Dear INFORMS members:
As the INFORMS Vice President of Publications, I am responsible for ensuring that our authors and reviewers feel a strong sense of equity and inclusion.
Since beginning my term on January 1st, I have been working with Matt Walls (Director of Publications) and all Managing Editors to address two key issues.
Firstly, we are implementing a "Thank You" email to each reviewer. Our ScholarOne system will generate a generic email for all 17 journals that the Associate Editor or Department Editor can personalize. This small step reflects our genuine appreciation for our reviewers' efforts in providing constructive comments to help us publish high-quality research.
Secondly, we are introducing an "Appeal Process." In rare occasions, the review team's comments and judgments on a paper may be incorrect due to miscommunication or misunderstanding. While most authors will move on with disappointment, some may appeal directly to the editors. However, many younger colleagues and PhD students are reluctant to appeal because they do not want to cause trouble or are unsure if it is appropriate.
To ensure all authors feel equal, I have received support from the publication committee to encourage the EICs of all 17 journals to develop and post their appeal process. With their support, I am delighted to report that all but two journals (where all submissions are invited or selected) have clear appeal processes stated on their websites (see below for details). With an appeal process in place, all authors can follow the process if they wish to appeal and will be treated the same way.
This is progress towards building an inclusive community, and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute.
Matt and I have been busy handling 8 journal reviews and editor searches this year, which has slowed our progress in developing initiatives to improve the review process for all INFORMS journals. However, we are actively working on it.
I have discovered that INFORMS is a very large society and that it takes time to make changes.
I am learning that patience is a virtue.
I am relying on all of you for suggestions and your help to make INFORMS journals thrive!
Thank you,
Chris Tang
Appeal Process of ALL INFORMS journals
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Chris Tang
Professor
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles CA
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