Peer Review Policy

Review Model

TJMPS employs a double-blind peer review process. The identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review cycle. This model is adopted to minimise bias, ensure fairness, and uphold the integrity of the evaluation process.

Editorial Workflow

1.       Initial Screening: The Editor-in-Chief or a Section Editor conducts an initial assessment for scope, quality, and adherence to submission guidelines. Manuscripts that do not meet minimum standards may be desk-rejected within 7-10 working days.

2.      Plagiarism and AI-Content Check: All manuscripts are screened using plagiarism detection software (iThenticate or equivalent) and, where appropriate, AI-content detection tools to ensure originality.

3.      Peer Review: Manuscripts passing initial screening are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise. Reviewers are asked to complete their evaluations within 4-6 weeks.

4.      Editorial Decision: Based on reviewer recommendations, the handling editor makes one of the following decisions: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, Revise and Resubmit, or Reject.

5.      Revision: Authors are typically given 30 days for minor revisions and 60 days for major revisions. A detailed response letter addressing each reviewer comment is required.

6.      Final Decision: Revised manuscripts may be sent back to original reviewers. The Editor-in-Chief makes the final publication decision.

Reviewer Guidelines

Reviewers are expected to provide constructive, fair, and substantive feedback. Reviews should evaluate the originality of the contribution, the soundness of the methodology, the appropriateness of the analysis, the clarity of writing, and the significance of the findings for the field. Reviewers who identify a conflict of interest must decline the review invitation.

Appeals

Authors who wish to appeal an editorial decision may submit a written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief within 30 days of the decision, providing a detailed rationale. Appeals are reviewed by a senior editor not involved in the original decision. The outcome of the appeal is final.

Turnaround Targets

TJMPS aims for a first decision within 8-10 weeks of submission. The journal publishes accepted articles online ahead of print (Online First) within 2-4 weeks of final acceptance, ensuring rapid dissemination of findings