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Ensuring Fairness and Accountability in Scholarly Publishing
SOLAV Journal is committed to maintaining fairness, transparency, and accountability in all editorial and publishing processes.
This policy describes how authors, reviewers, and readers may submit appeals and complaints and how such matters are handled in accordance with Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines.
We provide clear mechanisms for addressing concerns and ensure that all parties are treated with respect and impartiality.
Editorial Appeals
- Right to appeal rejection, major revision, or retraction decisions
- Must be based on factual errors or process flaws
- Submit within 30 business days of decision
- Independent review by senior editors
Complaints
- May concern editorial, review, or ethical issues
- Submitted by authors, reviewers, readers, or institutions
- Confidential and impartial handling
- Protection against retaliation
Fair Process
- Initial response within 7 business days
- Independent investigation when needed
- Opportunity for all parties to respond
- Clear communication of outcomes
Timely Resolution
- Standard cases: 30 business days resolution
- Complex investigations: 60 business days resolution
- Regular updates provided
- Final decisions are binding
Good Faith Participation
We encourage raising legitimate concerns in good faith. SOLAV Journal does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who raise concerns responsibly. All parties are expected to engage constructively and respect the process.
Policy Overview
Comprehensive guidelines for appeals and complaints at SOLAV Journal.
Purpose
Maintain fairness, transparency, and accountability in all editorial and publishing processes following COPE best practices.
Scope
Covers editorial decisions, peer review procedures, ethical concerns, conflicts of interest, and publication misconduct.
Protection
No retaliation against good faith complaints. Confidential handling and protection from discrimination or adverse treatment.
Detailed Policy Sections
Right to Appeal
Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions, including rejection, major revision, or retraction, when they believe that:
- The decision was based on factual errors
- The peer review process was flawed
- Relevant evidence was overlooked
- There was bias or conflict of interest
Note: Disagreement with reviewers' opinions alone is not sufficient grounds for appeal. Appeals must demonstrate substantive issues with the decision-making process.
Appeal Procedure
Appeals must be submitted in writing to [email protected] and include:
- Manuscript title and identification number
- Detailed justification for the appeal
- Supporting documents or evidence
- Responses to reviewers' comments, if applicable
- Confirmation that all co-authors support the appeal
Deadline: Appeals should be submitted within 30 business days of the editorial decision notification.
Appeal Review Process
- Initial Review: By the Managing Editor to ensure completeness
- Assessment: By the Editor-in-Chief
- Independent Review: By a senior editor or external expert not involved in original decision
- Final Decision: By the Editor-in-Chief after considering all evidence
Important: Editors involved in the original decision will not participate in the appeal review. The outcome of the appeal is final.
Submitting a Complaint
Complaints may be submitted by authors, reviewers, readers, or institutions regarding any aspect of the Journal's operations.
Complaints should be submitted in writing to [email protected] and include:
- Full name and contact information
- Description of the complaint with specific details
- Relevant dates and correspondence
- Supporting documentation
- Desired resolution, if applicable
Note: Anonymous complaints may be considered at the Journal's discretion if they provide sufficient evidence and detail.
Types of Complaints
- Editorial misconduct
- Unethical research practices
- Reviewer misconduct
- Breach of confidentiality
- Plagiarism or data manipulation
- Discrimination or harassment
- Conflicts of interest
- Process delays or failures
Complaint Handling Procedure
All complaints are handled confidentially and impartially. The Journal follows these steps:
- Acknowledgment: Receipt acknowledged within 7 business days
- Assessment: Preliminary assessment by the Editorial Office
- Investigation: Formal investigation when necessary
- Consultation: With independent experts, if appropriate
- Communication: Findings communicated to the complainant
- Action: Implementation of corrective actions
Where appropriate, relevant institutions (universities, research centers) may be informed.
Protection Against Retaliation
SOLAV Journal does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
- Complainants and whistleblowers are protected from discrimination, harassment, or adverse treatment
- All concerns are treated confidentially
- Individuals involved in investigations are expected to maintain confidentiality
- False or malicious complaints may themselves be subject to disciplinary action
Possible Outcomes and Remedies
Depending on the findings, the Journal may implement one or more of the following actions:
- Correction or retraction of published articles
- Editorial reassessment of decisions
- Reviewer or editor removal from specific cases
- Suspension of reviewer or editor privileges
- Policy revision to prevent recurrence
- Formal apologies to affected parties
- Training or mentoring for involved individuals
- Reporting to relevant authorities or institutions
All decisions are based on evidence and ethical standards.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
- All appeals and complaints are handled in strict confidence
- Personal data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws and the Journal's Privacy Policy
- Information is shared only with individuals directly involved in the investigation
- Records are retained for 5 years after case closure
Resolution Timeframes
SOLAV Journal aims to resolve appeals and complaints within:
- Standard cases: 30 business days from receipt of complete information
- Complex investigations: 60 business days from receipt of complete information
- Exceptional cases: May require additional time with regular updates
Delays will be communicated to the concerned parties with revised timelines.
Before Submitting
We encourage discussing concerns directly with the editorial team first. Many issues can be resolved through direct communication. Contact the handling editor or [email protected] for initial clarification.
Contact Information
Editorial Ethics Office
For appeals, complaints, and ethical concerns:
Please include "APPEAL" or "COMPLAINT" in the subject line and provide all required information for efficient processing.
Appeal Submission Checklist
Ensure your appeal includes all necessary elements for proper consideration:
Complete Submissions
Appeals with complete information are processed faster. Incomplete submissions may delay review.
Related Policies & Resources
For complete details on ethical standards and procedures, consult our related policy pages:
Submit an Appeal or Complaint
Our Editorial Ethics Office handles all appeals and complaints with confidentiality, impartiality, and respect for all parties involved.
[email protected] View Author Guidelines
