Review guidelines

Reviewers of manuscripts submitted to Structural Insights in Planning and Infrastructure Leadership (SIPIL) are expected to evaluate the manuscript based on the following standard components. Any significant deviations should be noted in the review comments.

1. Title 

- The title must clearly, adequately, and precisely describe the manuscript’s subject without ambiguity or multiple interpretations.
- Suggest an improved title if necessary.

2. Abstract

- The abstract should briefly state the research aim, methods, results, and core conclusions.
- Remind authors that the abstract is often the most-read part of the paper.

3. References

- Authors must properly credit relevant contributions through citations.
- Citations in the introduction should highlight innovation or novelty through gap analysis.
- Avoid excessive citations.

4. Purpose

- The study’s purpose must be clearly explained and directly address the stated hypothesis.

5. Methods

- Methods must be described in sufficient detail to allow replication by a competent reader.
- Include descriptions of tools, materials, software/hardware platforms, frameworks, or equipment used.

6. Clarity

- Research methods and results must be presented simply, concisely, and effectively, ensuring readers can easily understand the content.

7. Organization and Flow

- The manuscript must develop and explain the research logically and effectively.

8. Duplication

- The manuscript must not repeat explanations from previously published works by the author or others.
- Check if tables or figures can be combined to shorten the manuscript without losing content.

9. Calculations

- Reviewers may randomly check calculations to ensure they are verifiable and correct.

10. Relation of Text to Tables and FIgures 

- All tables and figures must be referred to in the text, and statements in the text must accurately reflect table/figure contents.

11. Table and Figure Titles 

- Titles should clearly describe content. Suggest improvements for clarity or accuracy if needed.
- Captions must be clear, unambiguous, and use correct SI units.
- Graphs and images must accurately represent data.

12. Conclusion

- Conclusions must adequately and clearly address the hypothesis.
- Conclusions should be supported by data and analysis.

13. Distinction Between Fact and Conjecture 

- Authors must clearly distinguish factual statements from opinions or conjecture.

14. References

- All references cited in the text must appear in the bibliography.
- Minimum of 10 references, with at least 60% primary references (scientific journals, proceedings, reference books, theses/dissertations).
- Prefer references published within the last five years to ensure relevance.