Peer Review Process

The Journal of Informatics and Advanced Data Science (JIADS) is committed to a rigorous, fair, and transparent peer review process that upholds the highest standards of academic integrity.

Overview

JIADS operates a double-blind peer review process for all submitted manuscripts. In double-blind review, the identities of both the authors and the reviewers remain anonymous throughout the entire review process. This approach ensures objectivity, reduces bias, and promotes fairness in the evaluation of submitted work.

All manuscripts submitted to JIADS that pass the initial editorial screening are evaluated by a minimum of two independent expert reviewers with recognized expertise in the relevant subject area. The final editorial decision is made by the Editor-in-Chief based on the reviewers’ recommendations and the overall quality of the manuscript.

JIADS follows the ethical guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for all aspects of the peer review process.

Review Timeline
5–7 Business days for initial editorial check
4–8 Weeks for double-blind peer review
14 Days for authors to submit revisions
2–3 Weeks for final decision after revision
Review Process
  • 1
    Submission & initial check — Upon submission, the editorial office conducts a preliminary review for scope, language quality, formatting compliance, and plagiarism. Manuscripts with a similarity index above 20% are desk-rejected. This step takes 5–7 business days.
  • 2
    Reviewer assignment — Manuscripts passing initial screening are assigned to at least two qualified reviewers by the Editor-in-Chief or a Section Editor. Reviewers are selected based on their expertise and absence of conflicts of interest.
  • 3
    Double-blind review — Reviewers evaluate the manuscript anonymously. Both author and reviewer identities are concealed. Reviewers assess originality, methodology, significance, clarity, and compliance with ethical standards.
  • 4
    Editorial decision — Based on reviewer recommendations, the Editor-in-Chief issues one of four decisions: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject. Authors receive the decision with full reviewer comments.
  • 5
    Revision & re-review — Authors of revised manuscripts must submit a detailed response letter addressing each reviewer comment. Major revisions may undergo a second round of review. Minor revisions are assessed by the editor.
  • 6
    Final acceptance & production — Upon final acceptance, the manuscript undergoes copyediting, typesetting, and DOI assignment before online publication.
Editorial Decisions
Accept
The manuscript is accepted for publication as submitted or with only minor editorial corrections.
Minor Revision
The manuscript requires small changes. Authors must address all reviewer comments and resubmit within 14 days.
Major Revision
Significant revisions are required. The revised manuscript will be reviewed again by the original reviewers.
Reject
The manuscript does not meet the journal’s standards or scope. Authors may be advised on possible resubmission.
Reviewer Responsibilities
  • ✓ Review manuscripts promptly and within the agreed timeframe.
  • ✓ Provide objective, constructive, and detailed feedback.
  • ✓ Maintain confidentiality of the manuscript and review process.
  • ✓ Disclose any conflicts of interest before accepting a review assignment.
  • ✓ Identify relevant published work not cited by the authors.
  • ✓ Alert the editor to any suspected ethical issues (plagiarism, data fabrication).
  • ✗ Not share, distribute, or use manuscript content before publication.
  • ✗ Not contact authors directly without editorial permission.
Integrity & Confidentiality
All submitted manuscripts are treated as confidential documents. Reviewers must not share, discuss, or use any part of a manuscript before publication. Any breach of confidentiality must be reported immediately to the editorial office.

JIADS takes reviewer and author misconduct seriously. Cases of suspected plagiarism, fabricated data, duplicate submission, or reviewer bias are investigated in accordance with COPE guidelines. The journal reserves the right to retract published articles if misconduct is confirmed post-publication.

Authors who disagree with an editorial decision may submit a formal appeal to editor@jiads.iips.edu.iq with a clear explanation of their grounds for appeal. Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief, whose decision is final.