Reviewer's Responsibilities

Reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and integrity of research published in Trends in Computer Science and Information Technology (TCSIT). By providing objective and constructive evaluations, reviewers ensure that only high-quality, original, and ethically sound research is published. The following guidelines outline the core responsibilities of reviewers in the peer-review process.

▪ Ensuring an Objective and Fair Review Process

Reviewers are responsible for conducting fair, unbiased, and objective evaluations of submitted manuscripts. They must:

  • Evaluate manuscripts solely based on scientific merit, originality, and relevance to the journal’s scope.
  • Provide a balanced and fair review without personal criticism, discrimination, or bias.
  • Avoid conflicts of interest by declining reviews where personal, professional, or financial relationships exist with the authors.
  • Ensure confidentiality by not disclosing, sharing, or discussing manuscript details with anyone outside the review process.

▪ Providing Constructive and Professional Feedback

Reviewers must offer insightful, constructive, and respectful feedback to help authors improve their manuscripts. This includes:

  • Identifying strengths and weaknesses in the manuscript’s originality, methodology, clarity, and impact.
  • Providing detailed suggestions on how authors can enhance their work.
  • Avoiding vague or unsubstantiated criticism and instead offering specific, evidence-based recommendations.
  • Maintaining professionalism by using respectful and supportive language.

▪ Assessing the Scientific Rigor and Research Ethics

Reviewers must ensure that submitted manuscripts meet high academic and ethical standards. They should:

  • Assess the validity and reliability of the study’s methodology and findings.
  • Verify appropriate citations of prior research and avoid incomplete referencing.
  • Identify ethical concerns such as plagiarism, duplicate submission, or data manipulation.
  • Report suspected ethical violations to the editorial board for further investigation.

▪ Timeliness and Commitment to the Review Process

Reviewers are expected to complete their evaluations within the specified time frame to maintain an efficient peer-review process. They must:

  • Respond to review invitations promptly and accept only if they can complete the review within the deadline.
  • Inform the editorial team if they need an extension or cannot fulfill the review request.
  • Avoid unnecessary delays that could hinder the timely publication of high-quality research.

▪ Identifying Ethical Issues and Plagiarism

Reviewers must be vigilant in detecting ethical concerns in submitted manuscripts. They should:

  • Report suspected plagiarism if large sections of text appear unoriginal or improperly cited.
  • Identify conflicts of interest where authors may have undisclosed financial, institutional, or personal relationships affecting the research.
  • Ensure data integrity by checking for inconsistencies, manipulated figures, or unsupported conclusions.
  • Raise concerns about human and animal research ethics if necessary approvals are missing or unclear.

▪ Maintaining Confidentiality

Reviewers are responsible for protecting the confidentiality of the peer-review process. They must:

  • Refrain from sharing manuscript details with colleagues, students, or external parties.
  • Avoid discussing the manuscript’s content outside the review process.
  • Not use unpublished research data from the manuscript for personal or professional gain.
  • Ensure anonymity in their feedback to maintain the integrity of the double-blind review process.

▪ Declining Reviews When Necessary

If a reviewer feels they cannot provide a fair and thorough assessment, they should:

  • Decline the review request if they lack the necessary expertise.
  • Inform the editors promptly if they cannot meet the deadline.
  • Recuse themselves from reviewing if they have a personal, professional, or financial conflict with the authors.
  • Suggest alternative reviewers if they know someone better suited for the manuscript.

▪ Recognition and Ethical Conduct

Reviewers contribute significantly to the academic community. In return, TCSIT recognizes their efforts by:

  • Providing acknowledgment through formal certificates or listings in the journal.
  • Encouraging participation in editorial boards for active and experienced reviewers.
  • Offering professional development opportunities in peer review ethics and best practices.

Reviewers must conduct themselves with professionalism, ensuring ethical integrity, academic rigor, and fairness in their evaluations.

The role of a reviewer in TCSIT is essential in upholding the highest standards of academic publishing. By maintaining fairness, confidentiality, ethical integrity, and timeliness, reviewers contribute to the advancement of high-quality scientific research.