Complaints and Appeals Policy

Albahit Journal of Applied Sciences is committed to providing a fair and transparent scholarly publishing process. The journal handles all complaints and appeals related to publication, peer review, or editorial decisions in a professional, independent, and impartial manner according to the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

This policy ensures that authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders have a clear mechanism for submitting and resolving complaints or appeals.

1. Scope of Complaints

Complaints may relate to, but are not limited to:

  • Editorial decisions regarding submitted manuscripts.
  • Peer-review procedures or outcomes.
  • Unreasonable delays in review or publication processes.
  • Violations of publication ethics.
  • Plagiarism or misuse of research data.
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest.
  • Errors in published articles.
  • Conduct of editors or reviewers.

2. Submission of Complaints

Complaints should be submitted formally to the editorial office through the official communication channels and should include:

  • The complainant’s name and contact information.
  • Manuscript title or identification number (if applicable).
  • A clear and detailed description of the complaint.
  • Any supporting documents or evidence.

All complaints are handled confidentially and respectfully. A complaint submitted in good faith will not negatively affect the author’s relationship with the journal or future submissions.

3. Handling Complaints

Upon receiving a complaint, the journal will:

  • Acknowledge receipt within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Review the complaint by the appropriate editor or editorial board member.
  • Conduct a fair and objective investigation when necessary.
  • Communicate with relevant parties to obtain required information.
  • Make decisions based on available evidence and established procedures.

4. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions, including manuscript rejection, when they have clear scientific reasons supporting reconsideration.

An appeal should include:

  • A clear explanation of the reasons for the appeal.
  • A detailed scientific response to reviewers’ comments.
  • Any new information or evidence supporting reassessment.

The editorial board reviews appeals independently and may consult another editor or additional reviewers when necessary.

5. Final Decisions

After reviewing a complaint or appeal, the journal informs the concerned party of the final decision and the scientific or procedural reasons supporting it.

Final decisions made after internal review procedures remain independent editorial decisions.

6. Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

The journal ensures:

  • Confidential handling of complainants’ information.
  • Fair and objective consideration of all complaints.
  • No retaliation against individuals who submit complaints in good faith.

7. Compliance with International Standards

Albahit Journal of Applied Sciences follows this policy in accordance with:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE): Core Practices and Guidelines
  • DOAJ Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing.