Publishing Policy of International Journal on Sustainable Globalization

The International Journal on Sustainable Globalization (IJSG) is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in academic publishing, guided by integrity, transparency, inclusivity, responsibility, and respect. Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal is vital to scholarly communication, contributing to developing a credible and coherent body of knowledge. It reflects the authenticity and reliability of research, the reputation of the authors, and the institutions that support them while serving as an example of the scientific method in practice. Recognizing the critical role of all participants in the publication process, including authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers, IJSG strives to ensure published work's quality, credibility, and impact.

IJSG adheres to rigorous ethical guidelines to foster a professional and respectful environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bias. The journal promotes diversity in contributions and perspectives, ensuring fairness regardless of gender, race, religion, nationality, or political orientation. It emphasizes openness in authorship, funding disclosures, conflicts of interest, and ethical approvals while strictly prohibiting unethical practices, including plagiarism, data falsification, and inappropriate authorship. By embracing these principles, IJSG protects the research process's integrity, maintains the academic community's trust, and provides a reliable platform for advancing sustainable globalization and the broader goals of societal progress.

1.     Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting to the International Journal on Sustainable Globalization (IJSG) are entrusted with upholding ethical practices and ensuring scholarly communication's authenticity, quality, and credibility. Their responsibilities encompass the following dimensions:

Integrity in Research Reporting

Authors must present their research findings accurately and objectively, ensuring sufficient detail and references for others to replicate the study. Misrepresentation, falsification, or the inclusion of fraudulent data undermines scientific integrity and is strictly prohibited. For review articles and opinion pieces, the content should be fair, transparent, and clearly labelled as such to distinguish fact-based analysis from editorial commentary.

Commitment to Data Transparency

Authors are expected to provide access to the raw data underpinning their research when requested, facilitating editorial review and supporting open science initiatives. These datasets should be retained responsibly for a reasonable period after publication to enable future verification or further research inquiries.

Original Work and Scholarly Attribution

The submission must represent the author’s original contributions. Proper citation and acknowledgement of all sources and influences are mandatory. Authors must avoid plagiarism, including uncredited paraphrasing or duplication of previously published work. Any significant overlap with earlier studies must be transparently disclosed, with necessary permissions obtained where applicable.

Avoidance of Redundant Publication

Manuscripts must not be submitted to multiple journals simultaneously or involve repetitive publication of the same research findings unless explicitly agreed upon by all stakeholders. Secondary publications, such as translations, are acceptable only with prior approval and explicit reference to the original work.

Ethical Authorship Practices

Authorship should reflect meaningful contributions to the research, from conceptualization to manuscript preparation. Those who contributed indirectly or supported the research in minor capacities should be acknowledged rather than listed as authors. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring the manuscript has been reviewed and approved by all co-authors before submission, with changes to the authorship after submission being permissible only in exceptional cases.

Research Ethics and Compliance

Authors conducting studies involving human participants, animals, or sensitive materials must adhere to international ethical standards, including obtaining necessary approvals and informed consent. Any potential risks associated with hazardous materials, procedures, or methods must be disclosed in the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest and Funding Transparency

To ensure unbiased scholarship, authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including financial relationships or affiliations that could influence the research outcomes. The manuscript should also declare funding sources and sponsor roles transparently.

Correction of Errors

If authors identify significant inaccuracies or errors in their published work, they must immediately notify the journal editor or publisher and cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions if necessary.

Integrity in Visual and Data Representation

Figures, images, and datasets included in submissions should authentically represent the research findings. Authors must avoid manipulations that alter the integrity of the data. Enhancements for clarity are acceptable, but alterations for misleading purposes are unethical.

Role in Academic Advancement

Authors play an essential role in fostering trust and innovation in academic research. By ensuring their submissions' accuracy, originality, and ethical rigor, they contribute to the global pursuit of knowledge and uphold the International Journal of Sustainable Globalization principles.

2.     Duties of Reviewers

Reviewers play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity, quality, and scholarly value of the manuscripts submitted to the journal. The responsibilities outlined below aim to guide reviewers in maintaining high ethical standards and fostering a constructive peer-review process.

Contribution to Editorial Decisions

Reviewers are essential in shaping editorial decisions by providing thorough, fair, and timely evaluations of manuscripts. Their assessments help authors refine their work and contribute to advancing knowledge in the field. Reviewers should approach their task with the same professional care and respect they would expect for their work.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

Manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential. Reviewers must not share, discuss, or disclose any manuscript details with individuals outside the review process without explicit authorization from the editor. The journal’s double-blind review policy protects the identities of reviewers and authors, and reviewers must ensure this confidentiality is maintained.

Integrity and Ethical Vigilance

Reviewers should evaluate submissions impartially and objectively. If ethical concerns arise, such as potential plagiarism, duplicate publication, or ethical violations in research practices, the reviewer should promptly report these to the editor with supporting evidence. A reviewer must also refrain from using any unpublished information from the manuscript for personal gain.

