PUBLICATION ETHICS AND MALPRACTICE STATEMENT

AJCIM is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and takes the responsibility of ensuring the integrity and credibility of the research process seriously. Authors, editors, and reviewers are expected to adhere to the following ethical guidelines:

Authorship and Originality: Authors must ensure that their work is original and has not been published previously, in whole or in part, nor is it currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. Proper acknowledgment of the work of others must be given, and all sources used should be cited appropriately. The corresponding author should ensure that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript and have agreed to its submission for publication.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism in any form, including self-plagiarism, is unacceptable and constitutes unethical behavior. Authors should ensure that their work is entirely their own or properly attributed to the original source. Any use of other authors' work or words should be appropriately cited and referenced.

Data Integrity: Authors should provide accurate and complete descriptions of the methods used in their research. The data presented should be authentic and free from manipulation or fabrication. Any potential conflicts of interest or financial support should be disclosed.

Peer Review: The journal follows a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the quality and validity of published articles. Reviewers should evaluate manuscripts objectively, based on their academic merits, and provide constructive feedback to the authors. They should disclose any conflicts of interest that may arise from reviewing the manuscript.

Confidentiality: Editors and reviewers should treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential documents. They should not disclose any information from the manuscripts to any unauthorized individuals or use it for personal gain.

Editorial Independence: Editors should ensure the fair and unbiased handling of all manuscripts, regardless of the authors' nationality, race, gender, or institutional affiliation. Editorial decisions should be based solely on the manuscript's quality, significance, and relevance to the journal's scope.

Correction and Retraction: If errors or inaccuracies are discovered in published work, authors have an obligation to promptly notify the journal's editor and cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions when necessary.

Compliance with Ethical Guidelines: Authors should comply with all relevant ethical guidelines, including those related to human and animal subjects. In studies involving human subjects, authors should obtain informed consent, protect participants' privacy, and follow all applicable regulations.

Conflicts of Interest: Authors, editors, and reviewers should disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect the integrity or impartiality of their work. This includes financial, professional, or personal relationships that could influence their judgment or the interpretation of the research.

Complaints and Allegations of Misconduct: The journal takes all complaints and allegations of misconduct seriously. Any concerns regarding ethical issues should be reported to the editor, who will conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action.

By adhering to these ethical guidelines, we aim to foster a scholarly environment that promotes the responsible conduct of research and upholds the trust and confidence of our readers, authors, reviewers, and the wider academic community.