Complaints Policy

Complaint procedure
All the complaints made to journals will be dealt with as per our complaint policy. A complaint is defined as the expression of dissatisfaction concerning the procedures or the complaints handling process to expect a resolution explicitly or implicitly. We consider complaints as a step to improve our procedures and services. This policy is designed to provide guidance and help to all the authors, editors, researchers and scientists with the motive to maintain and enhance our workflows and provide our authors with high quality services. SLOAP journals can deal with the complaints stated below:

• Allegations of research errors and fraud
• Authorship complaints
• Misappropriation of research results
• Decline complaint related indexing
• Plagiarism
• Redundant publication, simultaneous submission
• Reviewer bias or acts of harm out of competition by reviewers
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest
• Violations of research standards

Handling complaint
On receiving the complaint, we try to identify the problem or claim made by the complainant and any other relevant information needed for the effective handling of that complaint. All the complaints encountered would be acknowledged at the same time as they are received. Initially, we assess the complaint based on severity and possibility of immediate action and then it will be resolved accordingly. Based on the requirement, we handle the complaint by investigating all the relevant information and requisites related to a complaint. Handling of complaints can be done by keeping in mind the seriousness and frequency of occurrence of the complaint. The complainant can keep track until a final decision is made. The status of the complaint would be communicated as soon as they are taken to the complainant in addition to the relevant decision or actions taken regarding to the complaint. On request complaint status query can also be provided. If the decision or action taken satisfies the complainant, then the action will be taken and recorded otherwise the complaint will remain open. This would be escalated to the Complaints Management Team. The respective journal then keeps on monitoring the progress of the complaint till all reasonable options for resolving it is covered or the complainant is satisfied. Complaints can be made at info@sloap.org.