Agriculture Journal: Policy for Board Members

IJOEAR’s policy for board members defines roles, ethical responsibilities, and expectations for editors and reviewers. It promotes accountability, fosters collaboration, and ensures that the journal upholds its scholarly standards in publishing agriculture and environmental research.

Policy for Board Members:

The International Journal of Environmental and Agriculture Research (IJOEAR), ISSN 2454-1850 (online), is a globally recognized peer-reviewed journal that publishes high-quality research in agriculture and environmental sciences. As part of its commitment to excellence, IJOEAR has established three distinct categories of board members: Advisory Board, Editorial Board, and Reviewer Board. Each category has unique roles, responsibilities, and selection criteria, ensuring the journal maintains its reputation for integrity, quality, and scientific rigor.

This page outlines the policies, qualifications, and responsibilities for each category of board members and serves as a guide for aspiring members.

Board Member Categories and Roles:

1. Advisory Board:

The Advisory Board consists of senior experts and thought leaders in agriculture and environmental sciences. Their primary role is to provide strategic guidance to the journal, ensuring it aligns with emerging trends and maintains its relevance in the global research community.

Responsibilities of the Advisory Board:

• Provide strategic advice on the journal's policies, scope, and future directions.
• Guide on the inclusion of new research areas to expand the journal's focus.
• Offer insights on improving the journal's visibility and impact globally.
• Act as ambassadors of the journal, promoting its reputation within the academic community.

Eligibility Criteria for Advisory Board Members:

• A minimum of 15 years of academic or professional experience in relevant fields.
• Demonstrated leadership and expertise in agriculture, environmental sciences, or related disciplines.
• A significant publication record, including articles in high-impact journals or influential books.
• Willingness to provide strategic input on a periodic basis.

2. Editorial Board:

The Editorial Board is responsible for managing the journal's content, ensuring that published articles meet the highest academic standards. Members of this board oversee the peer-review process and make key decisions on manuscript acceptance.

Responsibilities of the Editorial Board:

• Oversee the peer-review process and ensure its integrity.
• Make decisions on manuscript acceptance based on reviewers' reports and journal policies.
• Collaborate with the Editor-in-Chief on editorial strategies and initiatives.
• Provide feedback to authors to improve the quality of their submissions.
• Maintain confidentiality of manuscripts and uphold ethical standards.

Eligibility Criteria for Editorial Board Members:

• A Ph.D. degree in agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Expertise in a specialized area relevant to the journal's scope.
• Prior experience as a reviewer or editor for international peer-reviewed journals.
• A strong publication record in reputable journals.
• Commitment to upholding the journal’s ethical guidelines and policies.

3. Reviewer Board:

The Reviewer Board is composed of experts who assess the quality and relevance of submitted manuscripts. Reviewers ensure that only original, high-quality research is published in the journal.

Responsibilities of the Reviewer Board:

• Conduct thorough and unbiased reviews of submitted manuscripts.
• Provide constructive feedback to authors to enhance the quality of their work.
• Evaluate manuscripts for originality, validity, clarity, and relevance to the journal's scope.
• Adhere to deadlines and maintain the confidentiality of the review process.
• Report any ethical concerns, such as plagiarism or data manipulation.

Eligibility Criteria for Reviewer Board Members:

• A Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a field related to agriculture or environmental sciences.
• Expertise in a specific research area covered by the journal.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Willingness to provide detailed and constructive feedback.

Selection Process for Board Members:

IJOEAR follows a transparent and rigorous process for selecting board members across all three categories:

• Application Submission: Candidates may apply by submitting a Membership Form, free of charge. The form should include details about their academic qualifications, professional experience, and publication record.
• Evaluation: Applications are reviewed by a panel of existing board members and the Editor-in-Chief. Candidates are assessed based on their expertise, experience, and alignment with the journal’s objectives.
• Approval and Invitation: Selected candidates receive an invitation to join the respective board. Successful candidates must agree to adhere to the journal’s ethical guidelines and policies.

General Ethical Guidelines for All Board Members:

All board members, regardless of their category, are expected to uphold the following principles:

• Impartiality: Decisions and feedback must be based solely on academic merit and relevance, without bias toward the authors' background, gender, nationality, or institutional affiliation.
• Confidentiality: Board members must maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and the peer-review process.
• Conflict of Interest: Members must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where such conflicts exist.
• Ethical Oversight: Actively participate in addressing ethical concerns, such as plagiarism or misconduct, following COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

Benefits of Joining IJOEAR’s Boards:

For Advisory Board Members:

• Recognition as a thought leader in your field.
• Opportunities to influence the journal's strategic direction.
• Networking with global experts in agriculture and environmental sciences.

For Editorial Board Members:

• Gain experience in managing high-quality academic publications.
• Enhance your professional reputation and visibility.
• Collaborate with leading researchers and contribute to advancing the field.

For Reviewer Board Members:

• Strengthen your analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Receive acknowledgment for your valuable contributions to the journal.
• Stay updated on the latest research developments in your area of expertise.

FAQ: Board Membership:

1. Can I apply for more than one board category?

   Yes, candidates with relevant qualifications and experience may apply for multiple categories, provided they meet the specific criteria for each.

2. Are board members compensated?

   While the positions are primarily honorary, board members receive recognition and acknowledgment for their contributions, including certificates of appreciation.

3. How long is the tenure for board members?

   Tenure typically ranges from 2 to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and mutual agreement.

4. Can students or early-career researchers join the Reviewer Board?

   Yes, early-career researchers with a Master’s degree and relevant expertise are encouraged to apply for the Reviewer Board.

5. What is the expected workload for board members?

   The workload varies depending on the category. Reviewer Board members are expected to review 2-4 manuscripts per month, while Editorial Board and Advisory Board members may have additional responsibilities.

IJOEAR’s three-tiered structure of Advisory, Editorial, and Reviewer Boards ensures a comprehensive and collaborative approach to maintaining the journal's high standards. Whether you are an established expert, an experienced editor, or an aspiring reviewer, joining one of these boards offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of scientific research. If you meet the criteria and are passionate about promoting high-quality research, consider applying to become a part of IJOEAR’s vibrant academic community.

For any queries or additional information, authors can contact the editorial team via email at info.ijoear@gmail.com or info @ijoear.com.com .