This FAQ section aims to address common queries and provide answers about research submissions, publishing policies, and editorial processes at the Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU). At RJMU, we are committed to transparency, clarity, and academic excellence. We understand that authors, reviewers, and potential readers may have many questions about our publishing procedures, ethical standards, scope of work, and technical requirements.

This FAQ section is designed to answer the most common queries our editorial team receives and assist you at every step of your interaction with our journal, whether you are submitting a paper, reviewing it, or simply exploring our work.

General Information

Q1. What is the Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU)?

The Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU) is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by Al-Maaref University of Applied Sciences. It focuses on publishing original research in diverse academic fields, including applied sciences, social sciences, engineering, education, technology, economics, and the humanities. The journal is interdisciplinary in nature and welcomes both theoretical and applied contributions.

Q2. Is Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU) open access?

Yes. Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU) operates under the open access model, meaning that all published articles are freely available online without subscription or fees. Authors retain their copyright, and readers benefit from full access to scientific knowledge.

Q3. What is the journal's publication frequency?

The journal is currently published semi-annually—usually in June and December of each year. Special issues may be announced for conferences or focus topics.

Q4. In what languages ​​does the journal accept submissions?

The journal accepts manuscripts written in English and French. Authors must ensure that their manuscripts are linguistically clear and professionally edited before submission.

✍️ For Authors

Q5. Who can submit manuscripts to the journal?

The journal accepts submissions from academic researchers, faculty members, graduate students (with the approval of the supervisor), and professionals whose work aligns with the scope of the journal. International contributors are welcome.

Q6. What types of manuscripts does the journal accept? The journal publishes:

Original research articles
Review articles
Case studies
Theoretical articles
Scientific reports and notes

Q7. How do I submit my manuscript?

Authors can email their manuscripts to the editorial board, following the formatting and style guidelines. A dedicated online submission portal is currently being developed.

Q8. What is the average duration of the review process?

The peer review process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the submission date. Authors will receive updates at each step: notification of receipt, under review, request for review, acceptance, or rejection.

Q9. Are there any fees for publication or submission?

There are currently no fees for publication. Al Maaref University of Applied Sciences supports open access academic communication at no cost to authors or readers.

Q10. What are the acceptable documentation styles?

Al-Maaref University of Applied Sciences accepts APA, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago citation styles, depending on the field of study. Authors must use a consistent citation style throughout the manuscript and carefully follow the author's instructions.

Q11. Can I submit a manuscript that is under review elsewhere?

No. Simultaneous submission is strictly prohibited. Manuscripts must be unpublished and not under consideration by any other journal.

Q12. Can I republish my article published at Al-Maaref University of Applied Sciences elsewhere?

Authors retain copyright, but must indicate that Al-Maaref University of Applied Sciences is the original publication. Republishing in any form requires permission from the editorial board.

Q13. How are conflicts of interest handled?

All authors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest—whether financial, institutional, or personal—when submitting.

Q14. What happens if plagiarism is discovered?

Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU) adheres to strict anti-plagiarism policies. Submissions are checked using plagiarism detection tools. Any manuscript containing a high similarity index or unethical practices will be rejected or withdrawn.

Q15. Can I revise my manuscript after submission?

Revisions are only made at the request of reviewers or editors. After the manuscript has been reviewed, unsolicited revisions will not be considered.

Q16. Will I receive feedback even if my manuscript is rejected?

Yes. Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU) believes in constructive feedback. Even if a manuscript is not accepted for publication, reviewers typically provide brief comments or guidance to help authors improve their work.

 Review Process

Q17. How does peer review work at Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU)?

Al Maaref University of Applied Sciences follows a double-blind peer review process. Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous. Each submitted paper is evaluated by at least two independent reviewers based on academic rigor, originality, clarity, and relevance.

Q18. How can I become a reviewer at Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences (RJMU)?

Interested researchers can apply by emailing their CV and publication history to the editorial board. Reviewers must have a relevant academic background and preferably hold a PhD or equivalent experience in their field.

Q19. Is reviewer recognition publicly announced?

Yes. Reviewers may be recognized in an annual thank-you note, but their identities remain confidential for specific articles.

Q20. What is the expected timeline for reviewers?
Reviewers are typically given two to four weeks to complete their review. Extensions may be granted upon request.

Q21. Is training or orientation provided for new reviewers?
Yes. RJMU provides a reviewer guide that includes ethical expectations, review structure, and typical evaluation criteria.

Archiving and Indexing

Q22. Where can I access back issues of the journal?
All published issues are available on the RJMU Research Journal website under the "Archives" section. Articles can be downloaded in PDF format.

Q23. Is the journal indexed?
RJMU is in the process of listing it in academic databases. The editorial board is working hard to include it in directories such as DOAJ, Google Scholar, ROAD, and others. Updates will be posted on the website.

Q24. Will my article have a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)?
Yes, the journal aims to assign DOIs to articles once they have been indexed using CrossRef.

???? Ethics and Policies
Q25. Does Al Maaref University for Applied Sciences follow the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)?
Yes. The journal adheres to the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). All ethical violations are handled in accordance with international standards.

Q26. Can I report ethical concerns about a published article?
Yes. Please contact the editor-in-chief directly via the journal's official email to report any suspected issues, such as plagiarism or research misconduct.

Communication and Support
Q27. How can I contact the editorial board?
Contact information, including email, phone number, and physical address, is available on the "Contact Us" page of the journal's website.
Q28. Can I suggest a topic for a special issue?
Yes. The journal encourages submissions from the academic community. Special issue proposals should include a brief introduction, a list of potential contributors, and a schedule.

Q29. Do you publish conference proceedings?
Al Maaref University of Applied Sciences may consider publishing selected papers from conferences organized by Al Maaref University or partner institutions, subject to editorial approval.

Q30. Is the journal affiliated with a specific department?
Al Maaref University of Applied Sciences is a multidisciplinary journal affiliated with the Department of Academic Affairs at the university, and includes contributions from all faculties.