Author Appeals Policy

Author Appeals Policy

Lead Sci Journal of Management, Innovation and Social Sciences (LSJMISS)

At LSJMISS, we uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and academic integrity throughout our editorial and peer review processes. While editorial decisions are made with the highest level of scrutiny and objectivity, we acknowledge that authors may occasionally wish to contest a decision. This policy provides a structured, ethical, and fair procedure for submitting and reviewing such appeals.

1. Valid Grounds for Appeal

Authors may submit an appeal if they believe that:

  • A significant misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the manuscript’s content, data, or context influenced the editorial decision.

  • There were factual inaccuracies in the reviewer or editor feedback.

  • There is evidence of bias, conflict of interest, or ethical misconduct during the review process.

❗ Appeals based solely on disagreement with reviewer opinions—without substantiated reasoning or evidence—will not be considered.

2. How to Submit an Appeal

Deadline

  • Appeals must be submitted within 20 calendar days of receiving the decision notification.

  • Appeals submitted after this period will not be considered unless exceptional circumstances are presented.

Appeal Submission

Appeals must be sent to the Editor-in-Chief via the journal’s official contact channel:
???? Email: editorial@scholarclub.org
???? Website: https://scholarclub.org/index.php/LSJMISS

Your written appeal must include:

  • A clear explanation of the reason for appeal.

  • A point-by-point response to reviewer/editorial comments.

  • Identification of any factual or procedural errors.

  • Any supporting documents, clarifications, or datasets.

Optional Attachments

  • A revised version of the manuscript (clearly marked).

  • A response letter detailing how the revised version addresses reviewer concerns.

3. Appeal Evaluation Process

Upon receipt:

Initial Review

  • The Editor-in-Chief reviews the appeal, original manuscript, peer reviewer comments, and the editorial decision.

  • Consultation may be sought from the original handling editor or senior editorial advisors.

Further Review (If Necessary)

The Editor-in-Chief may:

  • Request a reassessment by the original reviewers (with your responses).

  • Assign new independent reviewers for a second opinion.

  • Involve an internal editorial panel to ensure neutrality.

Final Decision

The appeal will result in one of the following outcomes:

✅ Uphold the original rejection.
✏️ Invite revision and resubmission.
???? Accept the manuscript (with or without minor changes).

A formal written explanation of the decision will be sent to the corresponding author.

4. Appeal Limitations

  • Only one appeal per manuscript is allowed.

  • Appeals are reviewed strictly on merit and in accordance with LSJMISS’s editorial policies.

  • Frivolous, repeated, or hostile appeals will not be entertained.

5. Ethical Concerns and Misconduct

If the appeal reveals potential ethical misconduct (e.g., bias, undisclosed conflicts, breach of confidentiality), the editorial board will:

  • Launch a formal investigation, in line with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

  • Escalate the case to the journal’s ethics committee, if necessary.

  • Implement corrective actions, including reviewer/editor reassignment or full reevaluation.

6. Communication and Timelines

  • Acknowledgment of Appeal: Within 5 business days.

  • Resolution Timeline: Most appeals are resolved within 4–8 weeks, depending on complexity and reviewer availability.

  • Authors will receive transparent communication at all stages of the process.

By offering a fair and structured appeals process, LSJMISS ensures authors have the opportunity to seek clarification or reconsideration while upholding the values of scholarly excellence and editorial integrity.