Constructive Feedback

Reviews should be constructive, specific, and aimed at improving the quality of the manuscript. Criticism should focus on the work rather than the author. Reviewers should provide clear, evidence-based feedback with suggestions for strengthening the research, methodology, or clarity of presentation.

Acknowledgement of Limitations

Reviewers who feel unqualified to assess a manuscript's content or who cannot provide a timely review should notify the editor immediately and decline the invitation. Refusing oneself is better than delivering a rushed or uninformed assessment.

Objectivity and Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest

Reviewers should disclose any conflicts of interest, be it personal, professional, or financial, that may compromise their impartiality. If a conflict exists, reviewers must recuse themselves to ensure an unbiased evaluation.

Ethical Use of Technology

Reviewers must ensure compliance with journal policies when using tools such as plagiarism detection software or generative AI. Any analysis or suggestions derived from such tools must align with the ethical and academic standards of the journal.

Diligence in Citation Recommendations

Suggestions to include additional references should only be made to strengthen the manuscript’s academic rigor. Reviewers must not recommend citations of their work or that of close associates to increase visibility or impact metrics unfairly.

Alertness to Research Rigor and Novelty

Reviewers must ensure that the manuscript demonstrates originality, rigor, and alignment with the journal’s scope. They should evaluate whether the research questions, methods, and conclusions are articulated and supported by the data.

Role in Maintaining Academic Standards

By upholding these responsibilities, reviewers contribute to maintaining the journal’s academic reputation, ensuring that published content meets the highest standards of quality, ethics, and relevance.

3.     Duties of Editors

Decision Making on Manuscripts

Editors are responsible for deciding which submissions align with the journal’s scope, quality standards, and contribution to the field. These decisions are based on the manuscript's originality, relevance, and rigor, considering feedback from peer reviewers. Editors must operate independently and uphold ethical standards, ensuring decisions are free from bias or external influence, including legal constraints such as copyright and defamation laws.

Maintaining Objectivity in Peer Review

Editors must oversee a transparent, fair, and timely peer review process. Two or more qualified experts should generally review manuscripts. Editors are responsible for selecting reviewers based on expertise and impartiality, avoiding conflicts of interest or undue favoritism. They must also address and resolve any ethical issues or discrepancies raised during the review process.

Ensuring Ethical Integrity

Editors should ensure that all manuscripts adhere to ethical research and publication standards. This includes vigilance against plagiarism, data manipulation, duplicate submissions, and other forms of misconduct. Editors are tasked with investigating ethical concerns brought to their attention and coordinating with authors, reviewers, or institutions as necessary to rectify any issues.

Fostering Inclusivity and Fair Treatment

Editors must treat all submissions equitably, regardless of the authors’ nationality, gender, ethnicity, or other personal attributes. They should promote diversity and inclusivity in both the editorial board and the peer review process, striving for balanced representation. Manuscripts must be assessed solely on their scholarly merit and relevance.

Transparency and Confidentiality

Editors must ensure confidentiality of the peer review process. Manuscripts, reviewer comments, and any associated discussions are to be treated as privileged information and not disclosed without explicit permission. Additionally, unpublished materials from submissions must not be used in editors’ research or for personal gain.

Declaration and Management of Conflicts of Interest

Editors must disclose any personal, financial, or professional conflicts of interest related to the manuscripts or authors under consideration. In cases where such conflicts arise, editors should delegate decision-making to a qualified colleague or an impartial member of the editorial team. Editors must also ensure that authors and reviewers disclose their potential conflicts of interest.

Enhancing Journal Transparency

Editors should ensure that journal policies and guidelines are accessible, clear, and consistently applied. Authors and reviewers should have a comprehensive understanding of submission, review, and publication expectations. Additionally, editors should provide mechanisms for authors to appeal editorial decisions where necessary.

Maintaining Journal Reputation and Quality

Editors are stewards of the journal’s reputation. They must avoid actions that artificially manipulate journal metrics or promote self-citations for personal gain. Editors should encourage submissions that align with the journal’s mission and uphold its scholarly credibility.

Responding to Post-Publication Issues

Editors are responsible for addressing concerns about published content, including errors, ethical violations, or complaints from readers. This may involve publishing corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern as needed. Editors must act promptly and collaborate with the authors, reviewers, and publisher to uphold the integrity of the academic record.

Adaptation to New Technologies

Editors should ensure the appropriate use of AI-assisted technologies in the editorial process. Any use of such tools must comply with the journal’s ethical policies and maintain the integrity of the content. Editors are also responsible for educating stakeholders about ethical guidelines concerning emerging technologies.

Collaboration with the Publisher

Editors should work closely with the publisher to maintain the journal's operational and ethical standards. This includes regular updates to policies, fostering the journal’s growth, and ensuring its alignment with broader academic and societal goals.