Allegations of Research Misconduct

ALEXANDRIA (Journal of Economics, Business, & Entrepreneurship) is committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity, academic honesty, and ethical scholarly publishing.

The journal follows the principles and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when handling allegations of research misconduct.

Types of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Fabrication: Inventing research data, survey responses, financial information, interview results, or other research findings.

  2. Falsification: Manipulating research data, statistical analyses, financial records, or research procedures to produce misleading results.

  3. Plagiarism: Presenting another person's ideas, findings, words, or intellectual contributions without appropriate acknowledgment.

  4. Duplicate or Redundant Publication: Publishing substantially similar research in multiple journals without proper disclosure.

  5. Authorship Misconduct: Inappropriately adding, excluding, or changing authorship information.

  6. Citation Manipulation: Intentionally manipulating references or citations to influence citation metrics.

  7. Peer-Review Manipulation: Providing false reviewer identities, submitting fraudulent reviews, or improperly influencing the review process.

  8. Ethical Violations: Conducting research without required ethical approval, informed consent, or appropriate protection of confidential business and participant information.

  9. Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest: Concealing financial, commercial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence the research.

Reporting Research Misconduct

Any individual who identifies potential research misconduct may submit a formal report to the Editorial Office.

Reports should include sufficient information or supporting evidence to enable a preliminary assessment.

Investigation Procedures

The Editorial Board will:

  1. Conduct an initial assessment of the allegation.

  2. Examine relevant manuscripts, published articles, data, and supporting documentation.

  3. Request clarification or evidence from the authors when necessary.

  4. Consult independent experts or relevant institutions where appropriate.

  5. Provide the authors with an opportunity to respond.

  6. Determine appropriate editorial action based on the available evidence.

Editorial Actions

Depending on the severity and findings of the investigation, the journal may:

  • Reject a submitted manuscript.

  • Request corrections or additional explanations.

  • Publish an Expression of Concern.

  • Retract a published article.

  • Notify the relevant institution or research authority.

All allegations will be handled fairly, confidentially, and without unnecessary delay.

The journal does not automatically presume misconduct merely because an allegation has been submitted.