Publication Ethics

The Lead Sci Journal of Management, Innovation and Social Sciences (LSJMISS) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics and academic integrity. The journal follows internationally recognized ethical guidelines and best practices in scholarly publishing, particularly those recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). All participants involved in the publication process—including authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher—are expected to adhere to these ethical principles.

1. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting manuscripts to LSJMISS must:

  • Submit only original and unpublished work that is not under consideration elsewhere.
  • Ensure that all sources of information are properly cited and acknowledged.
  • Avoid plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, and image manipulation.
  • Ensure that authorship accurately reflects individual contributions to the research.
  • Disclose any financial, institutional, or personal conflicts of interest that may influence the research.
  • Obtain necessary permissions for copyrighted materials used in the manuscript.
  • Promptly notify the editor if a significant error is discovered in a published article and cooperate in correcting or retracting the work if necessary.

Authorship Criteria

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the study. All co-authors must approve the final version of the manuscript before submission. Ghost, guest, or honorary authorship is strictly prohibited.

2. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for maintaining the quality and integrity of the journal. They shall:

  • Evaluate manuscripts solely on academic merit, originality, relevance, and clarity.
  • Ensure a fair, unbiased, and timely peer-review process.
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding submitted manuscripts.
  • Avoid conflicts of interest in editorial decisions.
  • Take appropriate action when ethical concerns or allegations of misconduct arise.
  • Issue corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern when required.

Editors shall not discriminate against authors on the basis of nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, institutional affiliation, or political beliefs. Editorial decisions are independent of commercial or personal interests.

3. Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

Peer reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of scholarly publications. Reviewers are expected to:

  • Conduct reviews objectively, fairly, and constructively.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts and review materials.
  • Disclose any conflicts of interest that may affect their judgment.
  • Identify relevant published work not cited by the authors.
  • Report any suspicion of plagiarism, duplicate publication, or unethical research practices.
  • Complete reviews within the agreed timeframe.

Reviewers must not use unpublished information obtained through the review process for personal advantage or research purposes.

4. Plagiarism Policy

LSJMISS has a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism. All submissions are screened using plagiarism detection software before entering the review process.

The following practices are considered unethical:

  • Direct plagiarism
  • Self-plagiarism
  • Mosaic plagiarism
  • Duplicate publication
  • Data plagiarism
  • Improper citation of sources

Manuscripts found to contain significant plagiarism may be rejected immediately, and published articles may be retracted if plagiarism is discovered after publication.

5. Conflict of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any relationships, affiliations, financial interests, or personal connections that could influence the publication process or interpretation of research findings. Full transparency helps ensure the credibility and objectivity of scholarly communication.

6. Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • Fabrication of data
  • Falsification of results
  • Plagiarism
  • Manipulation of citations
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest
  • Fraudulent authorship practices

Allegations of misconduct will be investigated according to established ethical procedures. If misconduct is confirmed, the journal may reject the manuscript, retract the published article, notify relevant institutions, and impose future submission restrictions.

7. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

When significant errors or ethical violations are identified, LSJMISS may publish:

  • Corrections (Errata): For minor errors that do not invalidate the findings.
  • Retractions: For major ethical breaches or unreliable findings.
  • Expressions of Concern: When an investigation is ongoing and concerns regarding the integrity of the work exist.

8. Complaints and Appeals

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions if they believe that a decision was based on factual errors or procedural irregularities. Appeals must be submitted in writing with supporting evidence. The Editor-in-Chief will review the appeal, and the decision reached after review shall be final.

9. Data Availability and Transparency

Authors are encouraged to maintain accurate records of research data and make supporting data available where appropriate. Research findings should be presented honestly, accurately, and transparently to facilitate verification and replication.

10. Commitment to Ethical Publishing

LSJMISS is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the scholarly record and fostering ethical research practices. The journal expects all contributors to uphold the principles of honesty, transparency, accountability, fairness, and academic responsibility throughout the publication process. The journal follows internationally recognized ethical standards and may refer to COPE guidelines when addressing ethical issues and publication misconduct.