Peer Review Policy and Procedure

The International Journal of Engineering, Technology, Research, and Business Administration (IJETRBA) is committed to maintaining a transparent, fair, rigorous, and objective peer‑review process. This policy outlines the procedures followed by the journal to ensure the quality, integrity, and credibility of published research. The policy is reviewed and updated periodically to reflect best practices in scholarly publishing.

Editorial Board and Editorial Roles

The Editor‑in‑Chief appoints qualified individuals to serve on the Editorial Board. The majority of Editorial Board members act as Decision Editors, responsible for managing the peer‑review process of submitted manuscripts. Some members serve as Special Editors, handling specific operational or editorial functions unrelated to manuscript decisions.

Editorial Board members are selected based on:

• Expertise in relevant academic or professional fields
• Research and publication experience
• Balanced geographic and disciplinary representation
• Nomination by existing Editorial Board members

Editors are appointed for a three‑year term. Reappointment for a second term is possible, while a third term is granted solely at the discretion of the Editor‑in‑Chief, based on outstanding performance.

Editorial performance is periodically evaluated. General metrics, such as the number of manuscripts handled, may be shared with the Editorial Board to promote transparency, while detailed performance data (e.g., appeals or disputed decisions) remain confidential.

Selection and Evaluation of Peer Reviewers

Peer reviewers are appointed by the Editor‑in‑Chief or designated editors. Reviewers are expected to:

• Possess subject‑matter expertise relevant to the manuscript
• Have published at least two peer‑reviewed research articles as first or second author

Review quality is routinely assessed by Decision Editors using a four‑point rating scale. Reviewer performance indicators include:

• Quality and constructiveness of reviews
• Timeliness
• Responsiveness to review invitations

Reviewers who consistently demonstrate inadequate performance may be removed from the reviewer pool.

Peer‑Review Model

IJETRBA adheres to a double‑blind peer‑review process, where:

• Reviewer identities are not disclosed to authors
• Author identities are not disclosed to reviewers

Authors are solely responsible for ensuring that all identifying information has been removed from their manuscripts prior to submission.

Authors may suggest potential editors or reviewers; however, the journal retains full discretion and is not obligated to accept such suggestions.

Confidentiality and Ethical Conduct

All submitted manuscripts are treated as confidential documents. Reviewers must not retain, copy, or distribute manuscripts without explicit permission from the Decision Editor. If confidential input from a colleague is required, prior approval must be obtained, and the colleague must adhere to the same confidentiality standards.

Editorial Decisions and Appeals

If an author appeals an editorial decision, the appeal will be reviewed by the Editor‑in‑Chief, who may:

• Consult senior editors
• Review all reports and correspondence
• Discuss the case with the original Decision Editor

The Editor‑in‑Chief may uphold the original decision, request revisions, or allow resubmission for a new round of peer review under a different editor and reviewers, as appropriate.

Post‑Publication Issues

If a published article is later found to contain significant errors or flaws, IJETRBA will issue an erratum, correction, or retraction notice as soon as reasonably possible to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

Misconduct and Ethical Violations

Allegations of misconduct in the peer‑review or publication process—including plagiarism, data fabrication, redundant publication, reviewer misconduct, or complaints against editors—are taken seriously.

• All allegations are initially reviewed by the Editor‑in‑Chief
• A formal written notification is sent to all involved parties
• At least one senior associate editor will assist in each investigation
• External experts may be consulted confidentially when necessary

IJETRBA follows the ethical standards and investigative procedures established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). COPE flowcharts guide the handling and resolution of ethical concerns.

While the journal may publish findings related to the scholarly record, formal sanctions against individuals fall under the authority of employers, funding agencies, or regulatory bodies.