Complaints and Appeals

Introduction

A transparent and fair process for handling complaints and appeals is essential to ensure trust and accountability in scholarly publishing. At The International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology (IJASEIT), we are committed to listening and responding to concerns from authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders. This policy is developed in accordance with the COPE Core Practices and the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing.

Description

Complaints and appeals may arise at various stages of the editorial or publication process and may involve:

  • Rejection of a manuscript

  • The behavior or decisions of editors or reviewers

  • Alleged breaches of ethical standards

  • Issues with published content

  • Concerns about delay, bias, or conflict of interest

IJASEIT ensures that all complaints and appeals are handled promptly, respectfully, and in a way that protects the integrity of the journal and its processes.

Policy

  1. Scope of Complaints and Appeals
    IJASEIT accepts and investigates the following types of issues:

    • Editorial decisions (including rejections)

    • Peer review conduct or fairness

    • Delays in processing submissions

    • Alleged conflicts of interest

    • Misconduct or unprofessional behavior by journal staff, editorial board members, or reviewers

    • Post-publication concerns, such as errors or ethical breaches

  2. Submission of Complaints
    Complaints must be submitted in writing to the editorial office via email. The complaint should include:

    • A clear and concise description of the issue

    • Names, manuscript ID or article title (if applicable)

    • Any supporting evidence or documentation

    Anonymous complaints will be considered if they are detailed and supported by credible information.

  3. Initial Review and Acknowledgment
    All complaints will be acknowledged within five business days. The Editor-in-Chief or a designated senior editor will conduct an initial review to determine whether the issue warrants further investigation.

  4. Investigation and Resolution Process

    • The editorial team will evaluate the facts, consult relevant documentation, and, where necessary, contact involved parties for clarification.

    • Investigations will be conducted confidentially, and all individuals will have the opportunity to respond.

    • Depending on the nature of the issue, external advisors or the journal’s publisher may be consulted.

    IJASEIT aims to resolve complaints within 30 calendar days, although complex cases may require more time.

  5. Appeals of Editorial Decisions
    Authors may appeal editorial decisions if they believe the process was flawed or the decision was based on misunderstanding or bias. Appeals must include:

    • The grounds for appeal

    • A detailed response to reviewers’ and editors’ comments (if applicable)

    Appeals will be reviewed by a senior editorial member not involved in the original decision. The outcome of the appeal is final.

  6. Outcomes
    Possible resolutions include:

    • Upholding the original decision

    • Revising or reversing a decision

    • Correcting or retracting published content

    • Addressing breaches of ethical standards

    Outcomes will be communicated in writing and documented internally for future review.

  7. Confidentiality and Respect
    All complaints and appeals are handled confidentially and professionally. Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith is not tolerated.

  8. Continual Improvement
    IJASEIT monitors complaints and appeals to identify areas for improvement in editorial processes and policy implementation.