Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences is dedicated to ensuring fairness, accountability, and transparency throughout all stages of the editorial and publication process. Appeals and complaints are handled in accordance with the standards and best practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
To guarantee impartiality, an independent ombudsperson with no involvement in the editorial, review, or decision-making process may be appointed when deemed necessary.
All appeals and complaints should be submitted to the Editorial Office via email at: igusbd@gelisim.edu.tr
Grounds For Appeals and Complaints
Authors may submit an appeal if they believe that a material error occurred during the editorial evaluation or if compelling evidence suggests that the decision was based on an incorrect or incomplete assessment of the manuscript’s academic content.
Appeals that are solely based on differences of opinion with reviewers or editors, without substantive supporting evidence, are generally not considered.
Complaints may address issues related to editorial procedures, ethical standards, conflicts of interest, or concerns regarding fairness and professional conduct during the review or publication process.
Submission of Appeals and Complaints
Appeals or complaints must be submitted in writing and should include sufficient detail to allow a thorough evaluation. Submissions should clearly state:
The reasoned basis of the appeal or complaint, supported by relevant evidence
The manuscript title and reference number
Copies of pertinent correspondence or documentation related to the case
Incomplete or unclear submissions may not be taken into consideration.
Evaluation and Decision Process
All appeals and complaints are initially assessed by the Editorial Board to determine their scope and validity. Where appropriate, external expert opinions or COPE guidance may be consulted.
Following a comprehensive review of all relevant materials, a final decision is reached and communicated to the authors. Clear explanations are provided regarding the outcome and any actions taken.
Timeframe
Receipt of an appeal or complaint will be acknowledged within seven working days. A reasoned decision is typically communicated within thirty days. If additional time is required due to exceptional circumstances, the authors will be informed accordingly.
Confidentiality
All matters related to appeals and complaints are treated with strict confidentiality. Information is shared only with individuals directly involved in the evaluation and resolution process.