Plagiarism Policy

1. Definition of Plagiarism:

  • Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or intellectual property without proper acknowledgment. This includes but is not limited to:
    • Copying text directly from other sources without citation.
    • Paraphrasing someone else's work without giving appropriate credit.
    • Using images, tables, figures, or data without proper permission or citation.
    • Submitting the same manuscript or significant portions of it to multiple journals (self-plagiarism).
    • Misrepresenting data or results as original when they are copied or falsified.

2. Prevention of Plagiarism:

  • Author Responsibilities: Authors are expected to ensure that all content in their submission is original and properly cited. They must provide appropriate attribution for any ideas, data, or work derived from other sources.
  • Submission Requirements: Authors must confirm during the submission process that their manuscript is free from plagiarism and that any previously published work is properly cited.

3. Detection of Plagiarism:

  • Plagiarism Screening Software: All submissions to SIPJ will be checked for plagiarism using industry-standard software (e.g., Turnitin, iThenticate) before being sent for peer review.
  • Manual Check: In addition to automated tools, the editorial team may manually check for plagiarism, especially in cases where the software flags high similarity with other published works.

4. Handling of Plagiarism:

  • Minor Plagiarism: If minor plagiarism is detected, the author will be asked to revise the manuscript by properly citing the sources or paraphrasing the content to meet the journal’s standards of originality.
  • Serious Plagiarism: If serious or intentional plagiarism is identified, the manuscript will be rejected outright, and the author will be informed of the violation. The journal may also take additional action, such as reporting the issue to the author’s affiliated institution or funding agency, if applicable.
  • Multiple Instances of Plagiarism: Authors found to have committed plagiarism more than once may be banned from submitting to the journal for a specified period, or their future submissions may be subject to stricter scrutiny.

5. Self-Plagiarism:

  • Definition: Self-plagiarism refers to the practice of reusing portions of one’s own previously published work without proper citation or permission, presenting it as new and original.
  • Policy on Self-Plagiarism: Authors must not submit their previously published works or parts thereof without appropriate citation and permission. This applies to work previously published in other journals or conferences.
  • Prior Publication Disclosure: Authors must disclose any prior publication of similar material or overlapping content in the manuscript during the submission process. Any content that has been published elsewhere should be clearly identified and cited.

6. Consequences of Plagiarism:

  • Rejection of Manuscript: Manuscripts found to have committed plagiarism will be rejected at any stage of the publication process, including before or after peer review.
  • Author Notification: Authors will be notified in writing if plagiarism is detected, and they will be given an opportunity to address the issue if it is minor. Serious cases will lead to rejection without the option of resubmission.
  • Institutional Notification: In cases of severe or repeated plagiarism, SIPJ reserves the right to notify the author’s affiliated institution and any relevant authorities, including funding agencies or professional bodies.
  • Public Disclosure: In extreme cases of deliberate misconduct, SIPJ may issue a public statement regarding the breach of ethics and plagiarism.

7. Role of Editors and Reviewers:

  • Editors: Editors will ensure that plagiarism checks are conducted on all submitted manuscripts and are responsible for taking appropriate actions if plagiarism is detected.
  • Reviewers: Reviewers are encouraged to report any suspected plagiarism or unethical practices during the peer review process. If reviewers find similarities with previously published work, they should alert the editorial team.

8. Educational Approach:

  • SIPJ aims to educate authors on proper citation practices and the importance of originality in academic research. The journal will provide resources on how to avoid plagiarism, including guidance on correct referencing and paraphrasing techniques.

9. Appeals Process:

  • Authors who disagree with a plagiarism determination can appeal the decision by submitting a formal request to the editorial board. The appeal will be reviewed by a separate editorial committee, and the final decision will be communicated to the author.