Allegations of Misconduct

IJERD has a zero-tolerance policy related to research misconduct. The Editorial Board shall thoroughly investigate such matters maintaining open and confidential communications with the author. IJERD investigations are guided by COPE’s recommended policies and procedures. All investigations are free from external influence and are consistent and equitable.

Editorial Board decisions related to research misconduct and subsequent actions shall be final and without the possibility of appeal.

Purpose

To uphold the highest standards of research integrity and ethical publishing, IJERD has established this policy to handle allegations of misconduct relating to submitted or published work. This policy ensures fair, transparent, and prompt resolution of such matters consistent with ISERD’s commitment to ethical development and scholarly excellence.

Definition of Misconduct

Misconduct includes but is not limited to:

  • Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in research or publication
  • Duplicate or redundant publication without proper citation or justification
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest influencing research or publication
  • Breach of ethical standards in human or animal research
  • Manipulation or suppression of research findings
  • Any other unethical behavior breaching publication ethics

Reporting Allegations

  • Allegations of misconduct may be raised by authors, reviewers, editors, readers, or third parties.
  • Reports should be submitted in writing via email to the Editor-in-Chief at the official IJERD contact address provided on ISERD’s website.

Initial Assessment

  • The Editor-in-Chief promptly acknowledges receipt of the allegation.
  • An initial assessment is conducted to determine if the allegation is credible and within the journal’s scope for investigation.
  • If the allegation falls outside jurisdiction or lacks sufficient information, the reporter is informed with reasons.

Investigation Process

  • Valid allegations trigger a confidential and thorough investigation led by the Editor-in-Chief, often in consultation with the Editorial Board and, if needed, external experts or an Ethics Advisory Board.
  • Authors and accused parties are given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
  • Evidence is gathered carefully, including original data, peer reviews, and publication history.

Outcomes and Actions

  • If misconduct is confirmed, appropriate actions include:
    • Issuing a correction, retraction, or expression of concern as per journal policy
    • Notifying authors’ institutions or funding bodies where applicable
    • Barring the offending author(s) from future submissions for a defined period
  • If the allegation is unsubstantiated, a resolution statement may be issued, and the case closed.

Confidentiality and Fairness

  • All investigations are conducted confidentially to protect all parties involved.
  • The process ensures fairness, allowing all sides to present evidence and respond.

Communication

  • The Editor-in-Chief maintains communication with the complainant about the progress and outcome, respecting confidentiality.
  • Public notices such as retractions or corrections clearly indicate the reason, preserving transparency and scholarly record integrity.

Responsibilities

  • Authors, reviewers, and editors are required to familiarize themselves and comply with this policy.
  • IJERD and ISERD promote a culture of ethical research and publication, providing guidelines and support to prevent misconduct.