Editorial Independence
The International Journal of Multi Studies (IJMS) is committed to maintaining editorial independence, transparency, fairness, and integrity throughout the publication process. This policy is informed by relevant guidance and Core Practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where applicable.
Editorial decisions should be based on the scholarly quality, relevance, originality, integrity, and ethical acceptability of the work. Such decisions should not be improperly influenced by commercial, personal, institutional, or financial interests.
Independence in Editorial Decision-Making
IJMS recognizes that the journal, publisher, editors, or affiliated organizations may have interests that could create an actual or perceived conflict. Where an institutional or organizational interest could reasonably affect an editorial decision, IJMS will seek to manage the situation in a manner that protects the independence and integrity of the editorial process.
Editorial decisions, including manuscript acceptance or rejection, are made independently of any Article Processing Charge (APC) and are not influenced by an author's ability or willingness to pay.
Editorial decisions should not be made primarily for:
- Commercial or financial benefit
- Personal relationships or interests
- Institutional pressure
- Other inappropriate considerations unrelated to the scholarly and ethical assessment of the work
Publisher's Role
Scholar Unity, as the publisher of IJMS, supports the journal's editorial and operational functions but does not influence individual editorial decisions. Editorial judgment on the acceptance, rejection, or revision of manuscripts rests solely with the editors and editorial board.
Editors and Editorial Board Members
Editors and editorial board members must maintain independence and impartiality when handling manuscripts. An editor should disclose and, where appropriate, recuse themselves from handling a manuscript where a conflict could reasonably affect their editorial judgment.
Where the Editor-in-Chief submits a manuscript to IJMS, that manuscript must be handled independently by another qualified editor or editorial board member. The Editor-in-Chief must not participate in the peer-review or editorial decision-making process for that manuscript.
Managing Conflicts
IJMS seeks to protect confidential information while maintaining appropriate transparency in its editorial procedures. Where a conflict of interest may affect editorial judgment, IJMS will take appropriate steps to protect the integrity and independence of the editorial process. Specific requirements concerning conflicts of interest are addressed in the Conflict of Interest Policy.
Reconsideration and Appeals
Concerns regarding editorial independence or potential conflicts affecting an editorial decision may be submitted for reconsideration with a clear explanation and any relevant supporting information. IJMS may review the matter and, where appropriate, seek additional information or independent advice. Formal appeals are handled in accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Policy.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains consistent with recognized standards of academic publishing practice.
See also: [Publication Ethics] · [Peer Review Process] · [Conflict of Interest] · [Complaints and Appeals]