Plagiarism Policy
The IOASD Journal of Business and Management Studies is committed to protecting the integrity of scholarly publishing by ensuring that all published work is original, properly attributed, and ethically prepared. The journal has zero tolerance for plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct that compromise the authenticity and credibility of scholarly research.
All submitted manuscripts are assessed for originality as part of the editorial evaluation process. Similarity screening is conducted using reliable plagiarism detection software to identify potential text overlap with previously published or publicly available sources. Similarity reports are used as an editorial assessment tool and are interpreted carefully rather than relied upon as the sole basis for editorial decisions.
Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presentation of another person's ideas, words, data, figures, tables, images, research findings, or intellectual work as one's own without appropriate acknowledgment or permission.
Plagiarism may occur intentionally or unintentionally and is considered a serious violation of academic and publication ethics.
The journal considers any form of plagiarism unacceptable.
Forms of Plagiarism
Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:
Direct Plagiarism: Copying text, data, figures, tables, or other content from previously published or unpublished sources without proper citation or permission.
Mosaic Plagiarism: Reproducing or closely paraphrasing another author's work by making only minor changes while retaining the original structure, wording, or ideas without appropriate attribution.
Paraphrasing without Attribution: Restating another author's ideas, concepts, or findings in different words without acknowledging the original source.
Self-Plagiarism
Reusing substantial portions of one's own previously published work without appropriate citation, disclosure, or editorial approval. This includes duplicate publication, redundant publication, and inappropriate text recycling.
Data and Image Plagiarism: Using data, graphs, charts, tables, photographs, illustrations, or other visual materials without appropriate acknowledgment, permission, or citation where required.
Source-Based Plagiarism: Providing inaccurate, misleading, fabricated, or incomplete citations, or intentionally omitting relevant references to conceal the original source of information.
Similarity Assessment
All manuscripts submitted to the journal may be screened using recognized plagiarism detection software before peer review and, where considered necessary, at additional stages of the editorial process.
Similarity reports are evaluated by the Editorial Office to determine the nature, source, and significance of any text overlap.
The journal recognizes that not all similarity identified by plagiarism detection software constitutes plagiarism.
Reasonable similarity may arise from:
· Standard scientific or technical terminology.
· Correctly quoted material with appropriate citation.
· References and bibliographic information.
· Institutional names, legislation, or commonly used terminology.
· Standard methodological descriptions where limited alternative wording exists.
Editorial decisions are therefore based on qualitative assessment rather than similarity percentages alone.
Author Responsibilities
Authors are responsible for ensuring that every manuscript submitted to the journal represents original scholarly work.
Before submission, authors should:
· Verify that the manuscript is original and properly referenced.
· Acknowledge all sources of information, ideas, data, and previously published material.
· Obtain permission where required for the use of copyrighted material.
· Clearly identify quoted or reproduced content.
· Avoid duplicate submission or redundant publication.
· Ensure that any reuse of their own previously published work is appropriately cited and disclosed.
The corresponding author is responsible for confirming that all co-authors have reviewed the manuscript and agree that it complies with the journal's originality requirements.
Authors are encouraged to check their manuscripts for similarity prior to submission and address any unintended overlap before submitting their work to the journal.
Editorial Evaluation of Similarity Reports
The Editorial Office carefully evaluates all similarity reports to determine whether identified text overlap represents acceptable scholarly practice or potential plagiarism.
During this assessment, editors consider:
· The source and nature of the overlapping material.
· The extent and location of the similarity within the manuscript.
· Whether appropriate citations and acknowledgements have been provided.
· Whether the overlap affects the originality and scholarly contribution of the manuscript.
· Whether the similarity appears to result from legitimate academic writing or constitutes unethical copying.
Similarity reports are used to support editorial judgment and are not interpreted solely on the basis of a numerical similarity percentage.
Editorial Actions Before Publication
Where similarity or plagiarism is identified before publication, the Editorial Office may take one or more of the following actions, depending on the nature and severity of the concern:
· Request clarification from the authors.
· Request revision of the manuscript to remove or properly attribute overlapping content.
· Require additional citations or acknowledgements.
· Request supporting documentation where appropriate.
· Reject the manuscript if substantial plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct are confirmed.
Authors may be given an opportunity to respond to editorial concerns before a final decision is made.
Post-Publication Plagiarism
If credible evidence of plagiarism is identified after publication, the journal will assess the matter carefully and may conduct an editorial investigation.
Depending on the findings, appropriate actions may include:
· Publishing a correction where the issue can be appropriately resolved.
· Publishing an editorial notice or expression of concern where further investigation is required.
· Retracting the article where serious plagiarism or academic misconduct is confirmed.
· Notifying the corresponding author and, where appropriate, the relevant institution or funding body.
The journal is committed to preserving the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record through fair and transparent editorial action.
Author Cooperation
Authors are expected to cooperate fully with the Editorial Office during any investigation relating to originality or plagiarism.
Where requested, authors should provide:
· Explanations regarding identified text overlap.
· Original research data or supporting documentation where relevant.
· Evidence of permission to reproduce copyrighted material, where applicable.
· Any additional information reasonably required to assist the editorial assessment.
Failure to cooperate with an editorial investigation may influence the journal's decision regarding publication or post-publication action.
Appeals
Authors who disagree with an editorial decision relating to plagiarism may submit a written appeal to the Editorial Office.
Appeals should include a detailed explanation together with any supporting evidence that may assist in the reassessment of the case.
The journal will review all appeals objectively and fairly. Additional editorial evaluation or independent expert advice may be sought where appropriate.
The decision reached following the completion of the appeal process shall be considered final.
Related Policies
This Plagiarism Policy should be read together with the journal's:
Commitment to Academic Integrity
The IOASD Journal of Business and Management Studies is committed to promoting originality, academic honesty, and responsible scholarly publishing.
Through careful editorial assessment, similarity screening, and transparent editorial procedures, the journal seeks to ensure that all published research reflects the highest standards of academic integrity and contributes responsibly to the advancement of knowledge in business, management, commerce, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, accounting, marketing, human resource management, public administration, and related disciplines.
