COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS POLICY

JURNAL KEPERAWATAN BUNDA DELIMA (JKBD)

1. General Statement

Jurnal Keperawatan Bunda Delima (JKBD), published by Akademi Keperawatan Bunda Delima, is committed to maintaining transparency, fairness, accountability, and integrity throughout its editorial and scholarly publishing processes.

The journal recognizes the right of authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders to raise legitimate concerns regarding editorial decisions, peer-review procedures, publication ethics, and journal management.

JKBD handles complaints and appeals in accordance with its Publication Ethics Policy and the principles recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

This policy establishes procedures for submitting, assessing, investigating, and resolving complaints and appeals in a fair, impartial, confidential, and professional manner.

2. Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to:

  1. Provide a transparent mechanism for addressing complaints and appeals.

  2. Ensure fair and impartial treatment of authors, reviewers, and other stakeholders.

  3. Protect editorial independence and academic integrity.

  4. Resolve concerns regarding editorial procedures and publication decisions.

  5. Prevent conflicts of interest and inappropriate editorial practices.

  6. Maintain confidentiality and protect individuals submitting complaints in good faith.

  7. Promote continuous improvement in journal management and scholarly publishing.

3. Scope of Complaints

JKBD accepts complaints concerning its editorial processes, publication procedures, professional conduct, and research integrity.

Complaints may include:

3.1. Editorial Process

  • Unreasonable delays in manuscript processing.

  • Inadequate communication regarding manuscript status.

  • Failure to follow established editorial procedures.

  • Inconsistencies in the application of journal policies.

3.2. Peer-Review Process

  • Alleged bias or unfairness in manuscript evaluation.

  • Breaches of reviewer confidentiality.

  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest.

  • Unprofessional or inappropriate reviewer conduct.

  • Suspected manipulation of the peer-review process.

3.3. Editorial Conduct

  • Unprofessional behavior by editors or editorial staff.

  • Abuse of editorial authority.

  • Failure to disclose relevant conflicts of interest.

  • Unfair treatment of authors or reviewers.

3.4. Publication Ethics

  • Suspected plagiarism or duplicate publication.

  • Data fabrication or falsification.

  • Authorship disputes or inappropriate authorship practices.

  • Ethical concerns involving human participants.

  • Breaches of patient confidentiality.

  • Improper handling of research integrity concerns.

3.5. Journal Administration

  • Concerns regarding publication fee transparency.

  • Administrative irregularities.

  • Problems with publication information or journal policies.

  • Other matters related to the management and operation of JKBD.

4. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors have the right to submit a reasoned appeal if they believe an editorial decision was based on a significant factual error, procedural irregularity, or other substantial concern.

An appeal may be considered when:

  1. The editorial decision is based on demonstrably incorrect factual information.

  2. There has been a significant procedural error during editorial assessment or peer review.

  3. Reviewer or editorial comments contain a substantial misunderstanding of the research that materially affected the decision.

  4. A relevant conflict of interest may have compromised the fairness of the evaluation.

  5. Important evidence directly relevant to the editorial decision was overlooked.

An appeal must present clear arguments and supporting evidence.

Disagreement with reviewers' opinions or dissatisfaction with a rejection decision, without substantial justification, is not sufficient grounds for an appeal.

5. Submission of Complaints and Appeals

Complaints and appeals should be submitted in writing to the JKBD editorial office.

Editorial Contact Information

Journal: Jurnal Keperawatan Bunda Delima (JKBD)

Publisher: Akademi Keperawatan Bunda Delima

Email: Nitali1501@gmail.com

Official Website: https://journal.bundadelima.ac.id/index.php/jkbd

Recommended Email Subjects:

  • Complaint – JKBD – Manuscript ID or Article Title

  • Editorial Appeal – JKBD – Manuscript ID

Submissions should include:

  1. The complainant's name and contact information.

  2. The manuscript identification number, article title, DOI, or article URL, where applicable.

  3. A clear description of the complaint or editorial decision being appealed.

  4. A detailed explanation of the grounds for the complaint or appeal.

  5. Relevant supporting evidence or documentation.

  6. A description of any previous correspondence or attempts to resolve the issue.

  7. Disclosure of any relevant conflicts of interest.

Anonymous complaints may be considered when they contain sufficiently specific and verifiable information, particularly in cases involving research integrity.

6. Complaint Handling Procedure

JKBD will address complaints through the following procedures:

Step 1: Submission and Registration

The editorial office receives the complaint and documents the reported concern.

Step 2: Initial Assessment

The Editor-in-Chief or an appropriately designated editor evaluates whether the complaint falls within the scope of the journal's policies and whether sufficient information has been provided.

Step 3: Clarification

Where necessary, the editorial office may request additional information from the complainant or invite the individuals concerned to provide explanations.

Step 4: Independent Evaluation

Complaints involving potential conflicts of interest or serious concerns may be referred to an editor or independent expert who was not involved in the original matter.

Step 5: Editorial Decision

The responsible editor evaluates the available evidence and determines an appropriate response or corrective action.

Step 6: Communication of Outcome

The complainant will be informed of the outcome and the reasons for the decision to the extent permitted by confidentiality and privacy requirements.

Step 7: Documentation

The complaint, relevant correspondence, findings, and editorial actions will be documented for accountability and future reference.

