Complaints and Appeals Policy
The journal seeks to resolve concerns fairly, promptly, confidentially, and without retaliation. A complaint or appeal should be supported by specific information and should use the journal's formal communication channels.
A formal request to reconsider an editorial decision because of a material factual error, procedural irregularity, unmanaged conflict of interest, or significant misunderstanding.
A concern about journal procedures, conduct, communication, ethics, delay, confidentiality, discrimination, or another aspect of journal operation.
A claim of research or publication misconduct that may require evidence review, author inquiry, or referral to an institution or competent authority.
An appeal should identify a substantial issue that could reasonably have affected the editorial outcome.
Failure to follow the stated peer-review, conflict-management, correction, or ethical process.
Unprofessional, discriminatory, offensive, threatening, or persistently unresponsive conduct.
Improper disclosure of manuscripts, reviewer identities, personal information, or unpublished data.
Plagiarism, authorship problems, data concerns, peer-review manipulation, or undisclosed conflicts.
Extended delay without appropriate explanation, communication, or management.
Inaccurate, undisclosed, inconsistent, or improperly applied charges or administrative requirements.
Complaints and appeals should be submitted through the OJS discussion function or the journal's official email. The submission should include:
The complainant should avoid defamatory, threatening, or irrelevant material. Anonymous complaints may be considered when they contain sufficient specific and verifiable evidence.
A late submission may still be reviewed when the matter concerns serious publication ethics, participant safety, legal obligations, research integrity, or the reliability of the published record.
The journal records the submission and confirms receipt.
The matter is classified as an appeal, complaint, misconduct allegation, legal concern, or another issue.
The matter is assigned to an editor or responsible person who was not materially involved in the challenged action where feasible.
Relevant parties may be asked for correspondence, records, explanations, or supporting documentation.
The journal communicates the outcome, reasons, and any corrective or procedural action.
| Stage | Target |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment of receipt | Within 5 working days |
| Initial assessment and assignment | Within 10 working days |
| Substantive response where feasible | Within 30 working days |
Ordinarily, one formal appeal is permitted for each editorial decision. After an independent review and final written response, the journal may close the matter unless substantial new evidence becomes available.
Complaints alleging fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, unethical research, authorship manipulation, peer-review manipulation, or other serious misconduct may be handled under the Publication Ethics Policy and relevant COPE procedures. Because journals have limited investigative authority, the matter may be referred to an author's institution, ethics committee, funder, regulator, or another competent body.
Complaints involving defamation, copyright, privacy, confidential information, participant safety, or legal orders may require urgent restriction, legal advice, or publisher involvement. Editorial independence will be preserved to the greatest extent compatible with applicable law and safety obligations.
Information is disclosed only to those who need it for assessment, response, investigation, or legal compliance. PJKM will not retaliate against authors, reviewers, editors, readers, whistleblowers, or staff who raise concerns honestly and in good faith.
Provide specific, accurate, relevant, and good-faith information through formal channels.
Assess concerns impartially, preserve confidentiality, document decisions, and avoid conflicts.
Support independent review, legal and ethical compliance, and implementation of remedies.
Cooperate with requests for clarification and provide relevant records honestly.
