Publication Ethics

The Journal of Empirical Economics and Multidisciplinary Methods (JEEMM) adheres to the highest standards of ethical conduct in the publication process. These ethical guidelines are designed to ensure the integrity of the research published in JEEMM, maintain the trust of the academic community, and foster the responsible conduct of research. This policy applies to authors, editors, reviewers, and all stakeholders involved in the journal’s operation.

1. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors:

  • Originality and Plagiarism: Authors must submit original research that has not been published elsewhere. Any previously published work, including their own, must be properly cited. Plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, is strictly prohibited.

  • Accurate Reporting: Authors must ensure that the data, findings, and interpretations presented in their manuscripts are accurate and reliable. Misleading or fabricated data will result in immediate rejection.

  • Conflicts of Interest: Authors must disclose any financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest that may influence the research or interpretation of the results.

  • Authorship and Acknowledgment: Only individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the manuscript should be listed as authors. All contributors must be acknowledged, and their contributions clearly specified.

  • Ethical Approval: Authors must ensure that their research adheres to ethical guidelines for human or animal research, obtaining necessary approvals from relevant ethics committees or boards before submission.

  • Data Availability: Authors should provide access to the data supporting the conclusions of their research when possible, or clearly state why data cannot be shared. This enhances transparency and replicability.

2. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors:

  • Fairness and Impartiality: Editors are responsible for making publication decisions based on the quality, originality, and significance of the research. Decisions should be free from bias related to the author's identity, affiliation, or personal interests.

  • Confidentiality: Editors must maintain the confidentiality of all manuscripts submitted for review. Manuscripts and associated information must not be shared or used for personal advantage.

  • Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: Editors must declare any conflicts of interest related to the manuscripts they handle. If a conflict arises, the editor must recuse themselves from the decision-making process.

  • Timely Decision Making: Editors should ensure that manuscripts undergo the review process in a timely manner and decisions are made without unnecessary delays.

  • Ensuring Quality of Peer Review: Editors should facilitate a fair and thorough peer review process, ensuring that all submitted manuscripts are reviewed by qualified experts in the field. Editors must select reviewers who are unbiased and capable of providing constructive feedback.

  • Correcting Errors: If errors, inaccuracies, or ethical breaches are identified in published articles, editors must take appropriate action, which may include issuing corrections, retractions, or clarifications.

3. Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers:

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must treat all manuscripts as confidential. Manuscripts should not be shared or discussed with others without the editor’s consent.

  • Constructive Feedback: Reviewers should provide detailed, constructive, and unbiased feedback that helps authors improve their manuscripts. Reviewers should assess the work based on its quality, relevance, methodology, and contribution to the field.

  • Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest that may influence their assessment of the manuscript. If a conflict exists, they should recuse themselves from reviewing the manuscript.

  • Timely Review: Reviewers are expected to complete their reviews within the specified time frame. If they are unable to meet the deadline, they should inform the editor promptly.

  • Integrity of Review: Reviewers must evaluate manuscripts based on their scientific merit and relevance, avoiding any form of bias. Any suspicion of misconduct or unethical behavior in the manuscript should be reported to the editor.

  • Ethical Guidelines for Human and Animal Research: Reviewers should ensure that the research complies with ethical standards for studies involving humans or animals, checking for ethical approvals and informed consent where applicable.

4. Ethical Responsibilities of the Publisher:

  • Transparency and Integrity: The publisher must ensure that the journal operates with transparency, integrity, and fairness at all stages of the publication process. The publisher must uphold the ethical standards outlined in this policy.

  • Support for Editorial Independence: The publisher should support the editorial team’s autonomy in making publication decisions and ensure that editorial decisions are free from external influence.

  • Ensuring Ethical Compliance: The publisher must ensure that the journal complies with relevant ethical standards, including data protection regulations and copyright laws.

  • Corrective Action: The publisher is responsible for addressing any ethical breaches or misconduct by authors, reviewers, or editors, including ensuring that retractions or corrections are issued when necessary.

  • Promoting Open Access: The publisher supports open-access policies that ensure the free dissemination of scholarly work to the global academic community.

5. Retraction and Correction Policy:

  • Retractions: If a published article is found to contain significant ethical violations (e.g., plagiarism, data fabrication, or serious methodological flaws), the article may be retracted. A retraction notice will be issued, and the reason for retraction will be made clear to readers.

  • Corrections: Minor errors in published articles (e.g., typographical mistakes, miscalculations) may be corrected through an erratum or corrigendum. Corrections should be clearly marked to ensure the integrity of the academic record.

6. Complaints and Appeals:

  • Author Complaints: If an author has concerns about the editorial or peer review process, they may submit a formal complaint to the editorial board. The complaint will be reviewed and addressed according to the journal's policies.

  • Appeals: Authors whose manuscripts have been rejected may appeal the decision by providing additional information or clarifications. The editorial board will review the appeal, and the decision may be reconsidered if warranted.

  • Whistleblowing: If an individual believes there has been unethical behavior (e.g., plagiarism, data manipulation) in any article published in JEEMM, they may report it to the editorial team. The journal will investigate all allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action.

7. Compliance with COPE Guidelines:

JEEMM follows the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommendations. These organizations set the standards for ethical publishing and help resolve disputes in a fair and transparent manner.