Editorial Process

Journal of Algorithms in Complex Systems (JACS) adopts a rigorous single-blind peer review process, requiring at least three independent review reports for each submission. All editorial decisions, including initial assessment and final acceptance or rejection, are made by Academic Editors, who are typically members of the Editorial Board. The Academic Editors are responsible for the academic quality of the publication process, including final decisions and approval of Guest Editors, Special Issue topics, and new Editorial Board members.

A summary of the editorial process is given in the flowchart below. The following provides notes on each step.

  • Manuscript Submission
  • Editorial Initial Check
  • External Peer Review
  • Reviewer Comments Received
  • Editor-in-Chief Final Decision
    • Accept
    • Minor / Major Revision
    • Reject
  • Revision & Resubmission → Re-review
  • Final Acceptance → Proofreading & Publication

Detailed Editorial Process

1. Manuscript Submission

Authors submit manuscripts through the OJS system. Submissions must comply with the Author Guidelines and Editorial Policies.

2. Editorial Initial Check

The Managing Editor conducts a pre-check for topic suitability, originality, formatting, ethical compliance, and plagiarism (using iThenticate). Manuscripts that fail the initial check are rejected without external review.

3. External Peer Review

Manuscripts passing the initial check are assigned to an Associate Editor or Academic Editor. At least three independent reviewers are invited. Reviewers are selected based on expertise, no conflicts of interest, and publication record in the field of algorithms and complex systems.

4. Reviewer Comments Received

Reviewers provide detailed comments and a recommendation (Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, Reject). The Academic Editor evaluates the reports and may seek additional reviews if needed.

5. Editor-in-Chief Final Decision

Based on reviewer reports and Academic Editor recommendation, the Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision:

  • Accept (with/without minor editorial revision)
  • Accept after minor revisions
  • Reconsider after major revisions (one round usually allowed)
  • Reject

6. Revision & Resubmission

For revisions, authors must provide point-to-point responses to reviewer comments. Minor revisions: 2 weeks. Major revisions: 3–4 weeks. If additional experiments are needed, extensions may be granted. The revised manuscript is sent back to reviewers if required.

7. Final Acceptance → Proofreading & Publication

Upon final acceptance, manuscripts undergo language editing, typesetting, and proofreading. Authors receive proofs for review. Articles are published online immediately after acceptance (ahead of print) and assigned to an issue.

For full details on peer review policy, reviewer selection, time control, and ethics, please refer to the Editorial Policies.