Peer Review & Editorial Process — IJRGP
IJRGP believes that rigorous, fair, and transparent peer review is the bedrock of trustworthy scholarship. Our publisher-level peer review and editorial process ensures every manuscript is evaluated by independent, qualified experts; editorial decisions rest with academically accountable editors; and policies for conflicts, misconduct, and appeals are clear and consistently applied across all journals in the IJRGP family.
Scope of this policy
This page describes the publisher-level standards that apply to all IJRGP journals. Individual journals may state a specific peer review model (double-blind, single-blind, or open peer review) on their journal home page; where a journal does not specify otherwise, IJRGP recommends double-blind review as the default. Any deviation must be explicit and visible to authors at submission.
Default: Double-BlindEditorial governance & independence
- Editorial independence is sacrosanct. Editorial decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief and team based on peer review and scholarly merit. The publisher does not interfere.
- The editorial office manages workflow, communicates with authors and reviewers, and supports the editorial team administratively.
Peer review models (what we use and why)
- Double-Blind (recommended default): reviewer and author identities concealed.
- Single-Blind: reviewer anonymous, author identity known to reviewer.
- Open Peer Review (optional): reviewer names and/or reports published alongside the article.
Each journal must clearly state its chosen model on the home page and submission portal.
Reviewer selection and responsibilities
- Selection criteria: subject expertise, relevant publications, no recent collaboration, no conflict of interest.
- Reviewer responsibilities: provide timely, constructive, objective, and confidential reports; declare conflicts; suggest missed literature; check ethics, data availability, reproducibility.
- Timeliness
- Constructive feedback
- Objectivity
- Confidentiality
Step-by-step Editorial Workflow
Submission receipt & check
Editorial office confirms files, formats, compliance with checklist.
0–2 daysInitial editorial assessment
Editor checks scope, novelty, ethics. Desk decision
0–2 daysReviewer selection
2–3 qualified reviewers invited, free of conflicts.
0–2 daysPeer review
Reviewers provide structured reports & recommendations.
0–6 daysEditorial decision
Decision letter with anonymised reports sent to author.
0–2 daysRevision & re-review
Authors resubmit with tracked changes; may go back to reviewers.
VariableFinal acceptance & production
Copy-editing, proofing, DOI, and metadata deposition.
—Editorial Policies
Conflicts of Interest & Recusal Policy
- Reviewers and editors must declare all potential conflicts (personal, institutional, financial).
- If a conflict exists, they will be recused and an alternate will be assigned.
- Editors must not handle manuscripts where personal relationships or financial interests create bias.
Confidentiality & Data Protection
- Manuscripts and reviewer reports are confidential.
- Materials are shared only with persons directly involved in review and editorial decision unless explicit consent is given (e.g., in open peer review).
- Personal data are handled per our Privacy Policy.
Use of Screening Tools & Checks
- Manuscripts are screened for plagiarism and text overlap using recognized tools.
- Additional checks may include image manipulation screening and statistical review.
- Manuscripts flagged for serious ethical concerns may be rejected or referred to institutional bodies for investigation.
Editorial Decisions & Policies
Decision Categories — What They Mean
- Accept: publishable in current form or after minor typographical edits.
- Minor revision: small clarifications; no new experiments required.
- Major revision: substantial changes required; likely re-reviewed.
- Revise & Resubmit: substantial rework required; no guarantee of acceptance.
- Reject: unsuitable or fails to meet standards.
Appeals, Complaints & Corrections
- Appeals must be submitted with evidence to editorial@ijrgp.com within 10 days.
- Complaints on ethics/review misconduct: contact@ijrgp.com — handled per Publication Ethics & Misconduct Policy.
- Corrections, concerns, and retractions follow COPE principles.
Special Procedures & Quality Control
- Rapid/expedited review for urgent cases (editorial discretion).
- Independent statistical & methodological review for complex analyses.
- Data & reproducibility checks — raw data, code, or documentation may be requested.
Transparency & Optional Open Review
- Open peer review only with clear journal policy & author/reviewer consent.
- Reviewer names/reports published alongside article only when approved.
Recognition for Reviewers & Editorial Contributors
IJRGP supports reviewer certificates, acknowledgements in reports, and integration with reviewer service platforms to ensure recognition and accountability.
FAQ — Peer Review at IJRGP
Can I suggest reviewers?
Yes, up to three independent experts; editors retain discretion.
What if I disagree with reviewers?
Submit a reasoned rebuttal in your appeal or revision letter; editors may seek further review.
Are reviewer reports shared publicly?
Only if open peer review is adopted by the journal or with explicit consent.
Contact for Editorial Process Enquiries
Email: editorial@ijrgp.com
IJRGP commits to a peer review and editorial process that is fair, transparent, and accountable — protecting the integrity of the scholarly record while supporting authors, reviewers, and readers worldwide.