Allegations of Research Misconduct

Policy on Allegations of Research Misconduct

The TMP Universal Journal of Law, Business, and Management (UJLBM) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in academic publishing. This policy outlines the steps the journal will take to address allegations of research misconduct, ensuring a fair, transparent, and unbiased process.

Definition of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Fabrication: Making up data or results and recording or reporting them as genuine.
  2. Falsification: Manipulating research materials, equipment, processes, or data to misrepresent results.
  3. Plagiarism: Using someone else's ideas, processes, results, or words without proper attribution.
  4. Impropriety in Authorship: Failing to give credit to contributors or including individuals who did not contribute to the research.
  5. Duplicate Submission: Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously or republishing content without disclosure.
  6. Conflicts of Interest: Failing to disclose financial, professional, or personal interests that could affect the research.

Reporting Misconduct

  • Allegations of misconduct can be reported by authors, reviewers, readers, or editors.
  • Reports should be submitted in writing to the journal’s editorial office at editorujlbm@gmail.com.
  • The report must include sufficient detail and supporting evidence for the allegation to be investigated.

Initial Assessment

  1. The editorial team conducts a preliminary review to determine the validity and severity of the allegation.
  2. If the allegation has merit, a formal investigation is initiated.
  3. If the allegation is found to be unsubstantiated, no further action is taken, and the matter is closed.

Investigation Process

  1. Notification: The individuals involved in the alleged misconduct are notified in writing and given an opportunity to respond.
  2. Appointment of an Investigation Committee:
    • A panel of independent experts with no conflicts of interest is formed to investigate the matter.
    • The committee reviews all relevant materials, including manuscript drafts, correspondence, and data.
  3. Evaluation: The committee evaluates the evidence and determines whether misconduct has occurred.

Outcomes and Actions

If research misconduct is confirmed, the following actions may be taken:

  1. For Authors:
    • Retraction: The article is formally retracted, with an explanation published in its place.
    • Correction: If errors do not amount to misconduct, a correction notice may be issued.
    • Ban: The authors may be prohibited from submitting to UJLBM for a specified period.
  2. For Reviewers or Editors:
    • Removal from the editorial board or reviewer pool.
    • Reporting the misconduct to relevant institutions or organizations.
  3. For All Parties:
    • Reporting the findings to the authors’ or reviewers’ affiliated institutions.
    • Informing funding agencies, if applicable.

Confidentiality

All allegations and investigations are treated with the strictest confidentiality. The identities of the individuals involved are disclosed only to those who need to know to conduct a fair investigation.

Appeals

Individuals who disagree with the findings of the investigation may submit an appeal, which will be reviewed by an independent committee. The decision of this committee is final.

Ethical Standards

UJLBM follows the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and adheres to international ethical standards in handling allegations of misconduct.

Contact for Allegations

For inquiries or to report allegations of misconduct, please contact:

  • Email: editorujlbm@gmail.com
  • Phone: +91-9303939928, +91-7000912835

UJLBM is dedicated to fostering a culture of academic integrity and upholding the trust of the research community.