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Complaints and Appeals Policy

Shivaanya Publications is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in scholarly publishing. As part of our dedication to fostering a culture of openness and responsiveness, we have established a comprehensive Complaints and Appeals Policy in accordance with the guidelines outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). This policy aims to provide authors, reviewers, editors, and other stakeholders with a clear and accessible process for lodging complaints and appeals related to editorial decisions, publication practices, or ethical concerns.

Definition of complaints and appeals

Complaints and appeals may arise in various contexts throughout the publishing process, including but not limited to,

  • Editorial decisions, such as manuscript rejection, acceptance, or revision requests.
  • Publication practices, such as copyright infringement, plagiarism, or other forms of ethical misconduct.
  • Authorship disputes, conflicts of interest, or allegations of bias.
  • Reviewer misconduct or concerns regarding the peer review process.
  • Shivaanya Publications recognizes the importance of addressing complaints and appeals promptly and transparently to ensure the integrity and credibility of our publications.

 

Complaints handling process

Submission of complaint

Any individual who wishes to lodge a complaint or appeal with Shivaanya Publications may do so by contacting the Editorial Office or the Publisher directly. Complaints should be submitted in writing and include detailed information regarding the nature of the complaint, the manuscript or publication in question, and any supporting evidence or documentation.

Acknowledgment of complaint

Upon receipt of a complaint, Shivaanya Publications will acknowledge the submission promptly and provide the complainant with an estimated timeline for resolving the issue. We are committed to treating all complaints with seriousness and respect, and we will endeavor to address them in a timely and thorough manner.

Investigation and resolution

Shivaanya Publications will conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations raised in the complaint, consulting with relevant stakeholders, and gathering additional information or evidence as necessary. The investigation process will be conducted with fairness, impartiality, and transparency, and every effort will be made to reach a resolution that is satisfactory to all parties involved.

Communication of findings

Once the investigation is concluded, Shivaanya Publications will communicate the findings of the investigation to the complainant in writing. This may include a detailed explanation of the actions taken, any corrective measures implemented, and the rationale behind the decision. We are committed to maintaining open communication with complainants throughout the process and providing regular updates on the status of their complaint.

Appeals process

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation, they may have the option to appeal the decision. Appeals should be submitted in writing within a specified timeframe and include any additional information or evidence that the complainant wishes to be considered. Shivaanya Publications will review the appeal promptly and, if necessary, conduct a further investigation into the matter to ensure that all relevant factors have been taken into account.

Final resolution

The decision reached following the appeals process will be considered final and binding, and Shivaanya Publications will communicate the outcome to the complainant in writing. We are committed to ensuring that all complaints and appeals are handled fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the principles of procedural justice.

Confidentiality and protection of whistleblowers

Shivaanya Publications is committed to protecting the confidentiality and anonymity of individuals who lodge complaints or appeals in good faith. Whistleblowers will not be subject to retaliation or adverse consequences for raising concerns, and every effort will be made to safeguard their identity throughout the investigation process.

Shivaanya Publications is dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in scholarly publishing. By establishing a robust Complaints and Appeals Policy in accordance with COPE guidelines, we aim to provide authors, reviewers, editors, and other stakeholders with a clear and accessible process for raising concerns and seeking resolution. Through these efforts, we strive to maintain the integrity and credibility of our publications and to uphold the trust and confidence of the academic community.

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