Communication and Transparency Policy

AJESS is committed to fostering clear, reliable, and effective communication channels with all its stakeholders, ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the scientific process. This policy establishes the necessary steps to maintain open dialogue with authors, reviewers, editors, and readers. Our goal is to enhance transparency at every stage of the process, increasing the credibility and accuracy of the research.

1. Communication Channels

AJESS strives to maintain continuous, open, and effective communication with authors, reviewers, and readers. Transparency in communication is ensured by clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of all parties, and by providing timely and accurate information.

• Communication with Authors: Authors are regularly informed throughout the submission process. The status of their manuscript (review process, decisions, revision requests, etc.) is shared clearly and promptly. Authors can contact the journal through the designated communication channels for any queries or requests.
• Communication with Reviewers: Reviewers are kept informed about the evaluation process and are provided with clear instructions and guidance throughout the review stages. They can also reach out for clarification or to provide feedback.
• Communication with Readers: Readers can submit inquiries, feedback, or suggestions to the journal. AJESS values reader feedback and ensures that, when necessary, communication between authors and readers occurs to address concerns.

2. Transparency in Decision-Making Processes

AJESS is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in the scientific publication process. To build trust among authors and reviewers, the following principles are upheld:

• Double-Blind Peer Review Process: Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous during the evaluation process. This system ensures impartiality and fairness in decision-making.
• Decision-Making Stages: Manuscripts are processed through stages including preliminary review, first-round peer review, revisions, second-round peer review, and final publication decision. At every stage, decisions and justifications are communicated clearly to the authors.
• Reviewer Reports and Feedback: Review reports are shared with authors. Feedback from reviewers is presented transparently, and authors are encouraged to revise their manuscripts based on this constructive criticism.
• Evaluation Criteria: The criteria for manuscript evaluation, such as scientific novelty, methodological rigor, alignment with the literature, and writing quality, are clearly defined for authors, reviewers, and editors.

3. Complaint and Appeal Process

AJESS provides a transparent and fair system for stakeholders to address complaints or appeals regarding the publication process:

• Complaint Submission Process: Authors, reviewers, or readers can submit complaints via the established communication channels. Complaints are reviewed by the journal’s complaint management system.
• Appeal Review: In case of manuscript rejection or a decision disagreement, the appeal will be evaluated by an independent third-party committee. The appeal process is conducted transparently, and clear explanations are provided to those involved.

4. Information and Announcements

AJESS ensures transparency by providing regular updates and announcements to all stakeholders about the journal’s operations:

• Announcements: Authors, reviewers, and readers are kept informed about journal updates, changes in manuscript submission procedures, updates to ethical policies, and other significant developments.
• Clarifications and FAQs: Clear explanations about the manuscript submission process, journal decisions, and policies are provided. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are addressed to help stakeholders understand the policies and procedures.