Appeals and Complaints Policy

Policy Statement
The International Journal of Research on Multidisciplinary Studies (IJROMS) is committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and accountable editorial process. Authors, reviewers, and readers have the right to raise appeals and complaints regarding editorial decisions, peer review processes, or publication ethics. All concerns are handled with due diligence, confidentiality, and in accordance with international ethical publishing standards.

Scope of Appeals and Complaints
This policy applies to concerns related to:

  • Editorial decisions (e.g., rejection of manuscripts)
  • Peer review process (e.g., bias, delays, or misconduct)
  • Ethical issues (e.g., plagiarism, authorship disputes, data integrity)
  • Publication process (e.g., delays, errors, or policy violations)

Appeals Process (for Authors)

Authors who wish to appeal an editorial decision must:

  • Submit a formal written appeal to the Editorial Office
  • Clearly state the reason for the appeal
  • Provide supporting evidence or justification
  • Address reviewer comments in a detailed and professional manner

Appeal Procedure:

  • The appeal will be acknowledged within a reasonable timeframe
  • The Editor-in-Chief or assigned editorial board member will review the appeal
  • Additional reviewers may be consulted if necessary
  • A final decision will be communicated to the author

All appeal decisions are final and based on academic merit, editorial standards, and ethical considerations.

Complaints Procedure

Complaints regarding the journal process must:

  • Be submitted in writing to the Editorial Office
  • Clearly describe the issue and provide relevant evidence
  • Be professional, factual, and free from defamatory language

Complaint Handling:

  • Complaints will be acknowledged promptly
  • The Editorial Board will investigate the matter objectively
  • Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process
  • Appropriate actions will be taken based on findings

Editorial Responsibilities

Editors must:

  • Handle all appeals and complaints fairly, objectively, and without bias
  • Ensure that no discrimination or undue influence affects decisions
  • Maintain confidentiality of all parties involved
  • Take corrective actions when necessary

Ethical Oversight

In handling appeals and complaints, IJROMS adheres to internationally recognized ethical guidelines. Cases involving serious ethical concerns may:

  • Be escalated to the Editorial Board
  • Require consultation with affiliated institutions
  • Follow established ethical investigation procedures

Outcomes and Actions

Depending on the findings, outcomes may include:

  • Upholding or reversing editorial decisions
  • Re-review of the manuscript
  • Corrections or clarifications
  • Retraction of published articles
  • Sanctions or restrictions on individuals involved

Misuse of the Appeals Process

Appeals or complaints that are:

  • Frivolous, repetitive, or without merit
  • Abusive or unprofessional

may not be considered and may result in restrictions on future submissions.

Commitment to Transparency and Fairness

IJROMS is committed to maintaining a transparent and ethical publishing environment. The journal ensures that all appeals and complaints are addressed promptly, fairly, and in accordance with best practices in scholarly publishing.