Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

The Electronic Journal of Applied Mathematics (EJAM) is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in academic publishing. This Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement outlines the responsibilities and expectations for all parties involved in the publication process, including authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and aim to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability.

1. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting manuscripts to EJAM are expected to adhere to the following ethical standards:

  • Originality and Plagiarism: Manuscripts must be original works, free from plagiarism, including self-plagiarism. Authors must properly cite and acknowledge all sources used in their research.
  • Data Integrity: Authors must ensure the accuracy and authenticity of data presented. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of data is strictly prohibited.
  • Authorship and Acknowledgment: All listed authors must have made significant contributions to the research and agree to the submission. Individuals who have contributed minimally should be acknowledged appropriately.
  • Conflict of Interest: Authors must disclose any financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest that could influence the research or its interpretation.
  • Multiple Submissions: Simultaneous submission of the same manuscript to multiple journals is not permitted. Manuscripts must not have been previously published or be under consideration elsewhere.
  • Error Correction: Authors are obligated to promptly notify the editorial team of any errors or inaccuracies discovered in their published work and cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions as necessary.

2. Responsibilities of Editors

The editorial board of EJAM is responsible for maintaining the quality and integrity of the publication process, in alignment with COPE guidelines:

  • Fairness and Impartiality: Editors evaluate manuscripts based on academic merit, originality, and relevance, without bias related to the author’s race, gender, nationality, or institutional affiliation.
  • Confidentiality: Editors must treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential and refrain from disclosing any information to unauthorized parties.
  • Decision-Making: Editors have the authority to accept, reject, or request revisions to manuscripts based on peer review reports, editorial policies, and journal standards.
  • Conflict of Interest: Editors must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where they have a conflict of interest.
  • Ethical Oversight: Editors are responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct and taking appropriate actions, including issuing corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern, in accordance with COPE guidelines.

3. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Peer reviewers play a critical role in ensuring the quality and credibility of published research. Reviewers are expected to adhere to the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers:

  • Objectivity: Reviews must be conducted objectively, providing constructive and evidence-based feedback. Personal criticism of authors is unacceptable.
  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts and not use or disclose any information obtained during the review process.
  • Timeliness: Reviewers should complete reviews within the agreed timeframe and notify editors if they are unable to meet deadlines.
  • Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest and decline to review manuscripts where impartiality cannot be maintained.
  • Competence: Reviewers should only accept assignments for manuscripts within their area of expertise.

4. Responsibilities of the Publisher

The publisher of EJAM is dedicated to supporting ethical publishing practices, in line with COPE principles:

  • Editorial Independence: The publisher ensures that editorial decisions are based on academic merit and are free from commercial or external influence.
  • Access and Archiving: The publisher is committed to providing open access to published content and ensuring long-term preservation through reliable archiving systems.
  • Handling Misconduct: The publisher collaborates with editors to investigate and address allegations of ethical misconduct, ensuring compliance with COPE guidelines.

5. Handling Ethical Violations

EJAM takes allegations of ethical misconduct seriously. Suspected violations, such as plagiarism, data falsification, or authorship disputes, will be investigated promptly and thoroughly, following COPE flowcharts. The process may involve:

  • Contacting the author(s) for clarification.
  • Consulting with the editorial board and external experts.
  • Adhering to COPE guidelines for resolving ethical issues.

Depending on the severity of the violation, actions may include manuscript rejection, publication of corrections, retractions, or notification of relevant institutions.

7. Continuous Improvement

EJAM is committed to regularly reviewing and updating its ethical policies to align with evolving standards in academic publishing, as outlined by COPE. Feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers is welcomed to enhance our practices.