University of Thi-Qar Journal for Engineering Sciences

Procedures and guidelines for handling complaints regarding UTJES editorial staff, content, and processes.

Overview & Definition of a Complaint

This procedure applies to complaints about the policies, procedures, or actions of the UTJES editorial staff. We welcome complaints as an opportunity for improvement and aim to respond quickly, courteously, and constructively. Complaints should include the journal title, volume number, issue number, paper ID, paper title, and page number.

Our definition of a complaint includes:

The complainant defines their expression of unhappiness as a complaint.
We infer that the complainant is not simply disagreeing with an editorial decision or published content, but believes there has been a failure of process (e.g., long delay, rude response) or a severe misjudgment.
The complaint must be about something within the responsibility of the University of Thi-Qar Journal for Engineering Sciences (content or process).

Types of Complaints Handled

Authorship complaints
Plagiarism complaints
Multiple, duplicate, concurrent publication / simultaneous submission
Research results misappropriation
Allegations of research errors and fraud
Research standards violations
Undisclosed conflicts of interest
Reviewer bias or competitive harmful acts by reviewers

Policy for Handling Complaints & Editorial Complaints Policy

If the Journal receives a complaint that any contribution infringes intellectual property rights, contains material inaccuracies, libellous materials, or unlawful content, the Journal will investigate the complaint. This may include requesting involved parties to substantiate claims. The Journal will make a good faith determination regarding the removal of wrongful material, documenting its investigation and decision.

The Managing Editor and staff will endeavor to resolve matters promptly in the most appropriate way, offering a right of reply where necessary and investigating in a blame-free manner to improve systems and prevent future mistakes.

Guiding Principles & Response Timeline

We treat complaints with urgency, referring substantial errors and complaints to senior executives within the editorial staff. All complaints will be acknowledged within three working days if sent by email.

A definitive response will be provided within two weeks if possible. If not, an interim response will be given within two weeks and continued until final resolution. If the complainant remains unhappy, complaints may be escalated to the editor, whose decision is final.