Peer Review Policy

Duties of Reviewers
The peer review process is a vital component of the editorial decision-making at the International Journal of Foreign Trade and International Business Upgradation (IJFTIBU). Reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality, credibility, and relevance of scholarly communication in the fields of international trade, business policy, economics, and global commerce. By offering thoughtful evaluations, reviewers assist editors in making informed publication decisions and help authors enhance the clarity, rigor, and impact of their work. The IJFTIBU emphasizes that scholars and professionals contributing to international business knowledge have a shared responsibility to actively participate in the peer review process.

Timeliness
Reviewers are expected to complete their evaluations within the allotted timeframe. If a reviewer feels unqualified to assess a manuscript—due to lack of subject expertise (e.g., in specific trade regulations, financial instruments, or cross-border policy analysis)—or foresees a delay, they should promptly inform the editorial team and decline the review invitation. This allows the journal to maintain an efficient review cycle and timely publication of research that informs global business and trade practices.

Confidentiality
All manuscripts submitted for review are confidential and must be treated accordingly. Reviewers must not disclose, share, or discuss the content with unauthorized individuals unless permitted by the Editor-in-Chief under special circumstances. This confidentiality ensures integrity in evaluating business-sensitive data, proprietary models, or trade strategies discussed in the manuscript.

Objectivity and Constructive Feedback
Reviews should be objective, professional, and focused solely on the content. Reviewers are expected to provide clear, evidence-based feedback that helps improve the manuscript—particularly in areas such as theoretical frameworks, economic modeling, policy relevance, international case studies, or business strategy formulation. Personal criticism or disparaging remarks toward authors are strictly discouraged and considered contrary to the values of scholarly engagement.

Acknowledgment of Sources
Reviewers are encouraged to recommend the inclusion of relevant, recent, or landmark literature that may have been overlooked by the authors—especially publications related to international business policy, global trade agreements, emerging market dynamics, or global supply chain management. If any significant overlap or similarity is detected between the manuscript and existing work (published or unpublished), reviewers should promptly inform the editorial office.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
Reviewers must disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest, including personal, institutional, or financial relationships with the authors or associated organizations. If a conflict exists, reviewers should inform the editorial team and decline the assignment to maintain transparency and impartiality.

Additionally, reviewers must not use unpublished content or insights from the manuscript for their personal research or business purposes without explicit written permission from the authors. All privileged information obtained during the review process must be kept confidential and not used for any form of personal or competitive advantage.

By adhering to these principles, the International Journal of Foreign Trade and International Business Upgradation upholds a rigorous, ethical, and transparent peer review process, contributing meaningfully to the development of scholarly discourse in global trade and business innovation.