Appeals and Complaints Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Safeguard procedural fairness in editorial decision-making
• Provide authors with the opportunity to request reconsideration
• Address concerns regarding peer review integrity
• Ensure transparency and accountability in journal operations

All appeals and complaints are assessed objectively, confidentially, and without prejudice.

Authors may submit an appeal when they believe that an editorial decision has been affected by factors such as:

• Misinterpretation of the manuscript
• Procedural irregularities
• Reviewer bias or conflict of interest
• Incomplete or inaccurate evaluation
• Ethical concerns affecting the review process

Appeals must be based on substantive academic or procedural grounds rather than general disagreement with reviewer recommendations.

Appeals must be submitted in written form to the editorial office. Submissions should include:

• The manuscript title and identification details
• A clear statement of the decision being appealed
• Detailed justification for reconsideration
• Supporting evidence or clarifications where applicable

Incomplete or unsubstantiated appeals may not be considered.

Upon receipt, the editorial office will acknowledge the appeal and initiate an independent review process. The appeal review may involve:

• Reassessment of reviewer reports
• Editorial re-evaluation of the manuscript
• Consultation with the editorial board
• Appointment of independent reviewers where necessary

The process is conducted confidentially and objectively to ensure fairness to all parties.

Decisions reached following the appeal review process are considered final. The outcome will be formally communicated to the appellant, along with the rationale underlying the decision.

In addition to appeals, the journal accepts complaints from authors, reviewers, readers, and institutional stakeholders regarding matters such as:

• Editorial conduct
• Peer review integrity
• Breaches of confidentiality
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest
• Publication malpractice
• Ethical misconduct in submitted or published works

All complaints are handled in a confidential and systematic manner. Investigations may include:

• Review of documentation and correspondence
• Consultation with involved parties
• Editorial board deliberation
• External expert consultation where necessary

The journal ensures that complaints are evaluated impartially and based on verifiable evidence.

JOIS adheres to the following principles in handling appeals and complaints:

• Non-discrimination and impartiality
• Confidential handling of sensitive information
• Opportunity for all parties to respond
• Evidence-based decision-making
• Avoidance of conflicts of interest in investigations

Depending on the nature and findings of the case, outcomes may include:

• Upholding or revising editorial decisions
• Reassignment of reviewers
• Procedural corrections
• Publication of clarifications or notices
• Initiation of ethics investigations

This policy operates within the broader framework of the journal’s publication ethics standards. Appeals and complaints procedures are interconnected with policies governing plagiarism, authorship, peer review integrity, and post-publication corrections.

JOIS affirms its commitment to maintaining a transparent, fair, and accountable editorial environment. The journal values constructive feedback and regards appeals and complaints as essential mechanisms for strengthening publication integrity.