Publication Ethics

Peer Review Process

The International Journal of Economic Modelling and Sustainability (IJEMS) adopts a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure the scientific quality, originality, and integrity of published research. All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial editorial screening to assess their relevance to the journal's aims and scope, originality, methodological soundness, and compliance with submission requirements. Manuscripts that successfully pass this stage are evaluated by at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant research field. Throughout the review process, the identities of authors and reviewers remain confidential.

Based on the reviewers' recommendations, the editorial decision may be acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection. Authors may be requested to revise their manuscripts and provide detailed responses to reviewers' comments. The final decision regarding publication rests with the Editor-in-Chief or the designated handling editor and is based solely on the manuscript's scientific merit, originality, methodological quality, and contribution to the literature. All participants in the peer-review process are expected to maintain confidentiality, objectivity, and academic integrity.

Publication Ethics and Plagiarism Policy

The International Journal of Economic Modelling and Sustainability (IJEMS) adheres to the ethical principles and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The journal strictly prohibits plagiarism, self-plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, duplicate publication, simultaneous submission, and other forms of research misconduct. Authors must properly acknowledge sources, disclose potential conflicts of interest, and obtain ethical approvals when required. Submitted manuscripts may be screened using plagiarism-detection software, such as Turnitin. Similarity reports are evaluated individually by the editorial team, considering the nature, extent, and sources of textual overlap rather than relying on a fixed percentage threshold. Suspected ethical violations are investigated in accordance with COPE guidelines and may result in manuscript rejection, publication of corrections, or article retraction. IJEMS is committed to ensuring transparency, academic integrity, and ethical standards throughout the publication process.

Research Data and Reproducibility Policy

The International Journal of Economic Modelling and Sustainability (IJEMS) promotes transparency, reliability, and reproducibility in scientific research. Authors are expected to provide clear information about data sources, variable definitions, model specifications, and analytical methods to ensure that their findings can be independently evaluated and replicated. The journal encourages authors to share datasets, statistical codes, and supplementary materials whenever legally and ethically permissible. When data sharing is restricted due to confidentiality, licensing, or ethical considerations, authors should clearly explain these limitations. IJEMS is committed to supporting open science practices and strengthening the credibility and reproducibility of published research.

AI and Automated Tools Policy

The International Journal of Economic Modelling and Sustainability (IJEMS) supports the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated tools in scholarly research. Authors must disclose the use of AI tools in manuscript preparation, data analysis, or content generation, specifying the tools used and their purposes. AI tools cannot be listed as authors, and human authors remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, integrity, and ethical compliance of their work. The use of AI-generated content must not compromise scientific reliability, transparency, or academic integrity. IJEMS encourages responsible AI practices in accordance with internationally recognized publication ethics standards.

Complaints and Appeals Policy

The International Journal of Economic Modelling and Sustainability (IJEMS) is committed to handling complaints and appeals fairly, transparently, and impartially, in accordance with the principles and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Authors may appeal editorial decisions if they believe that a procedural error, factual misunderstanding, or other substantive issue has affected the evaluation of their manuscript. Appeals must be submitted in writing to editor@iemsjournal.com, clearly stating the grounds for the appeal and providing relevant supporting information. The Editor-in-Chief will assess the appeal and, where necessary, consult an independent member of the Editorial Board or an external expert. An appeal does not automatically result in reconsideration or reversal of the original editorial decision. Complaints concerning editorial procedures, peer review, publication ethics, or the conduct of individuals involved in the publication process will be examined confidentially and impartially. Where a complaint concerns the Editor-in-Chief, its evaluation will be assigned to an independent Editorial Board member who has no conflict of interest in the matter. IJEMS aims to resolve complaints and appeals within a reasonable timeframe and will communicate the outcome to the complainant. All decisions will be made in accordance with the journal's editorial policies and internationally recognized standards of publication ethics.

Corrections and Retractions Policy

The International Journal of Economic Modelling and Sustainability (IJEMS) follows the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record. Errors identified in published articles may be addressed through correction notices, while serious ethical violations or findings that undermine the reliability of research may result in retraction. When concerns remain unresolved, an expression of concern may be issued. Authors will be given an opportunity to respond where appropriate. All corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern will be publicly accessible and linked to the original articles. Retraction decisions will be made by the Editor-in-Chief, with independent consultation when necessary.

Editorial Conflicts of Interest Policy

The International Journal of Economic Modelling and Sustainability (IJEMS) is committed to maintaining editorial independence and impartiality in accordance with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Editors and reviewers must disclose any financial, professional, or personal conflicts of interest that could influence their judgment. Editors must not participate in the evaluation or decision-making process for manuscripts authored by themselves, close collaborators, or individuals with whom they have a conflict of interest. Such manuscripts will be handled by an independent editor to ensure a fair and unbiased peer-review process.

Authorship and Contributorship Policy

The International Journal of Economic Modelling and Sustainability (IJEMS) follows the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to ensure transparency and accountability in authorship. All listed authors must have made substantial contributions to the research, approved the final manuscript, and agreed to its submission. Individuals who do not meet the authorship criteria should be acknowledged appropriately. Any requests to add, remove, or rearrange authors after submission must be justified and approved by all affected authors. Authorship disputes will be handled in accordance with COPE guidelines.

Post-Publication Discussions Policy

The International Journal of Economic Modelling and Sustainability (IJEMS) encourages constructive scholarly discussion of published research in accordance with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Readers, researchers, and authors may submit comments, concerns, or evidence-based criticisms regarding published articles to editor@iemsjournal.com. Submissions will be assessed by the editorial team, and the authors concerned may be invited to respond. Where necessary, IJEMS may publish a clarification, correction, or expression of concern, or initiate a retraction process. All discussions will be handled fairly, respectfully, and transparently to safeguard the integrity of the scholarly record.