Instructions for Reviewers
The purpose of the Decision Analysis review process is to evaluate the technical accuracy and significance of the submitted manuscripts and to provide authors with timely and constructive feedback.
Decision Analysis requires that all manuscripts be reviewed. The Editor-in-Chief identifies a primary action editor for each submission (either the Editor or an Associate Editor). That individual then screens the paper for appropriate scope and potential contribution to fit the journal and sends the paper to qualified referees for review using a single-blind process (i.e., referees and associate editors know the names of authors but authors do not know the names of referees or the associate editor).
Decision Analysis publishes contributions relevant to all aspects of decision analysis, including original research, perspectives, applications, tutorials, and teaching-related articles (see our Editorial Statement). The criteria applied to each type of submission are matched to the objectives of the contribution.
- Research papers are judged on originality, potential impact on decision analysis theory and practice, and interest to the Decision Analysis audience.
- Manuscripts describing applications are judged on technical correctness and clarity of presentation; novelty of methods for the specific application is also considered.
- Tutorials and teaching-related manuscripts should be technically correct and describe novel approaches and methods. Clarity of presentation is paramount.
- Perspective manuscripts, often provided by thought leaders in the field, should present insightful, thought-provoking observations that address the past, present, and future of the field of decision analysis.
The primary responsibility of a referee is to review a paper for correctness, exposition, and theoretical or practical significance of the contribution. While referees are free to comment on whether the article is a good fit to the journal's editorial objectives, this judgment is ultimately made by the Editors, usually but not always prior to initiating the review process.
It is often helpful for reviewers to keep in mind how Decision Analysis is different from other journals focused on decision theory and decision making. A key differentiating factor is this journal's prescriptive orientation. While fundamental theoretical contributions (both normative and descriptive) are welcome, we are particularly interested in work that has prescriptive implications, especially for the practice of decision analysis. Please see the journal's Editorial Statement for more details.
Decision Analysis requests that all referees complete their reviews within four weeks to permit timely feedback to authors. Rapid turnaround is a critical incentive to authors to induce them to submit to a relatively new journal.
Reports will be submitted via the ScholarOne Manuscripts (formerly known as Manuscript Central) online review system. The referee report should include comments and suggestions specifically intended for use by the authors. Candid publication recommendations and summary judgments should be provided in a separate communication intended for use only by the editors and will not be shared with the authors. The action editor will evaluate the reports and suggest a decision on the paper (reject, revise, accept) to the Editor-in-Chief, who will make the decision and communicate it, along with supporting reports, to the author.
Remember the Golden Rule of Reviewing:
Treat authors as you would wish to be treated.