Publication Ethics and Misconduct Policy

Publication Ethics and Misconduct Policy

The Journal of Future Studies – Sirte University (JFSS) is committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and responsibility throughout the publication process and seeks to safeguard the integrity of the scholarly record and the quality of published content.

The journal is guided by relevant principles and guidelines on publication ethics, including the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), as appropriate to the nature and disciplines of the journal.

First: Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are required to:

• Submit original and previously unpublished work and not submit the same manuscript simultaneously to more than one journal.
• Comply with authorship requirements and disclose contributions and conflicts of interest.
• Properly acknowledge and cite the sources, data, and information used in the research.
• Refrain from fabricating, falsifying, or manipulating data.
• Obtain the necessary ethical approvals when required by the nature of the research.
• Disclose substantial use of artificial intelligence tools in accordance with the journal’s policy.
• Cooperate with the Editorial Board in addressing any inquiries concerning the accuracy or integrity of the research.

Second: Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers are required to maintain confidentiality, objectivity, and independence when evaluating manuscripts, disclose any conflicts of interest, and refrain from using information contained in a manuscript for personal or professional benefit.

Reviewers must also notify the Editorial Board of any serious indications of plagiarism or research misconduct.

Details concerning peer review procedures and confidentiality are governed by the journal’s Peer Review Policy.

Third: Responsibilities of the Editorial Board

The Editorial Board is committed to neutrality and independence in making editorial decisions, maintaining the confidentiality of information relating to manuscripts and peer review, handling complaints and allegations concerning publication seriously and objectively, and taking appropriate action when there is evidence or serious indication of an ethical violation.

Fourth: Research and Publication Misconduct

Ethical violations include, but are not limited to:

• Plagiarism.
• Fabrication or falsification of data.
• Duplicate publication or simultaneous submission.
• Unjustified authorship or the omission of individuals who are entitled to authorship.
• Failure to disclose a substantial conflict of interest.
• Manipulation of the peer review process.
• Use of materials or data belonging to others without complying with the applicable rights and permissions.
• Any other practice that materially affects the integrity of the research or the integrity of the scholarly record.

Each case is handled according to its nature, the available evidence, and the relevant journal policies.

Fifth: Handling Complaints and Misconduct

When a complaint is received or indications of misconduct arise, the Editorial Board reviews the available information. The Board may request explanations or supporting documents from the parties concerned or contact the relevant institutional authority when necessary.

Where appropriate to the nature of the case, the parties concerned are given a reasonable opportunity to respond or provide clarification before a decision is made, while maintaining confidentiality and respecting privacy.

Depending on the circumstances and the stage at which the issue is identified, possible actions may include:

• Requesting clarification or correction.
• Requesting revisions.
• Suspending the publication process.
• Rejecting the manuscript prior to publication.
• Publishing a correction or retraction of a published article.
• Referring the case to the appropriate authority when necessary.

The Editorial Board reserves the right to take appropriate action to protect the integrity of the scholarly record, in accordance with the journal’s policies and recognized guidelines on publication ethics.