Article Transfer Policy
Asian Review of Social Sciences (ARSS) may offer an optional manuscript transfer when editors consider another journal in the Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI) portfolio potentially more appropriate. Transfer occurs only with the author’s explicit consent. The receiving journal conducts its own editorial assessment, and transfer does not guarantee review, acceptance, faster decision-making or publication.
1. Author Consent
Article transfer is entirely optional. A manuscript, associated files, metadata and relevant editorial records are transferred only with the author’s explicit consent. Declining a transfer invitation has no adverse effect on the author.
2. Materials That May Be Transferred
With author consent, a transfer may include the manuscript, supplementary files, submission metadata and relevant editorial records. Reviewer reports may be transferred only where this is consistent with reviewer confidentiality, reviewer terms and any consent requirements that apply.
3. Independent Editorial Assessment
The receiving journal conducts its own assessment under its Aims and Scope and editorial policies. It may use existing reviewer reports, request additional review, begin a new peer-review process or decline the manuscript. The receiving editor retains responsibility for the final decision.
4. Reviewer Reports
Where reviewer reports are transferred, they are provided only for legitimate editorial consideration. The receiving editor decides whether the reports are sufficient or whether further independent review is required.
5. No Guarantee of Acceptance or Faster Publication
Transfer does not guarantee external review, acceptance, a favourable decision, accelerated handling or publication. The receiving journal applies its own scope, peer-review requirements, ethical standards and editorial criteria.
6. Fees
No transfer fee is charged unless explicitly stated. If the receiving journal applies an APC or another author-facing fee, the author should be informed of the relevant current fee policy before accepting transfer. ARSS fee information is published on its APC and Waivers page.
7. Editorial Independence and Conflicts of Interest
Transfer does not alter editorial standards, peer-review requirements, conflict-of-interest management or the independence of the receiving journal’s final decision. An editor with a relevant conflict should not decide the transferred manuscript.
8. Confidentiality
Transferred manuscripts, reviewer reports and editorial correspondence remain confidential and are accessible only to individuals involved in legitimate editorial handling. Confidentiality is also governed by the ARSS Privacy Policy and Peer Review Process.
Related ARSS pages: Aims and Scope | Peer Review Process | Privacy Policy | Article Processing Charges & Waivers | Publication Ethics & Publication Malpractice Statement
