Allegations of Research Misconduct Policy

1. General Policy

BMB takes all allegations of research misconduct seriously and is committed to handling concerns fairly, confidentially, objectively, and in accordance with recognized publication ethics guidelines.

Allegations may concern manuscripts under review or articles that have already been published. An allegation alone does not establish misconduct, and all parties must be given appropriate opportunities to provide clarification.

2. Types of Research Misconduct

BMB addresses allegations involving fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and other serious violations of publication ethics.

Honest errors and legitimate differences in scholarly interpretation are not automatically classified as research misconduct.

3. Reporting Allegations

Authors, reviewers, readers, researchers, and other concerned parties may report suspected misconduct to the BMB Editorial Board through the journal's official contact channels.

Reports should include the manuscript title or published article details, a clear description of the concern, and available supporting evidence, such as relevant documents, citations, or data records.

BMB will handle reports confidentially to the extent reasonably possible and will not tolerate retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

4. Procedures for Handling Allegations

All allegations will be assessed through a structured editorial procedure:

1. Initial Assessment
   The Editorial Board assesses whether the allegation is sufficiently specific, relevant, and supported by preliminary evidence.
2. Clarification and Evidence Review
   The authors or relevant parties may be contacted to provide explanations, research records, or other supporting documentation.
3. Further Examination
   Where necessary, BMB may consult independent experts or refer the matter to the authors' affiliated institutions for formal investigation.
4. Editorial Decision
   The Editorial Board determines appropriate publication-related actions based on the evidence, responses, and findings of any relevant investigation.
5. Documentation and Follow-up
   Relevant decisions and supporting records are documented, and appropriate follow-up actions are undertaken.

5. Editorial Actions and Sanctions

Depending on the nature and severity of the findings, BMB may take the following actions:

• Request clarification, correction, or revision of a manuscript.
• Suspend manuscript processing while serious concerns are examined.
• Reject a manuscript where serious ethical violations are substantiated.
• Publish a correction, expression of concern, or retraction when warranted.
• Notify relevant institutions or other appropriate parties when necessary.

Editorial actions are proportionate to the evidence and are not based solely on allegations, automated screening results, or unverified claims.

6. Confidentiality, Fairness, and Right to Respond

BMB is committed to handling allegations impartially and maintaining appropriate confidentiality throughout the process. Individuals accused of misconduct will be given a reasonable opportunity to respond before a determination is reached.

Editors and reviewers involved in assessing allegations must disclose relevant conflicts of interest. Decisions should be based on documented evidence and established publication ethics procedures.

7. Post-Publication Integrity

Concerns identified after publication will be assessed in accordance with their seriousness and potential effect on the reliability of the scholarly record.

Where warranted, BMB may publish corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions. Such notices should clearly identify the affected article and explain the reasons for the editorial action.

8. Related Policies and Ethical Guidelines

This policy complements the journal's existing Publication Ethics, Plagiarism Policy, Authorship Criteria, and other relevant editorial requirements.

• BMB - Publication Ethics
• COPE - Principles of Transparency and Best Practice
• Office of Research Integrity - Definition of Research Misconduct
• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)

Editorial Board
Bulletin of Management and Business (BMB)
Universitas Widyagama Malang