Peer Review Policy

Peer Review Policy

The Singaporean Journal of Business Economics and Management (SJBEM) maintains a rigorous double-blind peer review process to uphold the highest standards of academic quality, research integrity, and publication ethics. Each submission undergoes multiple stages of evaluation to ensure scholarly excellence and relevance to the journal’s aims and scope.

1. Double-Blind Review Policy

All manuscripts submitted to SJBEM are reviewed under a double-blind peer review system, where the identities of both authors and reviewers remain anonymous. This ensures objectivity, impartiality, and fairness in the assessment process. Reviewers are selected based on their subject expertise, research experience, and familiarity with the topic of the manuscript.

2. Stages of the Review Process

Desk Evaluation:

Upon submission, each manuscript is first evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief or an assigned Associate Editor for its relevance, originality, adherence to journal scope, and compliance with ethical and formatting requirements. Manuscripts that do not meet basic standards or fall outside the journal’s focus are returned to authors without external review. This initial screening usually takes 15–20 days.

External Peer Review:

Manuscripts passing the initial screening are sent to at least two independent reviewers who are experts in the relevant field. Reviewers assess the submission’s originality, methodological soundness, theoretical contribution, clarity, and alignment with existing literature. Authors receive constructive feedback and may be required to revise their manuscripts based on reviewers’ recommendations. This stage typically takes 30–45 days.

Revision and Editorial Decision:

After peer review, authors submit revised versions responding to reviewers’ comments. The handling editor ensures that all issues raised during the review have been satisfactorily addressed before making a final decision. Revisions are normally expected within 1–3 weeks, depending on the extent of the changes required.

Copyediting and Production:

Accepted manuscripts are subjected to language editing, formatting, and final proofreading before publication. Accepted articles may appear in the Online First section prior to their inclusion in a scheduled issue, ensuring timely dissemination of research findings.

3. Editorial Role and Conflict of Interest Policy

To maintain editorial independence and transparency:

  • Reviewers are selected based solely on their expertise and have no conflicts of interest regarding the manuscript or its authors.
  • Editorial board members do not participate in decisions about manuscripts where they have a personal, professional, or financial conflict of interest.
  • Manuscripts submitted by members of the editorial team are handled by alternate editors to ensure neutrality and fairness.
  • Editors and reviewers are required to maintain confidentiality and must not use information obtained through the peer review process for personal gain.
  1. Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers

SJBEM adheres to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers. Reviewers are expected to:

  • Accept review invitations only when they have the relevant expertise and can provide an objective and timely assessment.
  • Maintain confidentiality and refrain from sharing or using unpublished information for personal advantage.
  • Declare any potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves if necessary.
  • Evaluate manuscripts based on academic merit, without discrimination related to nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, or institutional affiliation.
  • Provide constructive, respectful, and evidence-based feedback.
  • Avoid hostile or derogatory comments and uphold professional integrity.
  • Never impersonate another individual during the review process.

For complete details, reviewers may consult COPE’s Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers:
https://publicationethics.org/files/Ethical_guidelines_for_peer_reviewers_0.pdf

5. Timelines and Publication Efficiency

SJBEM strives to balance quality and efficiency. The standard review cycle—from submission to initial editorial decision—typically takes 6–8 weeks, though complex revisions may require additional time. Authors are notified promptly at each stage of the process.