EDITORIAL DECISION-MAKING POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION
Editorial Decision-Making Policy of the Indonesian Journal of Innovative Teaching and Learning (IJITL) is designed to uphold the highest standards of academic quality, fairness, and transparency throughout the manuscript evaluation process. IJITL is committed to a rigorous, objective, and ethically sound editorial process that ensures the academic integrity of the journal. The policy also reinforces the journal's commitment to maintaining an open-access platform that reflects the journal’s values of transparency, independence, and scholarly rigor.

1. DESCRIPTION 
IJITL operates a double-blind peer-review process to ensure that manuscripts undergo a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation. This process involves several stages, from manuscript submission to the final publication decision, with feedback provided at each step to support transparency and continual improvement in manuscript quality.

EDITORIAL PROCESS
Time to First Decision Review Time Submission to Acceptance Acceptance to Publication 
1-2 Weeks 2-10 Weeks 2-10 Weeks 1-2 Weeks

The editorial decision-making process is structured as follows:

  • Manuscript Submission and Initial Screening: The author submits the manuscript, which is then screened by the editorial team to ensure it meets the journal’s guidelines.
  • Assignment to an Editor: A relevant editor is assigned to handle the manuscript and select appropriate reviewers.
  • Peer Review Process: The manuscript is sent to reviewers for an objective evaluation of its quality, methodology, and relevance.
  • Editorial Evaluation of Reviews: The editor assesses the reviewers' feedback and determines the next steps regarding the manuscript’s suitability for publication.
  • Communication with Authors: The editor informs the author about the decision, whether the manuscript is accepted, requires revision, or is rejected.
  • Revisions and Re-review: The author revises the manuscript based on feedback, and it is sent back for re-evaluation by the reviewers.
  • Final Decision and Acceptance: After revisions, the editor makes the final decision regarding the manuscript’s acceptance for publication.
  • Appeals: Authors may appeal if they believe the decision was unfair, and an independent editorial panel will review the appeal.
  • Publication Scheduling: The accepted manuscript is scheduled for publication in the next available journal issue.

The aim of the editorial decision-making process is to ensure that each manuscript is evaluated thoroughly, impartially, and in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by the journal. The policy also emphasizes editorial independence, where decisions are made solely based on academic merit and scientific quality.

3. POLICY DETAIL

  • Transparency and Fairness: Every manuscript submitted to IJITL is evaluated fairly and transparently. The editorial team ensures that all decisions are made based on the academic merit and quality of the submission, without being influenced by financial, political, or personal factors.
  • Peer Review Process: IJITL uses a double-blind peer-review system, where both the identities of the authors and reviewers are concealed to eliminate bias. Manuscripts are reviewed by at least two independent reviewers who evaluate:
    • Originality and scholarly contribution
    • Methodological soundness
    • Relevance to the field of innovative teaching and learning
    • Clarity and quality of expression
  • Editorial Independence: Editorial decisions are made independently of external influences such as advertising, reprint revenue, or institutional funding. Decisions are based solely on academic merit, scientific quality, and relevance to the journal’s aims and scope.
  • Commitment to Ethical Publishing: IJITL adheres to the highest ethical standards in publishing. This includes a strict policy against academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or data falsification, and compliance with international ethical guidelines.
  • Timeliness in Decision-Making: The editorial team is committed to making decisions in a timely manner. Authors are notified of decisions within a reasonable timeframe, and constructive feedback is provided to support revisions.
  • Revisions and Resubmissions: Authors are given the opportunity to revise their manuscripts based on feedback from the reviewers. A detailed response letter is required to address reviewer comments and provide justifications for any suggestions not incorporated.
  • Appeals Process: Authors may appeal decisions regarding rejection. Appeals will be reviewed by an independent panel of editorial board members, and the panel's decision will be final.

4. TECHNICALITIES TO ACHIEVE AND MATERIALIZE THE POLICIES

  • Initial Manuscript Screening: Upon submission, the Editor-in-Chief or designated editor will screen the manuscript to ensure it aligns with the journal’s scope, meets formatting and submission standards, and complies with ethical guidelines. Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria will be desk-rejected.
  • Assignment to an Editor: Qualified manuscripts are assigned to an appropriate section or associate editor. The editor is responsible for managing the peer review process and preparing an editorial recommendation.
  • Double-Blind Peer Review: Each manuscript undergoes a thorough evaluation by at least two independent reviewers. The double-blind process ensures impartiality and removes any potential bias based on authorship or reputation.
  • Reviewer Guidelines and Training: IJITL provides detailed guidelines for reviewers to ensure consistency in evaluating submissions. Reviewers are trained in ethical publishing practices and the importance of providing constructive feedback.
  • Revisions and Re-Review: Revised manuscripts are re-evaluated by the original reviewers and/or the handling editor. The decision to accept or reject the revised manuscript is based on the adequacy of the revisions and the overall quality of the manuscript.
  • Communication with Authors: Authors are kept informed throughout the review process. They are notified of the editorial decision and provided with reviewer feedback. If revisions are required, clear instructions are provided.
  • Final Editorial Decision: The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision on acceptance, rejection, or further revision of the manuscript. The final decision is based on the reviewers' reports, the editor’s judgment, and the journal’s academic standards.
  • Appeals Process: Authors who wish to appeal a rejection may submit a formal appeal to the Editor-in-Chief. Appeals are handled by an independent panel of editorial board members, and their decision is final.
  • Publication Scheduling: Accepted manuscripts are scheduled for publication based on editorial planning. Authors are notified when their manuscript enters production.

5. SOURCES

The Editorial Decision-Making Policy at IJITL ensures that the process of manuscript evaluation is rigorous, transparent, and conducted with the highest level of academic integrity. By adhering to these policies, IJITL ensures that it remains a credible and respected platform for innovative research in teaching and learning.