Review Process (isr-review-process)

When to trigger

• You want to know what happens after you submit to ISR
• A decision letter arrived and you need to read it correctly before responding
• You are unsure who the "SE" and "AE" are and what each controls
• You want to set realistic expectations for rounds and timelines

How ISR routes and reviews a paper

ISR uses an INFORMS-style Senior-Editor-led process, not departmental area editors:

1. EIC fit gate. The Editor-in-Chief (currently Suprateek Sarker) makes an initial editorial fit assessment against ISR's sociotechnical, intradisciplinary mission. Papers that are off-fit (single-paradigm with no IS contribution, IT-as-wallpaper, or a generic reference-discipline paper) can be returned here — which is exactly why the ~500-word contribution statement in your cover letter is read first.
2. Senior Editor (SE). A fitting paper is assigned to a Senior Editor who owns the paper and ultimately makes the final decision.
3. Associate Editor (AE). The SE works with an Associate Editor, who solicits 2-3 reviewers and integrates their recommendations.
4. Reviewers. Provide detailed assessments under double-anonymized review.

Understand the hierarchy when you read the letter: reviewers advise, the AE synthesizes, and the SE decides. The SE's letter is the one that defines what must change.