Instructions for Reviewers
The Review Process
A manuscript is submitted for publication at www.cigrjournal.org. The Editor-in-Chief, checks the manuscript for proper format and conformance with submission instructions and acknowledges receipt.
The manuscript is then assigned to the appropriate Associate Editor (CIGR Section Chair or the designated Section Editor) who selects 3 or more qualified reviewers. Notification is sent by email to each reviewer who is asked to confirm his or her willingness to perform the review in a timely manner (within one month if possible). The EJournal Coordinator is given tracks the review process to make sure that it moves ahead as rapidly as possible.
In addition to reviewers selected by CIGR, authors are also asked to submit names and email addresses of 3 or more qualified reviewers. These individuals are used at the discretion of the Section Editor.
Reviewers are encouraged to use the “track changes” feature of MS Word to make comments in the text or to suggest detailed modifications (under “Tools”, “Track Changes”). If you use "track change", please remove any information that identifies the reviewer by going to "Tools," Options, User Info tab, Name - blank, Initials - blank.
General Guidelines for Reviewers
To review a manuscript you must have registered as a reviewer. All communications related to a manuscript will take place online. Once registered, after you login to the system you will see list of manuscripts assigned to you.
- As a reviewer you should check overall quality, scientific merit, presentation, quality of English, and spelling and grammar.
- Upload an MSWord 2003 file with your comments (use track changes-don't forget to remove your name from comments) and register your recommendation using the online system.
The Editor-in-Chief will consider the recommendations of the reviewers, and will forward the comments anonymously to the author along with a consensus recommendation. The author(s) will make appropriate revisions and resubmit the manuscript.
When the Editor-in-Chief is satisfied that the manuscript meets the CIGR quality standards, the manuscript will be published. A footer will be added to each page of the manuscript stating the volume number and the official name of the Ejournal (Agricultural Engineering International: the CIGR Ejournal). An email will be sent to the author from the Editor-in-Chief stating that the manuscript has been published in the peer reviewed Ejournal section of CIGR.
Periodically, all published technical manuscripts and invited overview papers will be put on a CD and sent to several key libraries around the world for permanent archiving.
Review of Manuscripts Guidelines
Please complete and upload a word file with the following information when completing the review of a manuscript. Optionally, you can cut and paste into the textbox in the website before you submit your recommendation. An MSWord version of the guidelines is available here.
CIGR Ejournal Review Guidelines
Do not include any information that identifies the reviewer.
Manuscript Number: ____________________
Title: ________________________________________
Scientific Merit:
- Does the manuscript have the potential to expand the fundamental knowledge in its specific area?
- Is the manuscript scientifically sound?
- Is the investigator(s) cognizant of past work?
- Does the manuscript thoroughly evaluate all necessary avenues of the study?
- Are the objectives clear and logical?
- Are the methodologies, designs, and analytical techniques appropriate, adequate, and completely described?
- Are the conclusions objective, significant, and sound based on the findings of the investigator?
- Does the manuscript reflect originality and ingenuity in its appropriate field?
Overall Quality and Content
- Does the title depict the nature of the study?
- Have appropriate keywords been selected?
- Does the summary adequately describe the study in a clear, concise manner?
- Is the manuscript well written and organized?
- Is the paper adequately referenced and the reference style consistent?
- Are any tables, charts, figures, or other graphical representations used necessary, correctly used and analyzed, and easily interpreted by the reader?
- Can any part of the manuscript be shortened or omitted without loss of scientific content?
- Please note any general strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript here, along with any other comments you might have.
Recommendation:
Select the appropriate recommendation in the on-line system.
Watch a video tutorial on how to review a manuscript in OJS.
