Editorial Decision Appeals Policy

The Journal of Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Computing (J. Appl. Math. Stat.) is committed to ensuring a fair, rigorous, and transparent peer review process. We recognize that authors may occasionally disagree with editorial decisions regarding their manuscript submissions. This policy outlines the process for appealing such decisions, ensuring authors have an opportunity to seek reconsideration while maintaining the integrity of the editorial process.

1. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to appeals of editorial decisions, including rejections, requests for major revisions, or other outcomes of the peer review process for manuscripts submitted to J. Appl. Math. Stat.. Appeals related to corrections, retractions, or removals are governed by the journal’s Article Correction, Retraction, and Removal Policy.

2. Grounds for Appeal

Authors may appeal an editorial decision under the following circumstances:

  • Procedural Errors: Evidence that the peer review or editorial process was not conducted in accordance with J. Appl. Math. Stat.’s policies (e.g., failure to consider relevant reviewer comments or misapplication of journal standards).
  • Misinterpretation of Evidence: Clear evidence that the editor or reviewers misunderstood the manuscript’s content, methodology, or scientific contribution, leading to an unfair decision.
  • New Information: Availability of significant new data, analyses, or clarifications that were not included in the original submission but could materially affect the decision.

Appeals based solely on disagreement with the editorial or reviewer judgment, without evidence of procedural errors or misinterpretation, will not be considered.

3. Appeal Process

  • Submission of Appeal:
    • Authors must submit a formal appeal within 30 days of receiving the editorial decision. Appeals should be sent via email to the editorial office at editor@jamsc.aastemer.org.
    • The appeal must include:
      • A clear statement of the grounds for appeal (e.g., procedural error, misinterpretation, or new information).
      • Supporting evidence, such as specific reviewer comments, manuscript sections, or new data.
      • A copy of the original decision letter and, if applicable, the manuscript and reviewer reports.
  • Initial Review:
    • The editorial office will acknowledge receipt of the appeal within five business days.
    • The Editor-in-Chief or a designated handling editor (not involved in the original decision) will review the appeal to determine if it meets the grounds for consideration.
  • Independent Evaluation:
    • If the appeal is deemed valid, it will be reviewed by an independent panel, which may include members of the editorial board or external experts not involved in the original review process.
    • The panel may request additional information from the authors, consult original reviewers (if appropriate), or seek new reviewers to reassess the manuscript.
  • Decision:
    • The panel will make a final decision, which may uphold the original decision, request revisions, or overturn the decision and proceed with further review or acceptance.
    • Authors will be notified of the outcome within 30–60 days of appeal submission, depending on the complexity of the case.
    • The appeal decision is final and not subject to further appeals.

4. General Principles

  • Fairness and Transparency: Appeals are handled impartially, with clear communication to authors about the process and outcome.
  • Confidentiality: All appeal-related correspondence and materials are treated as confidential, consistent with J. Appl. Math. Stat.’s peer review policies.
  • No Guarantee of Outcome Change: Filing an appeal does not guarantee reversal of the original decision. The appeal process is designed to ensure fairness, not to re-evaluate the scientific merit of the manuscript unless procedural errors or misinterpretations are evident.
  • Compliance with Standards: This policy aligns with guidelines from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and other recognized standards for scholarly publishing.

5. Contact

For questions or to submit an appeal, please contact the J. Appl. Math. Stat. editorial office at editor@jamsc.aastemer.org. The editorial team aims to respond to inquiries within five business days.

6. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in best practices or journal operations. The most current version will always be available on the J. Appl. Math. Stat. website.

By submitting a manuscript to J. Appl. Math. Stat., authors agree to abide by this Editorial Decision Appeals Policy and cooperate with the editorial team during the appeal process.