuscript to another round of review by the same reviewers (if possible) and the process repeats the previous described reviewing steps.

If Accepted with Minor Revision, the editor notifies the author and requests the resubmission of a revised version accompanied with a letter answering all reviewers' recommendations and comments. Once resubmitted, the editor assesses the revised manuscript and makes a final decision whether to accept the manuscript.

If Accepted, the editor notifies the author and initiates the post-acceptance process illustrated in Figure 2.

If Rejected, the editor notifies the author and the process finishes.

Figure 2. Post-Acceptance Peer Review Process

The editor assigns a copyeditor who requests the original manuscript files to the author. Once the files are received, the copyeditor generates the manuscript in HTML and PDF formats.

The copyeditor then sends the copyedited manuscript to the author for proofreading and approval. If not approved, the copyeditor makes the necessary changes and another round of proofreading and approval is conducted. Otherwise, the article is published online with the status "In feedback phase" for a period of 60 days during which readers can send feedback.

If feedback is received for the article, the editor assesses if they are appropriate and they are communicated to the author who may make amendments to the article accordingly. If amendments are made, the editor makes the necessary updates and releases the article in the final status.

If feedback is not received, the editor updates the article to final status.