ALLEGATIONS OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT

Allegations of Research Misconduct

  1. Policy Statement

Jurnal SIMETRIK (Sipil, Mesin, Listrik), published by the Research and Community Service Center (P3M) of Politeknik Negeri Ambon, is committed to upholding the principles of research integrity, academic honesty, transparency, and responsible scholarly publishing.

The journal takes all allegations of research misconduct seriously and is committed to handling such allegations fairly, objectively, confidentially, and in a timely manner. All allegations will be assessed based on the available evidence, regardless of whether they concern authors, reviewers, editors, or other individuals involved in the publication process.

  1. Definition of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct refers to violations of accepted standards of research integrity during the planning, conduct, reporting, or publication of scientific research.

Examples of research misconduct include, but are not limited to:

  • Fabrication: Making up research data, experimental results, observations, or other findings and presenting them as genuine.
  • Falsification: Manipulating research materials, equipment, processes, data, or results in ways that misrepresent the research findings.
  • Plagiarism: Using another person's words, ideas, data, or intellectual contributions without appropriate acknowledgment.
  • Duplicate Publication: Publishing substantially similar research in multiple publications without appropriate disclosure.
  • Authorship Misconduct: Inappropriately listing authors, omitting eligible contributors, or including individuals who have not made qualifying contributions.
  • Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest: Failing to disclose relationships or interests that could improperly influence the research or its publication.
  • Unethical Research Practices: Conducting research without required ethical approval or failing to comply with applicable research ethics requirements.
  • Manipulation of the Publication Process: Improperly influencing peer review, providing false reviewer identities, or interfering with editorial decisions.

Honest errors, differences in scientific interpretation, and good-faith disagreements do not automatically constitute research misconduct. Each case must be evaluated according to its specific circumstances and supporting evidence.

  1. Reporting Allegations

Anyone who suspects research misconduct involving a manuscript submitted to or an article published in Jurnal SIMETRIK may report the concern to the editorial team.

Reports should include a clear description of the suspected misconduct and, where possible, relevant supporting information, such as source publications, data discrepancies, documents, or other verifiable evidence.

Allegations should be submitted in good faith. The journal will handle reports confidentially to the extent reasonably possible and will take appropriate measures to protect the identities of individuals involved, subject to applicable policies and legal obligations.

  1. Assessment and Investigation Procedures

Upon receiving an allegation, the editorial team will undertake an initial assessment to determine whether the concern falls within the scope of the journal's research integrity policy.

The procedure may include the following steps:

  1. Initial Assessment: The editor evaluates the allegation and the available evidence to determine whether further investigation is warranted.
  2. Evidence Review: Relevant manuscripts, publications, research data, similarity reports, and other supporting documents may be examined.
  3. Request for Explanation: The corresponding author or other relevant parties may be invited to provide an explanation or additional documentation.
  4. Further Investigation: Where necessary, the journal may consult independent experts or contact the relevant author's institution or research organization.
  5. Editorial Decision: The editorial team evaluates the findings and determines appropriate action based on the evidence and the seriousness of the alleged misconduct.
  6. Documentation: The journal maintains appropriate records of the allegation, investigation, findings, and actions taken, subject to confidentiality requirements.

The journal will seek to ensure that all parties are treated fairly and have an appropriate opportunity to respond to concerns relevant to them.

  1. Actions Following Confirmed Misconduct

If research misconduct is established, Jurnal SIMETRIK may take one or more of the following actions, depending on the severity and circumstances of the case:

  • Request corrections or clarification before publication.
  • Reject the manuscript if it is still under consideration.
  • Publish a correction, expression of concern, or retraction for an article that has already been published, as appropriate.
  • Notify the author's affiliated institution or other relevant body when justified.
  • Restrict further consideration of submissions in cases of serious or repeated misconduct, where permitted by the journal's policies.
  • Take additional steps necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

Any action will be proportionate to the findings and consistent with applicable ethical standards and institutional procedures.

  1. Confidentiality and Protection Against Retaliation

Jurnal SIMETRIK will handle allegations with appropriate confidentiality and will limit the disclosure of information to individuals who need it for assessment or investigation.

The journal does not consider an allegation to be proof of misconduct. Decisions will be based on a fair assessment of the available evidence.

Individuals who raise concerns in good faith should not be subjected to retaliation by the journal for reporting a potential violation. Deliberately false or malicious allegations may be addressed appropriately if supported by evidence.

  1. Responsibilities of Authors, Reviewers, and Editors

Authors must ensure the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their research and cooperate with reasonable requests for clarification or supporting information.

Reviewers must evaluate manuscripts objectively, maintain confidentiality, disclose relevant conflicts of interest, and report credible concerns about possible misconduct to the editorial team.

Editors must handle allegations impartially, protect confidential information, assess evidence carefully, and take appropriate action when misconduct is confirmed.

  1. Commitment to Research Integrity

Jurnal SIMETRIK is committed to maintaining trust in the scientific record and promoting responsible research practices across civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and related fields.

All allegations of research misconduct will be handled with due care, fairness, and respect for the rights of the individuals concerned. The journal may revise this policy periodically to reflect developments in publication ethics and research integrity standards.