POLICIES

1.  Privacy Statement

JAQAHE is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of its authors, reviewers, editors, and readers. All personal information collected through the journal’s website and manuscript submission system is processed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations and ethical standards.

Personal data provided by users, including names, institutional affiliations, email addresses, ORCID identifiers, and contact information, are used solely for the purposes of editorial management, peer review coordination, publication processes, and academic communication.

JAQAHE does not share personal information with third parties for commercial purposes. Access to user data is restricted to authorized editorial staff and system administrators who require such information to perform their official duties.

The journal implements appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. Data storage and processing systems are maintained in secure digital environments.

By registering with the journal platform or submitting a manuscript, users consent to the collection and processing of their personal data in accordance with this Privacy Statement.

Users have the right to request access to their personal data, request corrections, or request deletion of their personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Such requests can be submitted to the journal’s editorial office through the official contact channels.

JAQAHE reserves the right to update this Privacy Statement when necessary to reflect regulatory changes or operational requirements. Any updates will be published on the journal website.

2.  Article Types and Section Policies

JAQAHE publishes scholarly contributions that advance research, policy development, and best practices in quality assurance and accreditation in higher education. All submissions are evaluated according to the scope of the journal and subjected to a rigorous peer review process.

The journal accepts the following article types:

Research Articles:

Research Articles present original empirical or theoretical research findings related to quality assurance, accreditation, institutional evaluation, and higher education governance.

Requirements:

o   Original and unpublished work

o   Clear research objectives and methodology

o   Data-supported analysis and discussion

o   Contribution to the existing literature

o   Typical length: 6,000–10,000 words (including references)

Review Articles:

Review Articles provide comprehensive and critical analyses of existing literature on specific topics related to higher education quality assurance and accreditation.

Requirements:

o   Systematic or narrative literature synthesis

o   Identification of research gaps and emerging trends

o   Methodological transparency

o   Typical length: 7,000–12,000 words

Policy Analysis and Perspective Papers:

These articles examine national or international quality assurance policies, regulatory frameworks, and institutional strategies. They may include expert opinions, conceptual frameworks, or comparative policy analyses.

Requirements:

o   Clear policy relevance

o   Evidence-based argumentation

o   Practical implications for stakeholders

o   Typical length: 4,000–8,000 words

Case Studies and Best Practice Reports:

Case Studies present institutional practices, accreditation experiences, quality improvement initiatives, and implementation models from higher education institutions or quality agencies.

Requirements:

o   Clear institutional or organizational context

o   Methodological transparency

o   Transferable lessons and implications

o   Typical length: 4,000–7,000 words

Methodological and Technical Papers:

These submissions focus on innovative tools, evaluation models, digital platforms, data analytics, and methodological approaches used in quality assurance and accreditation processes.

Requirements:

o   Technical clarity and reproducibility

o   Practical applicability

o   Validation or evaluation results

o   Typical length: 4,000–8,000 words

Editorials and Invited Papers:

Editorials and invited contributions are published at the discretion of the Editorial Board and address strategic topics, emerging trends, or thematic issues.

These submissions are subject to editorial review and quality control procedures.

Section Assignment Policy

All submitted manuscripts are assigned to the appropriate journal section by the Editorial Office based on the article type, thematic relevance, and methodological content.

Section assignment does not affect the impartiality of the peer review process. All eligible manuscripts undergo the same academic evaluation standards regardless of section category.

Peer Review Requirement

Except for editorials and invited commentaries, all article types published in JAQAHE are subject to double-blind peer review by at least two independent reviewers with relevant subject expertise.

Ethical and Quality Standards

All article types must comply with the journal’s:

o   Publication Ethics Policy

o   Plagiarism Policy

o   Data Protection and Privacy Policy

o   Use of AI Technology Policy

Submissions that do not meet the journal’s academic or ethical standards may be rejected without external review.

3.  Peer Review Policy

JAQAHE applies a rigorous and transparent double-blind peer review process to ensure the scientific quality, academic integrity, and reliability of published research.

All manuscripts submitted to the journal are evaluated according to international scholarly publishing standards and ethical principles.

Review Model

JAQAHE uses a double-blind peer review model, in which the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the evaluation process. This approach ensures objectivity, impartiality, and fairness in editorial decision-making.

