Allegations of Research Misconduct

The Journal of Halal Industry Studies is committed to maintaining research integrity and the reliability of the scholarly record. Allegations of research misconduct are assessed fairly, objectively, and confidentially, in accordance with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and its relevant guidance.

1. Types of Misconduct
Research misconduct may include, but is not limited to, fabrication or falsification of data, plagiarism, inappropriate manipulation of images or results, unethical research practices, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and authorship violations.

2. Reporting Allegations
Authors, reviewers, readers, institutions, and other parties may report suspected misconduct concerning a submitted manuscript or published article. Reports should be sent to the editorial office using the official contact details on the journal’s website. They should clearly describe the concern and, where available, include relevant supporting evidence. An allegation alone is not considered proof of misconduct.

3. Initial Assessment and Response
The editorial office will assess whether the concern falls within the journal’s remit and whether sufficient information is available to proceed. It may request further evidence, seek a response from the person concerned, or consult independent experts. Relevant parties will be given a reasonable opportunity to provide information, and conclusions will not be reached prematurely.

4. Cooperation with Institutions
If an allegation requires a formal investigation or falls outside the journal’s remit, the editorial office may contact the authors’ institution, funder, or another relevant authority. Cooperation and the sharing of evidence will be limited to what is necessary and will take confidentiality and applicable requirements into account. The journal’s approach is guided by COPE guidance on cooperation between research institutions and journals.

5. Confidentiality and Fair Treatment
Reports and supporting evidence will be handled confidentially as far as possible and shared only with those involved in assessing or investigating the concern. The editorial office will seek to protect the rights and reputations of both the person reporting the concern and the person or parties named in it. An unsubstantiated report is not automatically considered false. Knowingly providing false evidence or making a deliberately malicious allegation may be referred for appropriate action.

6. Decisions and Actions
Depending on the evidence and seriousness of the concern, the editorial office may request clarification or further documentation, suspend the editorial process, reject a manuscript, request a correction, publish an expression of concern, retract an article, or notify a relevant institution. Any action will be proportionate to the findings and the stage of publication.

Allegations involving editors or reviewers will be assessed independently. Anyone with a conflict of interest will not lead the assessment or determine its outcome.

7. Records and Follow-Up
The editorial office will keep appropriate records of reports, communications, evidence considered, decisions, and actions taken, while observing confidentiality and data protection requirements. Follow-up may be undertaken when necessary to resolve a concern or protect the reliability of the scholarly record.