Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

I. PUBLICATION AND AUTHORSHIP

 IJOKS adheres to the highest standards and ensures that all papers are subject to a strict review process from at least two international colleagues/experts in the field.

 The publication takes into account the originality of the work, its significance, sound underlying principles and relevance. Reviewers also take into account its readability and language.

 The research work reported in the paper should not have been published or have been submitted to another publication. It should be included in only one publication.

 The Editors’ decisions are: acceptance, acceptance with revision, or rejection.

 Authors that agree to revise and re-submit their paper should be aware that there is no guarantee that the revised version will be accepted.

 Rejected articles will not be re-reviewed.

 The paper acceptance may be constrained by legal requirements, including legal copyright infringements and plagiarism.

II. AUTHORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

 Authors guarantee that their manuscripts are their original work.

 Authors must certify that the paper has not been previously published.

 Authors must also certify that the manuscript is not considered for publication elsewhere.

 All authors listed in the paper must have contributed significantly to its contents.

 Authors must state that all information and data in the paper are real and authentic.

 Authors must let the Editors know of any conflict of interest.

 Authors ought to give proper reference identifying all sources used in their work or reported in their manuscript.

 Authors must respond to the reviewer promptly and appropriately.

 Authors are obliged to provide retractions or corrections of mistakes if necessary.

 Authors must promptly report to the Editors any errors found in their manuscript during the review process as well as after publication.

III. REVIEWERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

 All information regarding papers is to be kept confidential.

 They ought to act objectively, without personal criticism of the authors.

 Reviewers should point out relevant published work which has not been referred to by the authors.

 Reviewers ought to call to the attention of the Editors any similarities between the paper under review and any other that they are aware of.

 Reviewers should point out to the Editors any conflict of interest that may occur.

 Reviewers should express their views clearly and indicate the reasons for them.

 Reviewers should comment on the clarity of the manuscript as well as the scientific contents.

IV. EDITORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

 Editors have ultimate responsibility for the acceptance or rejection of any papers.

 Editors are responsible for the contents and quality of the publication.

 Editors should guarantee the quality of the paper and the integrity of the academic research.

 Editors will base their decisions solely on the papers originality and importance, including its relevance to the publication’s scope.

 Editors should not reverse their decision nor overturn the ones of previous editors without a special reason, in which case further reviews may be required.

 Editors will preserve the anonymity of the reviewers.

 Editors will accept a paper when reasonably certain that it fulfils the code of ethics and malpractice.

 Editors will act promptly if they suspect misconduct and endeavour to make all reasonable attempts to resolve the matter.

 Editors will ensure that the material published conforms to internationally accepted, ethical guidelines including having a clear picture of research funding sources.

 Editors should not allow conflicts of interest to take place between authors, reviewers and other Board Members.