Each eligible manuscript is reviewed by at least two independent expert reviewers with relevant academic and professional expertise.

Initial Editorial Screening

Upon submission, manuscripts undergo an initial evaluation by the Editorial Office to assess:

o   Compliance with journal scope and aims

o   Formatting and submission requirements

o   Ethical standards and documentation

o   Plagiarism screening results

Manuscripts that do not meet basic editorial or ethical requirements may be returned to the authors or rejected without external review.

Reviewer Selection

Reviewers are selected based on:

o   Subject area expertise

o   Research background and publication record

o   Absence of conflicts of interest

o   Prior review performance and reliability

The journal maintains a diverse and international reviewer pool to support high-quality and balanced evaluations.

Review Criteria

Reviewers are requested to evaluate manuscripts based on the following criteria:

o   Originality and contribution to the field

o   Methodological rigor and validity

o   Clarity of presentation and structure

o   Relevance to quality assurance and accreditation in higher education

o   Ethical compliance and data transparency

Review Timeline

JAQAHE aims to ensure an efficient and timely review process:

o   Initial editorial screening: within 5 working days

o   Peer review process: approximately 21–30 days

o   Author revision period: up to 14–21 days

o   Final editorial decision: within 7 days after revision submission

Actual timelines may vary depending on reviewer availability and manuscript complexity.

Editorial Decision Process

Based on reviewer reports, the Editor may issue one of the following decisions:

o   Accept

o   Minor Revision

o   Major Revision

o   Reject

Final publication decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief or designated Section Editors, taking into account reviewer recommendations and editorial quality standards.

Revision and Re-Review

Authors are required to submit a detailed response to reviewer comments when submitting revised manuscripts. Revised submissions may be returned to the original reviewers for further evaluation when necessary.

Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers are expected to:

o   Maintain confidentiality of manuscript content

o   Provide constructive, objective, and respectful feedback

o   Declare any conflicts of interest

o   Complete reviews within the agreed timeframe

Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions at JAQAHE are based solely on academic merit, relevance, originality, and methodological quality. The journal maintains editorial independence from institutional, political, and commercial influences.

Ethical Oversight

The peer review process is conducted in accordance with the principles and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Any suspected ethical misconduct identified during review is handled according to the journal’s ethical procedures.

4.  Publication Ethics

JAQAHE is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in scholarly publishing. The journal promotes transparency, accountability, academic integrity, and responsible research practices in all stages of the publication process.

JAQAHE adheres to internationally recognized ethical guidelines and follows the principles and best practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). All stakeholders involved in the publication process — including authors, editors, reviewers, and publishers — are expected to comply with the ethical standards outlined in this policy.

Open Access and Ethical Publishing Commitment

JAQAHE operates under an open access publishing model to ensure the free and unrestricted dissemination of scholarly knowledge. The journal is committed to providing equitable access to academic research while maintaining rigorous editorial and ethical standards. Open access publishing at JAQAHE is guided by principles of academic responsibility, transparency, and public benefit.

Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting manuscripts to JAQAHE are required to adhere to the following ethical responsibilities:

o   Originality and Academic Integrity: Authors must submit original work that has not been previously published and is not under consideration by another journal. All sources must be appropriately cited.

o   Accuracy of Data and Findings: Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and transparency of research data and results. Data fabrication, falsification, or manipulation is strictly prohibited.

o   Plagiarism Prevention: Authors must ensure that all submitted content is original and properly referenced. Any form of plagiarism, including self-plagiarism and improper reuse of previously published material, is considered unethical.

o   Authorship and Contribution Transparency: All listed authors must have made substantial contributions to the research and must approve the final version of the manuscript prior to submission. Ghost authorship and honorary authorship are not permitted.

o   Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Authors must disclose any financial, institutional, or personal relationships that may influence the research or interpretation of results.

o   Ethical Approval and Research Compliance: When applicable, authors must obtain and report ethical approval from relevant institutional review boards or ethics committees and comply with national and international research regulations.

o   Respect for Human Rights and Social Responsibility: Authors are expected to respect human dignity, academic freedom, and social responsibility principles. Research involving human participants must follow internationally accepted ethical standards.

o   Culturally Sensitive and Inclusive Language: Manuscripts should use respectful, inclusive, and culturally sensitive language. Discriminatory, offensive, or biased expressions are not permitted.

o   Risk and Hazard Disclosure: Authors must clearly disclose any potential risks, ethical concerns, or safety-related issues associated with their research.

o   Data Availability and Transparency: Authors must be prepared to provide original datasets, supplementary materials, or methodological details upon editorial request for verification purposes, subject to ethical and legal constraints.

Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

Editors at JAQAHE are responsible for maintaining the integrity and quality of the publication process. Their responsibilities include:

o   Making editorial decisions based solely on academic merit, originality, relevance, and methodological quality

o   Ensuring a fair, unbiased, and transparent peer review process

o   Protecting the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and author information

o   Managing conflicts of interest and avoiding editorial bias

o   Taking appropriate actions in cases of suspected ethical misconduct

o   Safeguarding the integrity of the academic record

Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers play a critical role in maintaining the scientific quality of the journal and are expected to:

o   Conduct objective, constructive, and professional evaluations

o   Accept review assignments only within their areas of expertise

o   Maintain confidentiality of manuscript content

o   Declare any conflicts of interest

o   Avoid using unpublished material for personal advantage

o   Complete reviews within the agreed timeframe

Plagiarism Screening and Similarity Assessment

All submitted manuscripts are screened using plagiarism detection software prior to peer review. Manuscripts with unacceptable similarity levels or evidence of unethical practices may be rejected without external evaluation.

Duplicate Submission and Redundant Publication

Simultaneous submission of the same manuscript to multiple journals and redundant publication of substantially similar content are considered unethical and will result in immediate rejection.

Conflicts of Interest

All parties involved in the publication process are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest that may influence editorial decisions or research outcomes. Transparency is essential to maintaining trust in scholarly communication.

Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

JAQAHE follows COPE guidelines when handling post-publication issues. Corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern will be issued when necessary to preserve the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record.

Handling of Ethical Misconduct

Allegations of ethical misconduct — including plagiarism, data manipulation, authorship disputes, or research ethics violations — are investigated in accordance with COPE procedures. Appropriate actions may include manuscript rejection, article retraction, institutional notification, or restrictions on future submissions.

Editorial Independence and Transparency

Editorial decisions at JAQAHE are made independently and are not influenced by institutional, political, or commercial interests. The journal is committed to transparency in editorial governance and publication practices.

Continuous Ethical Improvement

JAQAHE regularly reviews and updates its ethical policies to reflect evolving international standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements in scholarly publishing.

5.  Corrections and Retractions Policy

JAQAHE is committed to preserving the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal follows internationally recognized best practices and the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when handling post-publication issues.

This policy defines the procedures for issuing corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern.

Principles of Post-Publication Integrity

JAQAHE recognizes that errors or ethical issues may occasionally be identified after publication. When such cases arise, the journal takes appropriate action to:

o   Correct the academic record

o   Inform readers transparently

o   Maintain trust in the scholarly publishing process

o   Protect research integrity

All actions are handled in a fair, consistent, and evidence-based manner.

Corrections (Errata and Corrigenda)

A correction may be issued when a published article contains errors that:

o   Do not invalidate the main findings or conclusions

o   Result from typographical mistakes, formatting issues, or minor data inaccuracies

o   Affect clarity, interpretation, or presentation

Correction Procedure

When a correction is approved:

o   A formal correction notice is published and linked to the original article

o   The nature of the correction is clearly described

o   The original article remains accessible with appropriate cross-referencing

o   Metadata records are updated accordingly

Corrections may be initiated by authors, editors, or readers.

Retractions

A retraction is issued when a published article is found to be seriously flawed or unethical, including but not limited to:

o   Proven plagiarism or copyright infringement

o   Data fabrication or falsification

o   Serious methodological errors invalidating conclusions

o   Duplicate or redundant publication

o   Unethical research practices

o   Undisclosed conflicts of interest that compromise integrity

Retraction Procedure

When a retraction is approved:

o   A retraction notice is published and permanently linked to the retracted article

o   The reason for retraction is clearly stated

o   The original article remains available with a visible “Retracted” watermark or label

o   Indexing services and metadata providers are notified

Retractions are conducted in accordance with COPE recommendations to ensure transparency and fairness.

Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern may be issued when:

o   An investigation is ongoing but not yet concluded

o   There is inconclusive evidence of misconduct

o   Serious concerns have been raised that require reader awareness

This notice remains in place until the investigation is completed and a final decision is made.

Investigation Process

When potential issues are reported, JAQAHE follows a structured investigation process:

o   Initial assessment by the Editorial Office

o   Communication with the corresponding author

o   Consultation with reviewers or subject experts if necessary

o   Institutional notification when appropriate

o   Final editorial decision based on evidence

All parties involved are given an opportunity to respond.

Author and Institutional Notification

Authors and, when necessary, affiliated institutions are informed of correction or retraction decisions. Institutional involvement may be required in cases of serious ethical misconduct.

Transparency and Record Preservation

JAQAHE ensures that:

o   Correction and retraction notices remain permanently accessible

o   Digital object identifiers (DOIs) remain active

o   Scholarly records are preserved without deletion of published content

This approach maintains transparency and supports long-term academic accountability.

Appeals and Dispute Resolution

Authors may submit formal appeals regarding correction or retraction decisions. Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and, when necessary, the Editorial Board. Final decisions are made based on ethical standards and available evidence.

Continuous Policy Review

This policy is periodically reviewed and updated to align with evolving international publishing standards and COPE guidelines.

6.  Plagiarism Policy

JAQAHE maintains a zero-tolerance approach toward plagiarism and unethical reuse of scholarly content. The journal is committed to protecting academic integrity and ensuring originality in all published works.

All submitted manuscripts are screened for similarity prior to peer review using professional plagiarism detection software.

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

o   Direct copying of text, figures, tables, or data without proper citation

o   Paraphrasing substantial portions of previously published material without attribution

o   Self-plagiarism, including the reuse of an author’s own previously published work without proper disclosure

o   Duplicate submission or redundant publication

o   Unauthorized reuse of copyrighted material

Similarity Screening Process

All manuscripts submitted to JAQAHE undergo similarity analysis during the initial editorial screening stage.

Similarity reports are evaluated by editors using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Automated similarity percentages are not used as the sole basis for editorial decisions. Context, citation accuracy, and content relevance are carefully assessed.

Acceptable Similarity Thresholds

As a general guideline:

o   A total similarity index above 20% may trigger additional editorial review.

o   A single-source similarity above 5% is carefully examined.

These thresholds serve as reference values and may be adjusted based on manuscript type, disciplinary norms, and contextual factors.

Handling of Plagiarism Cases

When plagiarism or unethical text reuse is detected:

o   Minor similarity issues may result in a request for revision or clarification

o   Substantial plagiarism or repeated offenses will result in immediate rejection

o   Published articles found to contain plagiarism may be retracted in accordance with the journal’s Corrections and Retractions Policy

Author Responsibility

Authors bear full responsibility for the originality and ethical compliance of their submitted work. Submission of a manuscript to JAQAHE implies acceptance of this plagiarism policy.

Continuous Monitoring and Policy Updates

JAQAHE continuously monitors developments in plagiarism detection technologies and scholarly publishing standards and updates its policy accordingly.

7.  Use of AI Technology

JAQAHE recognizes the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated tools in scholarly communication. While such technologies may support certain aspects of academic work, their use must comply with ethical publishing standards and academic integrity principles.

This policy defines the acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI technologies in the submission, review, and editorial processes.

General Principles

AI tools may be used only as supportive instruments and must not replace human intellectual contribution, academic responsibility, or ethical accountability.

Authors, reviewers, and editors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity, and ethical compliance of all submitted and published content.

Use of AI by Authors

Authors may use AI-based tools for limited purposes such as:

o   Language editing and grammar improvement

o   Formatting assistance

o   Reference organization

However, authors must ensure that:

o   AI tools are not used to generate original scientific ideas, research results, datasets, or interpretations

o   AI-generated content does not infringe copyright or replicate existing published materials

o   All scientific claims, analyses, and conclusions reflect the authors’ original intellectual contribution

o   The final manuscript is thoroughly reviewed and validated by the authors

Disclosure Requirement

If AI tools are used in manuscript preparation, authors are encouraged to disclose this information in the manuscript (e.g., in the Methods or Acknowledgments section), specifying the purpose and scope of use.

