The Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice Malpractice Process

The Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice Malpractice Process

Maintaining ethical standards in scholarly publishing is of paramount importance to the Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice. This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for conducting ethical investigations in cases of suspected misconduct, including plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, citation manipulation, and other unethical behaviors. Below are the protocols that the Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice follows:

Reporting Allegations

Allegations of ethical misconduct may be reported by authors, reviewers, editors, or other stakeholders. Reports should be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief or the Journal's Ethics Committee, providing detailed information and evidence to support the allegations.

Preliminary Assessment

Upon receiving an allegation of misconduct, the Editor-in-Chief or the Ethics Committee will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine the credibility and seriousness of the allegation. This may involve reviewing the submitted manuscript, correspondence with the parties involved, and any supporting evidence provided.

Confidentiality

All allegations of ethical misconduct and related investigations will be treated confidentially to protect the privacy and reputation of all parties involved. Information pertaining to the investigation will only be disclosed to individuals directly involved in the process, and steps will be taken to minimize the risk of undue harm to any party.

Investigation Process

If the preliminary assessment indicates a credible allegation of misconduct, a formal investigation will be initiated. The investigation process may include:

  • Gathering additional information and evidence related to the alleged misconduct.
  • Interviewing the individuals involved, including authors, reviewers, and editors.
  • Consulting with experts or external advisors, if necessary, to assess the validity of the allegations.

Fair Process

All parties involved in the investigation, including the accused, will be afforded due process and the opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide their perspective. The investigation will be conducted impartially and without bias, with a focus on uncovering the truth and ensuring a fair resolution.

Decision and Resolution

Based on the findings of the investigation, the Editor-in-Chief or the Ethics Committee will make a decision regarding the appropriate course of action. Possible outcomes may include:

  • Issuing a formal retraction or correction of the published article.
  • Imposing sanctions on the individuals found to have engaged in misconduct, such as banning them from submitting to the journal or reporting the incident to their institution.
  • Notifying relevant parties, such as funding agencies or regulatory bodies, of the findings of the investigation.

Appeals Process

Individuals who are subject to sanctions or adverse decisions resulting from the investigation may have the right to appeal the decision. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief or the Journal's Ethics Committee, providing grounds for the appeal and any supporting evidence.

The Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice is committed to transparency in the handling of ethical investigations. The outcome of investigations, including any sanctions imposed and corrective actions taken, will be communicated to the relevant parties in a clear and timely manner. When appropriate and in accordance with legal and ethical considerations, the findings of investigations may be made public to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.