Reviewer Guide

Roles and Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers are responsible for evaluating manuscripts according to their field of expertise and providing constructive, objective, and honest feedback to authors. Reviewers are expected to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, suggest improvements, and assess its relevance, novelty, and scientific contribution to the field of civil engineering and engineering systems.

Before Conducting the Review

1. Expertise Relevance

Ensure that the assigned manuscript matches your area of expertise. If it does not, promptly inform the editor and, if possible, recommend an alternative reviewer.

2. Availability

The review process is expected to be completed within 2–4 weeks. If additional time is needed, please communicate with the editor.

3. Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the editor before conducting the review.

Review Process and Criteria

Reviewers are asked to evaluate the manuscript based on the following aspects:

1. Title and Abstract

  • Does the title clearly reflect the content of the article?
  • Does the abstract accurately describe the objectives, methods, and results?

2. Introduction

  • Are the background and problem statements clearly presented?
  • Is there a relevant and up-to-date literature review?
  • Are the research objectives clearly stated?

3. Scope Relevance

  • Is the manuscript aligned with the journal’s focus on civil engineering and engineering systems?
  • Is it relevant to topics such as structures, transportation, geotechnics, construction management, or water resources?

4. Originality and Scientific Contribution

  • Does the manuscript demonstrate sufficient novelty?
  • Does it provide a significant contribution to civil engineering knowledge?
  • Ensure there are no significant indications of plagiarism.

5. Research Methodology

  • Is the methodology clearly and systematically described?
  • Is the research approach appropriate for the objectives?
  • Can the data, instruments, and procedures be replicated?
  • Is there any methodological innovation (if applicable)?

6. Results and Discussion

  • Are the results presented clearly and logically?
  • Is the data analysis conducted appropriately?
  • Does the discussion relate findings to previous studies?

7. Conclusion

  • Are the conclusions supported by the research findings?
  • Do they provide scientific or practical implications?
  • Are recommendations for future research provided?

8. Tables and Figures

  • Are tables and figures relevant, clear, and easy to understand?
  • Do they support the manuscript effectively?

9. Writing Quality

  • Is the manuscript written in a clear and systematic manner?
  • Is appropriate academic language used?
  • Are references consistent and relevant (preferably international journals)?

Additional Evaluation Aspects

Innovation and Systems Relevance

  • Manuscripts addressing innovation in civil engineering, smart infrastructure, or system-based approaches are highly encouraged.

Types of Contribution

  • Original research (original research)
  • Literature review (review article)
  • Case studies or technology applications

Review Ethics

  • The entire review process must remain confidential
  • Reviewers must not contact authors directly
  • Discussions with third parties require editor approval
  • Report to the editor if there are indications of:
    • Plagiarism
    • Data manipulation or fabrication

Review Recommendations

Reviewers are requested to provide one of the following recommendations:

  • Accept without revision
  • Accept with minor revisions
  • Accept with major revisions
  • Reject

Comment Format

Comments should be separated into:

Comments to the Editor (Confidential)

  • Internal evaluation (not visible to the author)

Comments to the Author (Author Feedback)

  • Clear, constructive, and helpful feedback

Closing

All review results will be considered by the editor in making the final decision. Objective and constructive feedback is highly appreciated to improve the quality of scientific publications in Journal of Engineering Innovation in Civil Systems (JEICS).