The Journal of Research and Development (JRD) relies on the expertise and dedication of its editorial board to maintain the highest standards of scholarly publishing. Editors play a pivotal role in upholding the quality, integrity, and relevance of the journal by overseeing the peer review process and guiding manuscripts through to publication.

The following guidelines provide a clear framework for editorial responsibilities and best practices.

1. Editorial Responsibilities

• Initial Screening: Evaluate new submissions for journal fit, scope, and quality before assigning for peer review.
• Reviewer Selection: Identify and invite qualified, impartial reviewers with relevant subject expertise.
• Review Oversight: Monitor the peer review process to ensure timely, fair, and constructive evaluations.
• Decision Making: Make well-reasoned editorial decisions (accept, revise, reject) based on reviewer feedback and editorial judgment.
• Author Communication: Communicate decisions clearly and respectfully, providing guidance for revisions when necessary.

2. Editorial Ethics

• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of manuscripts, reviewer identities, and editorial discussions.
• Impartiality: Ensure all decisions are based solely on scholarly merit, regardless of the authors’ background, nationality, or institutional affiliation.
• Conflict of Interest: Disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse oneself from handling manuscripts where impartiality may be compromised.
• Ethical Oversight: Flag any concerns regarding plagiarism, data falsification, or ethical misconduct, and coordinate with the editorial office to initiate investigations where needed.

3. Peer Review Process

• JRD operates a double-blind peer review system.
• Editors must:
  • Ensure reviewer anonymity is preserved
  • Ensure reviewers’ comments are respectful and constructive
  • Mediate conflicting reviews and provide a final, balanced recommendation

4. Editorial Workflow

• Assignment: Manuscripts will be assigned to editors by the Editor-in-Chief or managing editor.
• Timeline: Editors are expected to complete the review process within 21–28 days from assignment.
• Platform Use: Editors will manage submissions through the journal’s editorial management system or official email until the platform is live.

5. Promoting Quality and Impact

• Encourage submission of high-quality papers in your area of expertise.
• Recommend special issues or emerging topic areas.
• Identify promising early-career researchers and invite them to engage with the journal as authors or reviewers.

6. Editorial Meetings and Communication

• Editors may be invited to participate in annual editorial board meetings or periodic strategy sessions.
• Regular communication with the Editor-in-Chief and editorial office is encouraged for feedback, policy updates, and journal development planning.

7. Recognition and Acknowledgment

• Editors will be formally acknowledged on the journal’s website.
• Contributions will be considered for editorial awards, certificates of service, and letters of recognition.
• Active editors may also be invited to guest-edit special issues or assume higher editorial responsibilities over time.

For any editorial support, ethical concerns, or technical issues, please contact us at editor.jrd@sciconxjournals.com

Thank you for your commitment to academic excellence and your valued contribution to the Journal of Research and Development.