JCEP provides clear mechanisms for authors to appeal editorial decisions or complain about journal policies or conduct, while adhering to COPE guidelines (https://publicationethics.org) and ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Appealing decisions of the editorial board
Procedure: Authors have the right to file a formal appeal against an editorial board decision (e.g., rejection of an article). The appeal must meet all journal requirements and follow the defined procedure.
Review of the Appeal: The editor review the author’s arguments, taking into account the referee's initial reports. The appeal may result in the decision being upheld, the need for a new independent opinion or the appeal being positively assessed.
Limitation: Generally, only one appeal will be considered for each submitted article and the appeal decision rendered is usually final. Authors should not resubmit the article while an appeal is being reviewed.
Complaints about process or ethics
Complaints are about issues that are not editorial in nature (e.g., long delays in processing an article, or concerns about ethical conduct of staff, authors or reviewers).
Process-Related Complaints: For issues such as processing delays, the Editor, possibly with the assistance of the editor or publisher staff, will investigate the matter and provide appropriate feedback to the complainant. Based on the findings, steps will be taken to improve processes .
Ethical Complaints: For complaints regarding potential misconduct in publication or research (e.g., researcher’s or reviewer’s conduct), the Editor or Executive Editor will review the matter in accordance with COPE guidelines and processes (https://publicationethics.org). The complainant will receive feedback on the process . If the complainant is still dissatisfied, they can submit their complaint to COPE. The journal ensures that investigations are impartial, evidence-based and that all parties are given the right to respond.