Modern Studies in Management and Organization

Modern Studies in Management and Organization

Complaints and Appeals Policy

Complaints and Appeals Policy

Journal of Modern Studies in Management & Organization (JMSMO) is committed to handling complaints and appeals in a fair, transparent, confidential, and timely manner. Complaints and appeals are considered opportunities to improve the quality, integrity, and transparency of the journal’s editorial and publishing processes.

This policy applies to complaints related to the journal’s content, editorial processes, publishing procedures, policies, or actions under the responsibility of JMSMO, the Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Board, reviewers, or editorial staff.

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure fair treatment of both complainants and individuals involved in the complaint.

1. Definition of a Complaint

A complaint is considered any expression of dissatisfaction regarding:

  • the content published by JMSMO;
  • editorial processes and decisions;
  • journal policies or procedures;
  • ethical issues related to authors, reviewers, editors, or published articles.

A complaint may include:

  • any matter identified as a complaint by the complainant; or
  • any concern that goes beyond disagreement with an editorial decision and indicates a possible failure in procedure, ethical standards, or a serious error in judgment.

2. Scope of Complaints

Complaints may relate to:

  • journal policies and procedures;
  • editorial decisions and processes;
  • published articles;
  • peer-review procedures;
  • allegations of research or publication misconduct;
  • ethical concerns involving authors, reviewers, editors, or editorial staff.

3. Submitting a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted through the official communication channels of JMSMO:

Email: info@jmsmo.ir

All complaints will be handled confidentially and impartially.

Complaints will initially be reviewed by the appropriate editorial staff member. If the issue cannot be resolved, it will be escalated to the Editor-in-Chief or an appropriate senior member of the editorial team.

The review process includes:

  • assessment of the complaint;
  • communication with relevant parties when necessary;
  • evaluation of available evidence;
  • providing a response based on journal policies and ethical standards.

4. Escalation Process

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the initial response:

  • the complainant may request further review by the Editor-in-Chief;
  • the matter may be referred to an independent member of the Editorial Board when appropriate;
  • in cases involving ethical concerns, the matter may be reviewed according to relevant COPE guidelines.

The final decision after completion of the internal review process will be communicated to the complainant.

5. Timeframes for Handling Complaints

JMSMO aims to handle complaints promptly:

  • Receipt of complaints will normally be acknowledged within three working days.
  • A full response will normally be provided within two weeks.
  • If additional investigation is required, the complainant will receive an interim response explaining the reason for delay and further updates will be provided until resolution.

In exceptional cases involving complex investigations, additional time may be required.

6. Confidentiality and Fairness

All complaints will be handled with strict confidentiality and impartiality.

JMSMO will ensure that:

  • personal information related to complaints is protected;
  • all parties are treated fairly;
  • no retaliatory action will be taken against individuals who submit legitimate complaints or appeals.

7. Research and Publication Misconduct Complaints

Complaints involving possible research or publication misconduct, including:

  • plagiarism;
  • data fabrication;
  • data falsification;
  • unethical research practices;
  • duplicate publication;
  • authorship disputes;

will be investigated according to JMSMO policies and relevant COPE guidelines and flowcharts.

Where necessary, JMSMO may contact the relevant institution or organization affiliated with the authors.

8. External Review and Oversight

If a complainant remains dissatisfied after completion of JMSMO’s internal review process, the matter may be referred to an appropriate external body with relevant oversight responsibilities, such as an institutional ethics committee or other competent authority.

9. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

JMSMO recognizes the right of authors to appeal editorial decisions, including manuscript rejection decisions.

Authors wishing to appeal must:

  • submit the appeal in writing through the official journal email;
  • clearly explain the reasons for disagreement with the decision;
  • provide relevant evidence or justification supporting the appeal.

Appeals will be reviewed by:

  • the Editor-in-Chief;
  • and, where necessary, an independent editorial board member or committee.

The journal aims to provide an initial response within two working weeks.

All appeals will be handled confidentially and impartially.

The final decision after completion of the appeal process will be communicated to the author and will be considered final.

10. Compliance with COPE Principles

JMSMO manages complaints and appeals in accordance with:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices
  • COPE guidelines for handling complaints and appeals
  • internationally accepted standards of publication ethics