Peer Review Process

How to submit your review in OJS

  1. Download the SCALE Reviewer Assessment Form (.docx).
  2. In Step 3 (Download & Review), read the manuscript, including its Research Ethics section (Section 2.6), then fill in the form.
  3. Under Reviewer Files, click Upload File and attach the completed form (and an annotated manuscript if you have one). Remove your name from file properties.
  4. Paste your main comments for the authors into the review box, choose your recommendation, and click Submit Review.

SCALE uses a double-blind peer review process: reviewers do not know the identity of the authors, and authors do not know the identity of the reviewers.

  1. Initial screening (1–2 weeks): the editor checks scope, template compliance, and similarity (maximum 20%). Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements are returned or declined.
  2. Peer review (4–6 weeks): each manuscript is reviewed by at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the topic, at least one of whom is from outside Universitas PGRI Semarang.
  3. Decision: based on the reviews, the editor decides to accept, request minor revisions, request major revisions, or decline the manuscript.
  4. Revision: authors revise the manuscript and respond to each reviewer comment within the time set by the editor. Revised manuscripts may be sent for a second round of review.
  5. Final decision and production: accepted manuscripts are copyedited, laid out, assigned a DOI, and published online.

The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision.

Guidelines for Reviewers

Thank you for reviewing for SCALE. Please complete the SCALE Reviewer Assessment Form (English with Indonesian translation) and upload it in the review step, together with your comments to the authors.

  1. Rate every criterion in the form: scope, title, abstract, keywords, originality and gap analysis, analysis and synthesis, conclusion, references, structure, tables and figures, citations, language, integrity, ethics, and use of generative AI. When you do not choose the top option, explain what the authors must change.
  2. Comment on substance. Address the novelty and gap, the research design, the validity and reliability of instruments, the analysis, the interpretation, and the comparison with previous studies. Reviews that comment only on grammar or layout are not sufficient and may be returned to you. At least three major comments are expected for a manuscript that is not accepted as it stands.
  3. Check research ethics. For research involving people, Section 2.6 must state an ethical clearance number and date or an adequate ethics compliance statement (see Research Ethics).
  4. Language of comments. For manuscripts by Indonesian authors, comments may be written in English or Indonesian. For manuscripts by authors outside Indonesia, comments must be in English.
  5. Do not use generative AI to read, assess, or write the review, and do not upload the manuscript to any AI tool (see the GenAI Policy for Reviewers).
  6. Keep the manuscript confidential, do not contact the authors, and decline the review if you have a conflict of interest. Please submit the review within 14 days.