Publication Ethics

Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Global South (JCEEGS)

The Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Global South (JCEEGS) is firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and integrity in scholarly publishing. The journal recognizes that ethical publishing is a shared responsibility among authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher. JCEEGS aligns its practices with the principles established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), particularly the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing.

The journal maintains zero tolerance for any form of academic misconduct, including but not limited to plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, duplicate publication, unethical authorship practices, and improper citation. Preventive and corrective measures are implemented systematically in accordance with COPE’s recommended guidelines and best practices.

A. Publication and Authorship

All manuscripts submitted to JCEEGS undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure objectivity, fairness, and scholarly quality. Editorial decisions are based solely on academic merit, including originality, technical contribution, methodological rigor, clarity of presentation, and relevance to the journal’s scope.

Manuscripts must be original and must not have been published previously, either in whole or in part, in any language, nor be under consideration by another journal. Redundant, duplicate, or overlapping submissions are strictly prohibited. Acceptance of a manuscript is contingent upon compliance with legal, ethical, and copyright requirements.

While authors may be invited to revise their manuscripts, resubmission does not guarantee acceptance. Rejected manuscripts will not be reconsidered unless under exceptional editorial circumstances.

B. Authors’ Responsibilities

Authors submitting to JCEEGS are expected to adhere to the following ethical responsibilities:

  • Ensure that the manuscript is original and accurately reflects the conducted research
  • Confirm that the manuscript has not been published or submitted elsewhere
  • Provide valid, reliable, and verifiable data; fabrication or manipulation is strictly prohibited
  • Properly acknowledge all sources and intellectual contributions
  • Ensure that all listed authors have made significant scholarly contributions
  • Disclose any financial or non-financial conflicts of interest
  • Participate responsibly in the peer review and revision process
  • Promptly notify the editorial office of any significant errors discovered after publication and cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions

Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in manuscript rejection, retraction, or notification to affiliated institutions.

C. Reviewers’ Responsibilities

Reviewers play a vital role in maintaining the quality and credibility of the journal. They are expected to:

  • Conduct reviews objectively, fairly, and constructively
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all manuscript content
  • Provide clear, evidence-based feedback and recommendations
  • Identify relevant literature that has not been cited
  • Alert editors to any suspected ethical concerns, including plagiarism or duplication
  • Decline review assignments in cases of conflicts of interest

Reviewers must not use unpublished materials disclosed in submitted manuscripts for personal advantage or research purposes.

D. Editors’ Responsibilities

Editors of JCEEGS are responsible for ensuring the integrity, quality, and fairness of the publication process. Their responsibilities include:

  • Making editorial decisions based solely on scholarly merit and relevance
  • Ensuring a fair, unbiased, and timely peer review process
  • Maintaining reviewer anonymity under the double-blind system
  • Safeguarding the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts
  • Identifying and addressing ethical concerns in accordance with COPE guidelines
  • Issuing corrections, clarifications, or retractions when necessary
  • Preventing and managing conflicts of interest among all parties
  • Ensuring that all published content meets international ethical standards

Editors will take appropriate action in response to ethical concerns, including investigation, author communication, and, where necessary, retraction or correction of published work.

E. Ethical Oversight and Misconduct Handling

JCEEGS actively implements editorial procedures to detect and prevent ethical misconduct at all stages of the publication process, in line with COPE’s best practices.

In cases of suspected misconduct, the journal will:

  • Conduct a fair, thorough, and confidential investigation
  • Provide authors with an opportunity to respond to allegations
  • Take proportionate action, including rejection, correction, or retraction
  • Notify relevant institutions or authorities when necessary

F. Retraction, Correction, and Post-Publication Discussion

JCEEGS is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record. When necessary, the journal will issue corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions in accordance with internationally recognized standards and COPE guidelines.

Closing Statement

By submitting to JCEEGS, all parties agree to uphold the highest standards of ethical publishing and contribute to a responsible, transparent, and globally inclusive academic environment. The journal serves not only as a platform for the dissemination of engineering knowledge but also as a steward of ethical, credible, and impactful scholarship in civil and environmental engineering across the Global South.