Editorial Processes

Editorial Processes

CLSU IJST subjects all submissions to a stringent double-blind peer-review procedure to maintain high standards of scientific rigor, originality, and ethical responsibility.

1. Editorial Preliminary Screening

Upon submission, the Managing Editor with the assistance of Editorial Staff conducts an technical assessment of the manuscript to check for plagiarism (Similarity Report), formatting, and basic English quality. The Managing Editor then assigns a specific Associate Editor based on subject expertise. The assigned Associate Editor will assess its relevance to the scope of CLSU-IJST, the clarity of its research objectives, and the soundness of its methodology.

Manuscripts may be rejected by the Associate Editor at this stage if:

  • the article does not fall within the scope of CLSU-IJST;
  • the study design contains major methodological flaws;
  • the research does not comply with ethical standards; or
  • the manuscript demonstrates limited originality, novelty, or significance.

2. Assigning Reviewers

Upon successfully passing the preliminary screening, the Associate Editor assigned to the manuscript is responsible for inviting a minimum of three (3) independent reviewers (one (1) local and two (2) international) whose specialization corresponds to the focus of the study. The author may also suggest a list of potential reviewers for approval by the assigned Associate Editor.

In instances where a member of the CLSU-IJST editorial board has submitted a manuscript, the submission will nonetheless undergo a full peer-review process and shall be managed independently by another member of the editorial board to ensure impartiality.

3. Double-blind Peer Review

CLSU-IJST implements a double-blind peer-review system, ensuring that the identities of both authors and reviewers remain confidential. This measure promotes impartial evaluation and facilitates the provision of constructive feedback.

4. Review Timeline and Responsibilities

Reviewers are generally allotted 14 to 21 days to complete their evaluation. They assess the manuscript’s background, methodology, analysis, results, and overall contribution to the field, and submit a comprehensive report that includes their recommendation:

  • Accept without revision: The paper meets all criteria for publication.
  • Accept with minor revisions: Small improvements are required before acceptance.
  • Accept with major revisions (revise and resubmit): Substantial changes are necessary; the revised manuscript undergoes further review.
  • Reject: The manuscript is unsuitable for publication in its current form.

In cases where reviewers request an extension for their review submission, CLSU-IJST allows up to seven (7) days of leeway, provided that a valid reason is given.

5. Associate Editor Recommendation                  

Associate Editors evaluate reports submitted by reviewers to form a cohesive recommendation. Once finalized, the recommendation of Associate Editor will be communicated to the authors.

6. Author Revisions

Authors are given 7 to 28 days to revise their manuscripts, depending on the nature and extent of the review feedback. Authors are also required to submit a Rebuttal Form that contains responses to the reviewers. Failure to submit a revision and a rebuttal form within the allotted timeframe may result in rejection, unless a valid reason is communicated to and accepted by the Editor-in-Chief.\

7. Associate Editor Verification

The assigned Associate Editor will check if the author sufficiently addressed the reviewers’ concerns and comments. The assigned Associate Editor will then endorse the manuscript to the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) for final decision.

8. EIC Final Decision

Upon satisfactory revision, EIC does a final check for "Journal Fit" and signs the formal Acceptance for publication.

9. Ethical Oversight

CLSU-IJST adheres to the COPE Core Practices for peer review and publication ethics. Any suspected cases of misconduct, including plagiarism, data fabrication, or unethical research, are promptly investigated, and appropriate editorial action is taken as necessary.

10. Publication

Accepted manuscripts undergo professional copyediting, proofreading, and layout preparation prior to publication. All published articles are indexed, archived, and made citable in accordance with international best practices.