Peer review policy for Journal of Combinatorial Theory - Series B
The aim of peer review is to ensure that good science is published. Our referees play a vital role in maintaining the high standards of Journal of Combinatorial Theory - Series B and all manuscripts are peer reviewed following the procedure outlined below. This system is managed by the Editors (i.e. Editors in Chief and Managing Editors) in consultation with members of the Editorial Board whenever appropriate.
Initial manuscript evaluation
The Editors first evaluate all manuscripts. Manuscripts may be rejected at this stage if they are insufficiently original, have serious scientific flaws, poor grammar or English language, or are outside the aims and scope of the journal. Authors of manuscripts rejected at this stage will normally be informed within 2 weeks of receipt. Those that meet the minimal criteria are normally passed on to at least two experts for refereeing.
Type of Peer Review Journal of Combinatorial Theory - Series B employs single blind reviews, in which the referees remain anonymous throughout the process.
How referees are selected
Referees are matched to the paper according to their expertise.
Referee reports
Referees are asked to evaluate the manuscript overall and in particular the extent to which:
it uses new methods or obtains new results
it is of interest
it is in need of correction
the paper is well-written and readable
Referees are not expected to correct or typedit manuscripts, but their remarks on language correction and typography are often useful to authors.
How long does the review process take?
It is the aim to have each manuscript reviewed within a few months, but the need to obtain expert opinions can increase this. Should the referees' reports contradict one another or a report is unnecessarily delayed a further expert opinion will be sought. The period required to revise manuscripts, and their subsequent evaluation, further increases the reviewing time. Referees may request more than one revision of a manuscript.
Final report
The final decision to accept or reject the manuscript will be sent to the author along with any recommendations made by the referees, and may include verbatim comments by the referees.
Editor's Decision is final
Referees advise the Editor, who is responsible for the final decision to accept or reject the article.
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