Complaints and Appeals Policy

Global Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies and Technological Innovations (GJMSTI)

  1. Purpose

This policy outlines the procedures for handling complaints and appeals submitted by authors, reviewers, readers, or other stakeholders regarding the editorial and publication processes of the Global Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies and Technological Innovations (GJMSTI). The journal is committed to upholding high ethical standards and aims to resolve concerns promptly, fairly, and transparently.

  1. Scope

This policy applies to the following concerns:

  • Editorial decisions, peer review processes, and publication delays.
  • Appeals against manuscript rejections.
  • Allegations of ethical misconduct, including plagiarism, data fabrication, and conflicts of interest.
  • Conduct of editors, reviewers, or journal staff.
  1. Submitting a Complaint or Appeal

Complaints or appeals must be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor at editor@gjmsti.org.ng Or dolodu@biu.edu.ng and should include:

  • Full name and contact details of the complainant.
  • Manuscript title and ID (if applicable).
  • A clear, concise description of the issue.
  • Supporting documentation or evidence (if relevant).
    Anonymous submissions may not be considered unless they raise substantial ethical or legal concerns.
  1. Resolution Process

Upon receipt of a complaint or appeal, the following steps will be followed:

  1. Acknowledgment: The complainant will receive written acknowledgment within 7 working days.
  2. Initial Review: The Editor-in-Chief or a designated editorial representative will investigate the issue, involving relevant parties where necessary.
  3. Decision and Response: A formal response will be sent to the complainant within 30 days, including the findings and any corrective actions taken.
  4. Escalation: If unsatisfied, the complainant may appeal to the Editorial Advisory Board. The Board’s decision will be final.
  5. Appeals Process

Authors may appeal editorial decisions they believe were unjustified due to error or misunderstanding. To appeal:

  • Submit a formal appeal to dolodu@biu.edu.ng within 14 days of the decision.
  • Clearly state the grounds for appeal and include any relevant evidence or clarifications.

The Editor-in-Chief may consult independent reviewers or board members. A final decision will be issued within 30 days. Appeals lacking substantial justification or based solely on disagreement with editorial opinion will not be considered.

  1. Confidentiality and Impartiality

All matters will be treated with strict confidentiality and assessed impartially. No individual will face retaliation or disadvantage for raising a complaint or appeal in good faith.

  1. Ethical Standards

GJMSTI adheres to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines and will handle all issues in accordance with its Core Practices.