The University of Zawia Journal of Engineering Sciences and Technology (UZJEST) adopts a double-blind peer review process through the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform to ensure an impartial, fair, and rigorous evaluation of submitted manuscripts. Under this process, the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed from each other throughout the review process.

1. Submission and Initial Screening

Upon submission, each manuscript undergoes an initial screening by the editorial team to assess its suitability for the journal's scope, compliance with submission guidelines, originality, and adherence to publication ethics. Manuscripts that meet these requirements proceed to the peer review stage.

2. Assignment of Reviewers

The Editor-in-Chief or an assigned editor selects qualified reviewers with relevant expertise in the manuscript's subject area. Reviewers are chosen based on their academic qualifications, research experience, and absence of conflicts of interest. At least two independent reviewers are normally invited to evaluate each manuscript.

3. Double-Blind Review Process

The journal follows a double-blind reviewing system in which reviewers do not know the identities of the authors, and authors do not know the identities of the reviewers. Authors are required to remove identifying information from the manuscript and ensure that the submitted files do not disclose their identities. Reviewers evaluate manuscripts objectively, focusing on originality, scientific significance, technical soundness, methodology, clarity of presentation, and contribution to engineering sciences and technology.

4. Reviewer Recommendations

Reviewers provide constructive comments and recommendations to assist the editorial team in determining the suitability of the manuscript for publication. Their recommendations may include acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection. Reviewers are expected to provide clear, evidence-based assessments and suggestions for improvement.

5. Editorial Decision

The Editor-in-Chief or assigned editor considers the reviewers' reports, the scientific quality of the manuscript, its relevance to the journal's scope, and applicable ethical standards before making an editorial decision. The decision and relevant reviewer comments are communicated to the authors while maintaining reviewer confidentiality.

6. Author Response and Revision

When revisions are requested, authors must address the reviewers' comments carefully and submit a revised manuscript together with a detailed response explaining how each comment has been addressed. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers for further assessment when necessary. The journal reserves the right to request additional revisions if the reviewers' concerns have not been adequately resolved.

7. Final Decision and Publication

Following the evaluation of the revised manuscript and the authors' responses, the Editor-in-Chief or assigned editor makes the final decision regarding acceptance or rejection. Accepted manuscripts proceed to copyediting, and publication in accordance with the journal's editorial and publication standards.

Confidentiality and Ethics

UZJEST is committed to maintaining confidentiality, impartiality, and ethical standards throughout its double-blind peer review process.

• Confidentiality: All submitted manuscripts, reviewers’ reports, and editorial correspondence are treated as strictly confidential and must not be disclosed to unauthorized parties.
• Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could affect their impartiality and decline the review invitation when necessary.
• Protection of Unpublished Research: Reviewers must not use, reproduce, share, or disclose unpublished manuscript content without appropriate authorization.
• Review Access: Access to manuscripts and review materials is limited to authorized editorial personnel and assigned reviewers in accordance with the journal’s review procedures and the permissions configured in its online submission system.
• Ethical Responsibilities: Editors and reviewers must conduct their duties with integrity, fairness, and professionalism, respecting the confidentiality of authors and the independence of the peer review process.