Reviewer Guidelines

Reviewer Guidelines – ESTEM Inc.

1. Role of Reviewers

Reviewers play a vital role in maintaining the quality, credibility, and integrity of scholarly publishing. At ESTEM Inc., reviewers are expected to provide objective, constructive, and timely evaluations of submitted manuscripts, supporting editors in making informed editorial decisions.

2. Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers are expected to:

  • Evaluate manuscripts objectively based on academic merit

  • Assess originality, methodological rigor, and significance of the research

  • Provide clear, constructive, and respectful feedback to authors

  • Submit reviews within the agreed timeframe

  • Maintain confidentiality throughout the review process

3. Ethical Standards

Reviewers must follow international publishing ethics consistent with guidelines from the
Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Reviewers should:

  • Avoid bias related to nationality, gender, institutional affiliation, or personal beliefs

  • Refrain from reviewing manuscripts outside their area of expertise

4. Confidentiality

All manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents.

Reviewers must not:

  • Share manuscripts or review content with third parties

  • Use unpublished information for personal or professional advantage

5. Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must declare any potential conflict of interest, including:

  • Personal or professional relationships with authors

  • Financial or institutional affiliations

  • Competitive research interests

If a conflict exists, reviewers should decline the review invitation.

6. Objectivity and Constructive Feedback

Reviews should:

  • Focus on content quality and scholarly contribution

  • Be supported by clear reasoning and references where appropriate

  • Avoid offensive, personal, or dismissive language

The goal of peer review is to improve the quality of scholarly work.

7. Evaluation Criteria

Reviewers may consider:

  • Relevance to the journal’s scope

  • Originality and contribution to the field

  • Soundness of methodology and analysis

  • Clarity of presentation and structure

  • Ethical compliance and data integrity

8. Timeliness

Reviewers are expected to:

  • Accept review assignments only when able to meet deadlines

  • Notify the editorial office if delays are anticipated

Timely reviews are essential to an efficient publication process.

9. Recommendation to Editors

Reviewers provide recommendations such as:

  • Accept

  • Minor revision

  • Major revision

  • Reject

Final editorial decisions are made by the Editor based on reviewer reports and editorial judgment.

10. Acknowledgement and Recognition

ESTEM Inc. recognizes the valuable contributions of reviewers through:

  • Formal acknowledgment on journal websites (where applicable)

  • Reviewer certificates or letters of appreciation

  • Consideration for future editorial roles

Reviewer identities remain confidential unless otherwise agreed.

11. Misconduct and Concerns

Reviewers should report any concerns related to:

  • Plagiarism

  • Duplicate publication

  • Data fabrication or falsification

  • Ethical violations

Such concerns should be communicated confidentially to the editor.

12. Contact Information

For reviewer-related questions or support:

Peer Review Support Team
ESTEM Inc.

📧 Email: reviewers@esteminc.com
🌐 Website: www.esteminc.com