Prohibited Uses of AI

The following practices are strictly prohibited:

o   Using AI tools to fabricate data, results, or experimental outcomes

o   Generating fictitious references or citations

o   Producing misleading or manipulated research outputs

o   Submitting AI-generated manuscripts without substantial human authorship

o   Using AI tools to bypass plagiarism detection systems

Violations may result in manuscript rejection, retraction, or further ethical investigation.

Use of AI in Peer Review

Reviewers must not upload confidential manuscripts or review materials to public or third-party AI platforms. The use of AI tools during peer review must not compromise confidentiality, data protection, or intellectual property rights.

Reviewers remain responsible for providing independent, expert-based evaluations and must not rely on AI-generated assessments to replace professional judgment.

Use of AI in Editorial Processes

Editors may use AI-supported tools for administrative and technical tasks such as plagiarism detection, language screening, or workflow management. However, editorial decisions are made exclusively by human editors and are not delegated to automated systems.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

Any use of AI technologies must comply with data protection regulations and the journal’s Privacy Policy. Confidential information, unpublished research data, and personal data must not be shared with unauthorized third-party platforms.

Monitoring and Compliance

JAQAHE reserves the right to request clarification regarding the use of AI tools during manuscript preparation or review. Failure to comply with this policy may result in editorial action in accordance with the journal’s Publication Ethics and Corrections and Retractions policies.

Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated in response to technological developments and evolving international publishing standards.

8.  Rights and Responsibilities

JAQAHE is committed to maintaining a transparent, fair, and responsible scholarly publishing environment. This policy defines the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the publication process, including authors, reviewers, editors, publishers, and readers.

All parties are expected to act in accordance with academic integrity, ethical standards, and professional conduct.

Rights and Responsibilities of Authors

Authors have the right to:

o   Receive fair, unbiased, and timely peer review

o   Be informed about editorial decisions and review outcomes

o   Appeal editorial decisions in accordance with journal procedures

o   Retain copyright of their published work under the journal’s open access licensing policy

o   Receive proper attribution and citation of their published research

Authors are responsible for:

o   Submitting original and ethically compliant research

o   Following journal submission guidelines and formatting requirements

o   Disclosing conflicts of interest and funding sources

o   Ensuring accuracy and integrity of research data and findings

o   Responding to reviewer and editor comments in a timely and professional manner

o   Respecting publication ethics and plagiarism policies

o   Obtaining necessary ethical approvals where applicable

Rights and Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers have the right to:

o   Decline review invitations when conflicts of interest or time constraints exist

o   Receive recognition for their scholarly contributions where applicable

o   Be informed about editorial decisions related to manuscripts they reviewed

Reviewers are responsible for:

o   Providing objective, constructive, and timely evaluations

o   Maintaining confidentiality of submitted manuscripts

o   Declaring conflicts of interest

o   Reviewing only manuscripts within their area of expertise

o   Respecting ethical and professional standards

Rights and Responsibilities of Editors

Editors have the right to:

o   Make independent editorial decisions based on academic merit

o   Select qualified reviewers and editorial board members

o   Establish editorial policies and procedures

Editors are responsible for:

o   Ensuring fairness, transparency, and impartiality in editorial decision-making

o   Maintaining confidentiality of manuscripts and personal data

o   Managing conflicts of interest

o   Upholding publication ethics and academic integrity

o   Addressing ethical concerns and misconduct cases

o   Preserving the integrity of the scholarly record

Rights and Responsibilities of the Publisher

The publisher is responsible for:

o   Providing technical and administrative infrastructure for journal operations

o   Supporting editorial independence

o   Ensuring long-term digital preservation and accessibility

o   Maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

o   Supporting open access dissemination

Rights and Responsibilities of Readers

Readers have the right to:

o   Access published content freely under the journal’s open access policy

o   Use and share content in accordance with licensing terms

o   Report errors or ethical concerns related to published articles

Readers are responsible for:

o   Respecting copyright and licensing conditions

o   Using published content ethically and responsibly

o   Properly citing journal publications

Dispute Resolution and Appeals

JAQAHE provides formal mechanisms for handling complaints, disputes, and appeals related to editorial decisions, ethical issues, or publication processes. All cases are evaluated fairly and in accordance with established policies and ethical guidelines.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

The journal is committed to continuous improvement, transparency in editorial practices, and accountability toward the academic community. This policy is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect evolving publishing standards.