Allegation of Research Misconduct

Intechno Journal: Information Technology Journal is committed to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity, publication ethics, and academic responsibility. The journal takes all allegations of research misconduct seriously and handles them fairly, objectively, confidentially, and in a timely manner, following established publication ethics principles and applicable guidelines.

1. Definition of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following practices:

  • Fabrication: Making up research data, results, or findings and reporting them as genuine.

  • Falsification: Manipulating research materials, processes, data, images, or results in ways that misrepresent the research.

  • Plagiarism: Using another person's ideas, words, data, or research materials without appropriate acknowledgment.

  • Duplicate or redundant publication: Publishing substantially overlapping research without proper disclosure or justification.

  • Authorship misconduct: Inappropriately assigning, omitting, or misrepresenting authorship or contributions.

  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest: Failing to disclose financial, professional, or personal relationships that could influence the research or its evaluation.

  • Ethical violations: Conducting research without required ethical approval, informed consent, or compliance with applicable research regulations.

  • Manipulation of the publication process: Engaging in peer-review manipulation, citation manipulation, or other practices that compromise the integrity of scholarly publishing.

2. Reporting Allegations

Anyone who suspects research misconduct in a manuscript submitted to or an article published in Intechno Journal may report the concern to the editorial team by email at intechno@amikom.ac.id.

Reports should include a clear description of the suspected misconduct and, where possible, supporting evidence, relevant references, documents, or other information that enables the journal to assess the allegation.

The journal encourages good-faith reporting and will take reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality of the reporting party, the accused individual, and any other parties involved, subject to applicable legal and ethical obligations.

3. Preliminary Assessment

Upon receiving an allegation, the editorial team will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether the concern falls within the journal's responsibilities and whether sufficient information is available to warrant further investigation.

The assessment may include reviewing the submitted manuscript, published article, similarity reports, research data, supplementary materials, correspondence, and other relevant documentation.

If the allegation appears to require further investigation, the journal may contact the corresponding author or other relevant parties to request clarification or supporting evidence.

4. Investigation Process

The journal will investigate allegations impartially and based on the available evidence. Depending on the nature and severity of the allegation, the investigation may involve:

  1. Requesting a written explanation from the author or authors concerned.

  2. Examining relevant research data, laboratory records, source materials, ethical approval documents, or other supporting evidence.

  3. Consulting the handling editor, independent experts, or members of the editorial board, as appropriate.

  4. Contacting the author's affiliated institution, research organization, funding body, or other relevant authority when necessary.

  5. Providing the parties involved with an appropriate opportunity to respond to the concerns.

The journal will respect the principles of confidentiality, fairness, impartiality, and due process throughout the investigation. The scope and duration of the investigation will depend on the complexity of the case and the availability of relevant evidence.

5. Editorial Actions and Sanctions

If research misconduct is confirmed or sufficiently substantiated, Intechno Journal may take one or more of the following actions, depending on the severity and circumstances of the case:

  • Reject the manuscript if it is still under consideration.

  • Request corrections or additional disclosures when the issue can be appropriately resolved through correction.

  • Publish a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction for an already published article, as appropriate.

  • Suspend or decline further submissions from the individuals involved for a period determined by the editorial team.

  • Notify the relevant author's institution, research organization, funding body, or other appropriate authority.

  • Take additional measures necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

The journal will document its decisions and provide appropriate explanations to the relevant parties, subject to confidentiality requirements.

6. Allegations Involving Published Articles

When an allegation concerns an already published article, the journal will assess whether the issue affects the reliability, originality, ethical validity, or integrity of the published work.

If the concern is serious and cannot be resolved promptly, the journal may publish an expression of concern while the investigation is ongoing. If the findings establish that the article requires correction or retraction, the journal will take the appropriate action and maintain a transparent record of the editorial decision.

Corrections and retractions will be handled in accordance with recognized publication ethics practices to preserve the accuracy and reliability of the scholarly record.

7. False or Malicious Allegations

The journal does not tolerate knowingly false, misleading, or malicious allegations intended to damage the reputation of authors, reviewers, editors, or other researchers. Reports will be assessed based on evidence rather than personal disagreements or unsubstantiated claims.

However, an allegation that cannot be substantiated will not, by itself, be considered evidence that the reporting party acted in bad faith.

8. Responsibilities of Authors and Institutions

Authors are expected to cooperate with legitimate investigations and provide accurate information, research data, and relevant documentation when reasonably requested.

Authors' affiliated institutions and research organizations may be asked to investigate matters that fall beyond the journal's authority, including research practices, data integrity, ethical approval, or institutional conduct.

The journal reserves the right to take appropriate editorial action based on the evidence available, even when an institutional investigation is unavailable or incomplete.

9. Policy Review and Commitment

Intechno Journal is committed to protecting research integrity, ensuring responsible scholarly communication, and maintaining public trust in published research. All allegations of research misconduct will be handled in accordance with this policy, the journal's publication ethics requirements, and applicable recognized guidelines for ethical scholarly publishing.

For questions or to report suspected research misconduct, please contact:

Editorial Office
Intechno Journal: Information Technology Journal
Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta
Email: intechno@amikom.ac.id