Complaints and Appeals Policy

Complaints and Appeals Policy of TJEB

1. General Principles

TJEB is committed to fair, transparent, and impartial editorial processes. The journal provides a formal mechanism for submitting complaints and appeals relating to editorial decisions, editorial processes, or the conduct of individuals involved in the publication process. Complaints and appeals will be handled confidentially, fairly, and in a timely manner, in accordance with relevant guidance from COPE (COPE Complaints and Appeals).

2. What Can Be Appealed

An appeal may be submitted in relation to an editorial decision on a manuscript, including:

  • desk rejection;
  • rejection after peer review;
  • decisions relating to major or minor revision, where the author believes that a serious procedural or evaluative error has occurred.

An appeal must be based on clear and reasonable grounds, such as:

  • a material error in the editorial or review process;
  • evidence that the manuscript was misunderstood or misjudged in a significant way;
  • a concern about procedural unfairness or bias.

An appeal is not a resubmission of the same manuscript without substantive grounds.

3. What Counts as a Complaint

A complaint may be submitted in relation to the conduct, policies, or processes of the journal. Complaints may include concerns about:

  • editorial conduct;
  • reviewer conduct;
  • delays or failures in editorial communication;
  • conflicts of interest;
  • breaches of confidentiality;
  • perceived failure to follow the journal's stated policies or procedures;
  • other concerns relating to publication ethics or journal administration.

Complaints must be specific, factual, and supported by relevant information where possible.

4. How to Submit a Complaint or Appeal

Complaints and appeals must be submitted in writing to the journal through the official contact channel: info.tjeb@muls.edu.mn. The submission should include:

  • the name and contact details of the complainant or appellant;
  • the manuscript title and manuscript ID, where applicable;
  • a clear description of the complaint or appeal;
  • the grounds on which the complaint or appeal is based;
  • any relevant supporting documents or evidence.

Anonymous complaints may be considered where serious ethical or procedural concerns are raised, but the journal may be limited in its ability to investigate or respond fully in such cases.

5. Who Handles the Case

Complaints and appeals are normally handled by the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) or by another appropriate editor or journal representative designated for that purpose. Where the complaint or appeal involves the EIC or another person who may have a conflict of interest, the matter must be handled by an independent and appropriately qualified person or body.

6. Timelines

TJEB will acknowledge receipt of a complaint or appeal within a reasonable period and will aim to review and respond within a reasonable timeframe. The time required may vary depending on:

  • the complexity of the case;
  • the need for consultation or additional information;
  • the involvement of third parties or institutions.

Where substantial delay is unavoidable, the journal will inform the complainant or appellant accordingly.

7. Escalation and Review

Where appropriate, the journal may seek additional information or clarification, consult relevant editors, reviewers, or institutions, refer the matter for further internal review, or obtain external advice where necessary. The escalation path will depend on the nature of the case and the need to ensure fairness, independence, and appropriate expertise.

8. Final Decision

Following review of the complaint or appeal, the journal will communicate its decision in writing. The final decision may include, where appropriate:

  • confirmation of the original decision;
  • reconsideration of the manuscript;
  • correction of a procedural error;
  • implementation of another appropriate remedial action.

The decision made by the journal following the completion of the complaints or appeals process will be final.

9. Relationship with Other Policies

This policy should be read together with other relevant TJEB documents, including:

  • Peer Review Policy
  • Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement
  • Competing Interests / Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Corrections, Retractions, Withdrawals, and Expressions of Concern Policy
  • Reviewer Guidelines
  • Guide for Authors