Complaints and Misconduct Policy

The CEERAT Journal of Business, Management and Finance (CEERATJBMF) is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, respectful, and ethical publishing environment. We welcome genuine complaints and concerns because they help us identify weaknesses, improve our editorial processes, and protect the interests of authors, reviewers, editors, and readers.

Complaints Policy

A complaint may be raised when an individual believes that the journal has failed to follow an appropriate editorial or publishing process. Examples may include:

• Unreasonable or unexplained delays in the editorial or publication process.
• Unprofessional, disrespectful, or inappropriate communication.
• Serious concerns about an editorial decision or the way a manuscript has been handled.
• Other significant problems related to the journal’s editorial responsibilities or published content.

A simple disagreement with an editorial decision does not, by itself, constitute a formal complaint. Complaints should be based on a specific concern regarding the journal's processes, conduct, or editorial responsibilities.

How to Submit a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted clearly and respectfully, with relevant details and supporting information where available.

• Complaints may be submitted by email to info.ceerat@gmail.com.
• Every complaint will be acknowledged and reviewed carefully.
• Wherever possible, the editorial team member responsible for the matter will investigate and respond to the complaint.
• If the matter cannot be resolved at this level, it will be referred to the Editor-in-Chief.
• If the complainant remains dissatisfied, the matter may be formally escalated to the Editor-in-Chief for final consideration.
• The journal aims to provide a final response within two weeks whenever reasonably possible. If additional time is required, the complainant will receive an interim update every two weeks until the matter is resolved.

All complaints will be handled fairly, professionally, and, where appropriate, confidentially.

Research and Publication Misconduct

CEERATJBMF takes allegations of research and publication misconduct seriously. The journal expects all authors, reviewers, and editors to follow recognized standards of research integrity and publication ethics.

Misconduct may include, but is not limited to:

• Plagiarism or unauthorized use of another person's work.
• Fabrication or invention of research data or results.
• Falsification or manipulation of research data, findings, or methods.
• Duplicate or overlapping publication.
• Improper authorship or attribution.
• Copyright or ethical violations.
• Any other practice that may seriously affect the reliability, originality, or integrity of scholarly work.

Concerns regarding research or publication misconduct should be reported to the Editor at editor@ceeratjbmf.com. Where possible, complaints should include relevant evidence, such as examples of plagiarism, overlapping publications, manipulated data, or other supporting documentation.

Investigation and Editorial Action

When a credible allegation is received, the journal will review the available information and, where necessary, conduct an appropriate investigation. Authors, reviewers, or other relevant parties may be contacted to provide clarification or supporting information.

Depending on the seriousness and outcome of the investigation, the journal may take appropriate action, including correction of the published article, publication of an expression of concern, rejection of a manuscript, or retraction of an article.

Through this policy, CEERATJBMF aims to ensure that concerns are addressed fairly and transparently while protecting the integrity of the scholarly record. All authors, reviewers, and editors are strongly encouraged to read and follow the journal's Publication Ethics and Research Integrity Guidelines.