Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

Dean & Francis Press

Dean & Francis Press is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and preventing malpractice in all stages of the publication process. This statement outlines the ethical principles that all authors, editors, reviewers, and publishers must adhere to, ensuring the integrity, quality, and reliability of the scholarly content we publish.

 

1. Responsibilities of Authors

• Originality and Plagiarism:
  Authors must submit only original work that has not been published or submitted elsewhere. Plagiarism, data fabrication, and fraudulent research practices are strictly prohibited.
• Authorship and Acknowledgments:
  Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made significant contributions to the research, including conceptualization, design, execution, and interpretation. All contributors must be acknowledged appropriately.
• Data Integrity and Transparency:
  Authors should ensure the accuracy and transparency of their data. Raw data should be made available for editorial review upon request.
• Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest:
  Authors must disclose any financial or personal conflicts of interest that could influence the interpretation of the research.

 

2. Responsibilities of Editors

• Fairness and Objectivity:
  Editors must evaluate submissions solely based on their academic merit, originality, relevance, and alignment with the journal’s scope, without regard to the author’s race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or institutional affiliation.
• Confidentiality:
  Editors and editorial staff must protect the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts, disclosing information only with the author’s permission or in cases of suspected misconduct.
• Handling of Misconduct:
  Editors should investigate suspected ethical violations or malpractice diligently, following COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines. Corrective actions, including retractions or corrections, will be taken when necessary.

 

3. Responsibilities of Reviewers

• Confidentiality:
  Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of the review process and not share or disclose any information regarding submitted manuscripts.
• Objectivity and Constructive Feedback:
  Reviews should be conducted objectively, with constructive and unbiased feedback that helps authors improve their work.
• Acknowledgment of Sources:
  Reviewers must identify relevant published work that has not been cited by the authors and alert the editors of any potential ethical concerns or similarities with previously published content.
• Conflict of Interest:
  Reviewers should disclose any conflicts of interest that may affect their impartial evaluation and recuse themselves from the review process if necessary.

 

4. Responsibilities of the Publisher

• Editorial Independence:
  Dean & Francis Press upholds editorial independence and ensures that decisions regarding publication are based solely on the merit of the research.
• Ethical Oversight:
  The publisher works closely with editors to monitor and safeguard ethical practices, providing guidelines and training to prevent any form of misconduct.
• Addressing Ethical Concerns:
  In cases of suspected ethical breaches, the publisher will collaborate with editors and relevant institutions to investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and ensure transparency.

 

5. Handling Misconduct and Corrections

• Investigation and Resolution:
  Dean & Francis Press is committed to investigating any allegations of research misconduct, unethical behavior, or malpractice thoroughly.
• Corrections and Retractions:
  If errors, misconduct, or unethical practices are identified after publication, the publisher will issue retractions, corrections, or expressions of concern as necessary to maintain the integrity of the academic record.

 

6. Compliance with Ethical Guidelines

Dean & Francis Press adheres to international ethical standards, including the guidelines set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and other relevant organizations to ensure that all published content meets rigorous ethical standards.

 

7. Appeals and Complaints

Dean & Francis Press provides a structured mechanism for authors, reviewers, and editors to appeal editorial decisions or lodge complaints about suspected ethical violations. All concerns will be addressed promptly, fairly, and transparently.

Dean & Francis Press is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in academic publishing, ensuring that all published work contributes positively to the advancement of knowledge.