Here’s a detailed Peer Review Process for the Journal of Urban Development and Smart Cities in Central Asia:

Peer Review Process

The Journal of Urban Development and Smart Cities in Central Asia employs a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, originality, and relevance of published articles. This process guarantees that both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the review process.

Step-by-Step Peer Review Process

1. Initial Screening:

   • Upon submission, the editorial team conducts an initial review to ensure:
     • The manuscript aligns with the journal’s Focus and Scope.
     • The manuscript adheres to the journal’s submission guidelines.
     • The manuscript passes a plagiarism check using tools such as Turnitin or iThenticate (similarity index should not exceed 15%, excluding references).
   • Manuscripts failing these criteria will be returned to the authors with feedback or rejected outright.

2. Reviewer Assignment:

   • Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to at least two independent reviewers based on their expertise in the manuscript's subject area.
   • The journal uses a double-blind review process to maintain confidentiality.

3. Reviewer Evaluation: Reviewers are asked to assess the manuscript based on the following criteria:

   • Relevance: Is the topic aligned with the journal’s scope and audience?
   • Originality: Does the manuscript offer novel insights or findings?
   • Methodology: Are the research methods appropriate and well-executed?
   • Clarity: Is the manuscript well-structured, clear, and concise?
   • Contribution to the Field: Does the manuscript make a significant contribution to the field of urban development, smart cities, or related disciplines?

4. Reviewer Recommendations:

   • After evaluation, reviewers provide one of the following recommendations:
     • Accept: The manuscript is ready for publication with minor or no revisions.
     • Minor Revisions: The manuscript requires minor adjustments before acceptance.
     • Major Revisions: Substantial changes are needed, and the revised manuscript should be re-reviewed.
     • Reject: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s standards or scope.