Complaints Policy
In this policy
01 Scope of complaints and appeals
Journal of Educational Innovation in Science and Technology accepts concerns about editorial procedure, publication ethics, staff conduct and the accuracy of published material. An appeal asks for reconsideration of an editorial decision on specific factual or procedural grounds. Disagreement with an unfavourable result alone does not establish an error; the submission should explain what requires a fresh assessment.
02 Information to provide
Send the article or submission identifier, a concise chronology, the decision or action challenged, relevant correspondence and the remedy requested. Identify supporting documents and any competing interests. Submit sensitive attachments through a channel agreed with the editorial office. Authors appealing a joint submission should make clear whether the other authors support the request.
03 Independent allocation
The editorial office routes the matter to someone able to assess it without a relevant conflict. The person whose conduct is challenged must not be the sole adjudicator. The journal-specific arrangements below identify an alternative route when the editor or publisher is involved. If a suitable independent assessor is unavailable, the journal explains that limitation and the proposed next step.
04 Review and communication
The assessor distinguishes a request for explanation from a matter requiring investigation. Relevant parties may be asked for responses or additional evidence. Receipt, missing information and material delays are communicated through editorial correspondence. A fixed response time cannot be guaranteed for all cases; timing depends on the evidence, participation of the parties and any institutional investigation.
05 Outcome and further review
The response states the issue considered, the basis of the conclusion and any corrective action, within confidentiality limits. A decision may be upheld, reconsidered or referred for further assessment. New material evidence or a substantiated procedural problem can justify further review. An appeal does not guarantee acceptance or prevent the journal from protecting the published record when evidence warrants action.
06 Confidentiality and boundaries
Information is shared only as needed for fair assessment, legal obligations and protection of the literature. Absolute anonymity cannot be promised where a response requires disclosure. Credible anonymous concerns may still be assessed. The journal addresses editorial matters but cannot replace an employer, court or research institution in determining employment disputes or conducting a full research investigation.
07 Journal-specific provisions — retained content
JEIST accepts complaints concerning editorial procedures, the conduct of editors or reviewers, breaches of confidentiality, competing interests, processing delays, and other aspects of journal management. Complaints should be submitted in writing to the official journal email address with COMPLAINT in the subject line and should include the manuscript number, a clear account of the concern, supporting evidence, and the remedy sought. Complaints are handled confidentially, fairly, and without retaliation against good-faith complainants.
Authors may appeal an editorial decision when they can identify a substantive basis, such as a factual error in the assessment, a suspected competing interest, or a procedural irregularity. An appeal is not an opportunity merely to restate disagreement. Only one appeal may be submitted, in writing, quoting the manuscript number and providing a structured response to the reasons for the decision.
Complaints and appeals are logged and assessed by the Editor-in-Chief. If the matter concerns the Editor-in-Chief or creates a competing interest, it is assigned to an uninvolved senior editor or publisher representative. The journal will acknowledge receipt, assess the available information, seek clarification where necessary, and communicate a reasoned written outcome. The appeal decision is final for the journal.
Questions or concerns about this policy?
Explain the issue and include a manuscript or article identifier where relevant. Do not share sensitive records through public channels.
Contact the editorial office →References and related guidance
Read alongside the journal’s review, complaints, AI, copyright, charges and preservation policies. Those arrangements must reflect actual practice.
References provide guidance; they do not assert membership, certification or endorsement of the journal by those organisations.