Author Appeals Policy

Author Appeals Policy

At AJGSES, we are committed to a fair, objective, and transparent editorial process. While peer review is designed to ensure high standards in social and economic research, we recognize that authors may wish to formally contest editorial decisions. This policy outlines the procedure for submitting appeals and ensures they are evaluated ethically and consistently.

1. Valid Grounds for Appeal

Authors may submit a formal appeal if they believe:

  • The editorial decision was influenced by a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the manuscript’s content, data, methodology, or analysis.

  • Reviewer feedback contained factual inaccuracies or misjudgments that materially affected the editorial outcome.

  • There is evidence of reviewer/editorial bias, conflict of interest, or procedural errors in the peer review process.

❗ Appeals based solely on disagreement with reviewer opinions without specific justification are unlikely to be considered.

2. Submitting an Appeal

Timeframe: Appeals must be submitted within 20 calendar days of the decision notification. Late appeals will only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Submission Format: Authors should submit a written appeal addressed to the Editor-in-Chief via the journal website:
https://academia.edu.pk/index.php/Journals

The appeal letter must include:

  • A clear explanation of the grounds for appeal

  • Specific references to reviewer/editorial comments in question

  • Supporting evidence, e.g., clarifications, corrected data, or additional analysis

  • (Optional) A marked-up revised manuscript and detailed response to reviewer comments

3. Appeal Review Process

Initial Assessment: The Editor-in-Chief reviews the appeal package, including the original manuscript, reviewer reports, and editorial decision. Input may be sought from the handling editor or additional board members.

Further Evaluation (if required): Depending on the case, the Editor-in-Chief may:

  • Reconsult the original reviewers

  • Invite independent reviewers with no prior involvement

  • Seek advice from a neutral board member or ethics advisor

Final Decision: The journal may:

  • Uphold the original decision

  • Invite revision and resubmission

  • Accept the manuscript (with or without revisions)

The author receives a detailed written explanation of the outcome.

4. Appeal Limitations

  • Only one appeal per manuscript is allowed

  • Submission of an appeal does not guarantee a change in the decision

  • Repetitive, baseless, or aggressive appeals will not be considered

5. Ethical Considerations

Appeals that raise potential ethical issues—such as reviewer bias, unreported conflicts of interest, or procedural violations—will be referred to the AJGSES Ethics Committee. Corrective actions may include:

  • Reassigning the manuscript to a different editor/review team

  • Conducting a formal investigation following COPE guidelines

6. Communication and Timeline

  • Acknowledgment: Confirmation of appeal receipt within 5 business days

  • Resolution Time: Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on the complexity and reviewer availability

AJGSES is dedicated to transparency and fairness, providing a structured process for genuine concerns while maintaining the credibility of peer review.