Complaints & Appeals Polic

Learning Nexus of Computing (LNC) is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, ethical, and accountable publication process. The journal recognizes that authors, reviewers, editors, and readers may occasionally have concerns regarding editorial decisions, peer review, publication ethics, or journal policies.

This policy establishes a formal procedure for submitting complaints and appeals and ensures that all concerns are handled objectively, confidentially, and in a timely manner.

2. Purpose of the Policy

The objectives of this policy are to:

  • Promote fairness and transparency in editorial decision-making.

  • Provide a structured mechanism for resolving complaints.

  • Ensure that appeals are evaluated objectively.

  • Maintain confidence in the journal's editorial processes.

  • Protect the integrity of scholarly publishing.

  • Support internationally recognized publication ethics.

3. Scope

This policy applies to concerns relating to:

  • Editorial decisions.

  • Peer-review procedures.

  • Publication ethics.

  • Conflicts of interest.

  • Authorship disputes.

  • Alleged publication misconduct.

  • Plagiarism investigations.

  • Retractions and corrections.

  • Editorial delays.

  • Reviewer conduct.

  • Editor conduct.

  • Journal policies and procedures.

This policy does not apply to disagreements based solely on scientific opinion or differences in interpretation where the editorial process has been conducted appropriately.

4. Who May Submit a Complaint?

Complaints may be submitted by:

  • Authors

  • Reviewers

  • Editors

  • Editorial Board Members

  • Readers

  • Research Institutions

  • Funding Agencies

  • Other stakeholders with a legitimate interest

5. Complaints

A complaint should:

  • Be submitted in writing.

  • Clearly describe the concern.

  • Include sufficient supporting information.

  • Be factual, respectful, and specific.

  • Identify the article or manuscript involved, where applicable.

The Editorial Office may request additional information before initiating a review.

6. Editorial Assessment

Upon receiving a complaint, the Editorial Office will:

  • Acknowledge receipt where appropriate.

  • Conduct an initial assessment.

  • Determine whether the complaint falls within the journal's scope.

  • Request additional information if necessary.

  • Decide whether a formal investigation is required.

Complaints that are frivolous, abusive, repetitive, or unsupported by reasonable evidence may not proceed to a formal investigation.

7. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors may appeal editorial decisions when they believe that:

  • A significant factual error occurred during the editorial process.

  • Reviewer comments were based on demonstrably incorrect information.

  • Important evidence was overlooked.

  • Procedural fairness was not maintained.

Appeals should present clear evidence supporting the request for reconsideration.

Submission of an appeal does not guarantee that the original editorial decision will be changed.

8. Appeal Procedure

An appeal should include:

  • Manuscript title.

  • Manuscript ID (if available).

  • Corresponding author's name.

  • Detailed explanation of the appeal.

  • Supporting documentation or evidence.

  • Specific aspects of the editorial decision being challenged.

The Editorial Office may consult the handling editor, reviewers, or independent experts during the appeal process.

9. Investigation

Where appropriate, investigations may include:

  • Review of editorial correspondence.

  • Evaluation of reviewer reports.

  • Consultation with subject experts.

  • Assessment of publication ethics issues.

  • Communication with the authors or reviewers.

  • Consultation with relevant institutions where necessary.

Investigations will be conducted fairly, impartially, and confidentially.

10. Editorial Decision Following an Appeal

After completing the investigation, the journal may decide to:

  • Uphold the original decision.

  • Request additional peer review.

  • Invite resubmission after substantial revision.

  • Reverse the editorial decision where justified.

  • Take other appropriate editorial actions.

The decision of the Editor-in-Chief shall normally be considered final.

11. Complaints Regarding Reviewers or Editors

Complaints concerning reviewer or editor conduct may include:

  • Unprofessional behaviour.

  • Bias or discrimination.

  • Breach of confidentiality.

  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest.

  • Failure to follow journal policies.

  • Ethical misconduct.

Such complaints will be evaluated independently and confidentially.

Where necessary, appropriate administrative or editorial actions may be taken.

12. Confidentiality

All complaints and appeals will be treated confidentially.

Information will be shared only with individuals directly involved in the assessment and resolution of the matter.

The journal will protect the confidentiality of complainants, authors, reviewers, and editors to the extent reasonably possible.

13. Good Faith Complaints

Learning Nexus of Computing welcomes complaints submitted in good faith and supported by reasonable evidence.

Individuals submitting complaints should avoid:

  • Personal attacks.

  • Defamatory statements.

  • Abusive language.

  • Knowingly false allegations.

The journal reserves the right not to pursue complaints that are malicious, vexatious, or clearly unsupported.

14. Relationship with Other Policies

This policy should be read together with the journal's:

  • Publication Ethics Policy

  • Conflict of Interest Policy

  • Publication Malpractice Statement

  • Corrections, Retractions & Expressions of Concern Policy

  • Peer Review Process

  • Privacy Policy

Where a complaint involves publication misconduct, the procedures described in those policies may also apply.

15. Policy Review

This Complaints & Appeals Policy may be updated periodically to reflect developments in publication ethics, editorial practices, and international scholarly publishing standards.

The latest version of this policy will always be available on the journal's official website.

16. Contact

Complaints and appeals should be submitted to the Editorial Office through the official communication channels provided on the Learning Nexus of Computing website.

The Editorial Office is committed to handling all complaints and appeals fairly, professionally, confidentially, and in a timely manner.