7. Appeals Handling Procedure

Appeals against editorial decisions will be handled through the following process:

  1. The corresponding author submits a written appeal explaining the grounds for reconsideration.

  2. The Editor-in-Chief or an independent designated editor conducts an initial assessment.

  3. The original decision, reviewer reports, editorial correspondence, and supporting evidence are examined.

  4. Additional expert opinions or independent peer review may be requested when necessary.

  5. The editorial team determines whether the original decision should be maintained, modified, or reconsidered.

  6. The corresponding author is informed of the outcome and the reasons supporting the decision.

An appeal does not automatically result in a new peer-review process or acceptance of the manuscript.

Repeated appeals concerning the same decision without substantial new evidence or a distinct procedural concern may be declined.

8. Complaints Involving Editors or the Editor-in-Chief

JKBD recognizes the importance of independent assessment when complaints involve members of its editorial team.

When a complaint concerns an editor, the matter should be assigned to another qualified editor who has no relevant conflict of interest.

When a complaint concerns the Editor-in-Chief, the matter should be referred to the publisher or an appropriately appointed independent editorial representative.

Individuals directly involved in the disputed matter must not independently determine the outcome of complaints concerning their own conduct.

The journal will seek to ensure impartiality and prevent inappropriate influence throughout the assessment process.

9. Confidentiality and Protection Against Retaliation

JKBD is committed to maintaining appropriate confidentiality when handling complaints and appeals.

Information concerning complaints, investigations, and editorial correspondence will be disclosed only to individuals who require access for legitimate assessment or resolution purposes.

Individuals who submit concerns in good faith must not be subjected to retaliation, intimidation, discrimination, or inappropriate professional consequences.

The journal will take reasonable steps to protect the identities of complainants when possible. However, absolute anonymity cannot be guaranteed when disclosure is necessary for fair investigation or compliance with applicable requirements.

10. Research Misconduct Complaints

Complaints involving suspected research misconduct will be assessed in accordance with the JKBD Publication Ethics Policy.

Research misconduct concerns may involve:

  1. Fabrication or falsification of research data.

  2. Plagiarism or inappropriate use of scholarly work.

  3. Duplicate or redundant publication.

  4. Authorship manipulation.

  5. Peer-review manipulation.

  6. Undisclosed conflicts of interest.

  7. Misrepresentation of ethical approval or informed consent.

  8. Breaches of participant confidentiality.

Where necessary, the editorial team may request supporting research data, consult independent experts, or refer the matter to the relevant institution, research ethics committee, or authorized body.

Allegations must be evaluated objectively and must not be treated as established misconduct without sufficient evidence.

11. Possible Outcomes

Depending on the nature and findings of the complaint or appeal, JKBD may take one or more of the following actions:

  1. Provide clarification regarding an editorial decision or journal procedure.

  2. Maintain the original editorial decision.

  3. Reconsider or modify an editorial decision.

  4. Conduct an additional independent editorial evaluation.

  5. Request further manuscript revision or documentation.

  6. Address identified procedural or administrative errors.

  7. Refer concerns to the publisher or relevant research institution.

  8. Issue a correction, Expression of Concern, or retraction when justified.

  9. Introduce improvements to journal procedures or policies.

  10. Close the case when the available evidence does not support further action.

All outcomes will be determined based on the available evidence and applicable editorial and ethical standards.

12. Timeframe for Handling Complaints and Appeals

JKBD aims to assess complaints and appeals promptly and provide appropriate communication throughout the process.

The time required to resolve a complaint or appeal may vary depending on:

  1. The complexity of the issue.

  2. The availability of supporting evidence.

  3. The need for additional editorial or expert assessment.

  4. The responsiveness of the individuals involved.

  5. Whether institutional investigation or external consultation is required.

Where an assessment requires additional time, the editorial office should provide reasonable updates to the parties concerned.

The journal does not guarantee a fixed resolution period for complex cases.

13. Final Decisions and Further Consideration

The outcome of an appeal will be communicated to the corresponding author with an explanation of the editorial decision.

If a substantial procedural concern remains unresolved, the journal may consider further independent assessment where appropriate.

Repeated appeals or complaints that do not present new evidence or identify a distinct substantive issue may be declined.

The journal's responsibility is to ensure a fair and evidence-based process rather than guarantee a particular outcome.

14. Documentation and Continuous Improvement

JKBD maintains appropriate records of complaints, appeals, assessments, and resulting editorial actions.

These records may include:

  1. The nature of the complaint or appeal.

  2. Relevant supporting documents.

  3. Editorial correspondence.

  4. Individuals responsible for evaluating the matter.

  5. Findings and decisions.

  6. Corrective measures, where applicable.

Information obtained through complaints and appeals may be used to identify procedural weaknesses and improve the journal's editorial practices.

15. Editorial Independence and Ethical Standards

JKBD ensures that complaints and appeals are evaluated independently of inappropriate personal, institutional, commercial, or financial influence.

The following principles apply:

  1. Decisions must be based on relevant evidence and scholarly merit.

  2. Conflicts of interest must be identified and appropriately managed.

  3. Parties involved must be treated respectfully and fairly.

  4. Confidentiality must be maintained where appropriate.

  5. Legitimate complaints must be considered without retaliation.

  6. Editorial actions must comply with applicable publication ethics standards.

The payment of an Article Processing Charge does not influence the handling of complaints, appeals, or editorial decisions.

16. Related Journal Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following JKBD policies:

  1. Publication Ethics Policy.

  2. Review Process Policy.

  3. Authorship Criteria Policy.

  4. Conflict of Interest Policy.

  5. Correction and Retraction Policy.

  6. Post-Publication Discussion Policy.

  7. Research Misconduct Policy.

Jurnal Keperawatan Bunda Delima (JKBD) is committed to providing a fair, transparent, independent, and accountable mechanism for addressing complaints and appeals while upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity and ethical scholarly publishing.