Appeals and Complaints

The Journal of Education for Sustainable Development Studies (JESDS) is committed to upholding fairness and transparency in the management of complaints and appeals. This policy outlines the procedures for submitting complaints concerning the journal, the editorial board, administrative personnel, or the publisher, as well as the mechanisms for handling appeals. The JESDS endeavors to ensure that every complaint is handled in a timely, impartial, and responsible manner, while safeguarding academic integrity and publication quality.

1. Submission and Preliminary Evaluation of Complaints

Complaints may be submitted by authors, reviewers, readers, or other stakeholders through the official contact email of the JESDS. Each submission must include valid contact details, a comprehensive explanation of the concern, and relevant supporting documentation. Upon receipt, the editorial team of the JESDS will conduct a preliminary review to assess whether the complaint meets the requirements for further consideration. Complaints that fall outside the scope of this policy will be acknowledged, and the complainant will be advised to contact the appropriate authority.

2. Investigation Procedure and Involvement of Relevant Parties

When a complaint is considered eligible, the JESDS will initiate a comprehensive investigation. This stage includes collecting additional evidence, corresponding with relevant individuals, and reviewing applicable records. To preserve objectivity and ethical standards, any editorial board members or publisher representatives who are directly implicated will not participate in the investigation. Responsibility for the investigation will be assumed by individuals who are not connected to the matter.

3. Resolution and Notification of Findings

After the investigation concludes, the JESDS will inform the complainant of the findings and describe the measures implemented to address the concern. The journal seeks to resolve each case in an effective and professional manner, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the process.

4. Appeal Procedure and Final Decision

Should the complainant disagree with the outcome of the investigation, an appeal may be submitted. The appeal will be evaluated by an independent committee that had no involvement in the original review. This committee will reassess the case objectively and issue a final determination. The decision, along with a clear justification, will be formally communicated to the complainant.