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3. Reviewer Workflow and Structured Assessment
When assigned a manuscript for review or adjudication, EBMs must adhere to a structured workflow within the journal’s digital submission system:
| Scientific Criterion | Key Assessment Questions |
|---|---|
| Methodological Rigor | Is the study design valid and appropriate for the objectives? Is the statistical analysis robust and correct? |
| Novelty and Impact | Does the research present novel findings in the related multidisciplinary fields? |
| Data Validity | Do the Results clearly support the Conclusion? Are Data Availability Statements included and credible? |
| Ethical Standards | Are approvals (IACUC, IRB) clearly stated? For multidisciplinary studies, have human and animal subjects been treated ethically? |
| SEO and Indexing | Are the Title and Abstract concise and accurate? Do the Keywords align with modern research trends (e.g., sustainable, CRISPR-Cas9)? |
The Online Open Access Journal and the Journal of Agricultural Research and Management (JARM) extend our deepest appreciation to all Editorial Board Members (EBMs) for their essential service in shaping the scientific trajectory of the journal and ensuring scholarly integrity. As recognized leaders in your respective multidisciplinary fields, your role is vital to upholding the rigorous standards of double-blind peer review and fostering innovation within scholarly communication.
1. Core Mandate and Responsibilities
The primary mandate of an EBM is to safeguard the scientific quality and strategic direction of the journal.
Strategic Leadership: Define and refine the journal’s scope, identify emerging research trends (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9 in crops, precision agriculture, bio-waste to energy), and suggest special issue topics.
Manuscript Evaluation: Actively participate in the peer review process. While editors manage the workflow, EBMs must review a specified number of high-priority manuscripts or provide specialized guidance on complex submissions.
Reviewer Advocacy: Assist the Editor-in-Chief in identifying, recruiting, and evaluating the performance of independent peer reviewers, ensuring the board reflects global expertise.
Brand Ambassador: Promote the journal at international conferences, within your academic institutions, and through professional networks to attract high-quality submissions.
2. Peer Review and Ethical Standards:
EBMs must embody and enforce the ethical standards established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and ICMJE.
Conflict of Interest: Disclose any competitive, collaborative, or financial relationships that could bias your judgment regarding a manuscript. Recuse yourself from handling any submission where a conflict exists.
Confidentiality: Treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential documents. Do not discuss their contents or use the data for personal gain before publication.
Research Integrity: Be vigilant for signs of academic misconduct, including plagiarism (using tools like iThenticate), data fabrication, falsification, and redundant publication (“salami slicing”).
4. Special Issues and Commissioned Content
EBMs play a proactive role in generating impactful content that drives citation metrics and increases the journal’s h-index.
Guest Editing: Propose and manage “Special Issues” on critical, timely topics. As a Guest Editor, you will be responsible for the complete peer-review lifecycle for submissions in that issue.
Commissioning Reviews: Identify gaps in current agricultural literature and commission leading experts to write comprehensive Review Articles.
5. Composition, Appointment, and Performance
We strive for an diverse, expert board to reflect the multidisciplinary nature of our scope.
Diverse Composition: The board aims for balanced representation across geography, gender, and academic seniority to maintain cultural competency and innovation.
Verified Recognition: EBM service is officially certified. We seamlessly integrate with Web of Science (formerly Publons) to allow EBMs to track and claim verified recognition for their editorial and review contributions.
Term and Renewal: Appointments are typically for a [e.g., two-year] term, renewable based on mutual interest and active participation in reviewing and strategic planning.
6. Communication and Collaboration
Annual Meetings: Participate in virtual or in-person annual board meetings to review performance metrics (e.g., Impact Factor, acceptance rates, time-to-publication) and discuss future strategy.
Open Dialogue: Maintain an open line of communication with the Editor-in-Chief regarding journal operations and potential improvements.