The International Journal of Innovations in Civil Structures and Materials is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and accountable editorial and publishing process. Authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders may raise complaints or submit appeals concerning editorial decisions, publication procedures, ethical matters, or other issues related to the journal.

Grounds for Complaints:

- Concerns regarding the manuscript submission or peer-review process.
- Allegations of plagiarism, research misconduct, or publication-ethics violations.
- Concerns regarding conflicts of interest.
- Complaints about inappropriate editorial or reviewer conduct.
- Concerns regarding authorship or contribution disputes.
- Issues relating to copyright, licensing, or publication practices.
- Concerns regarding errors or inaccuracies in published content.
- Technical or administrative issues affecting the publication process.

Appeals Against Editorial Decisions:

- Authors may appeal an editorial decision when they believe that a significant procedural error, factual misunderstanding, conflict of interest, or inappropriate review has materially affected the decision.
- Appeals should provide clear and specific reasons supported by relevant evidence or explanations.
- Appeals should not simply disagree with the reviewers' academic judgment without identifying a substantive issue with the review or decision.
- The editorial team may request additional information or clarification before considering an appeal.
- An appeal may result in the original decision being upheld, reconsidered, or, where appropriate, the manuscript being sent for additional independent review.

Appeal Process:

1. Authors should submit an appeal to the journal's editorial office.
2. The appeal should clearly identify the manuscript and explain the grounds for reconsideration.
3. The Editor-in-Chief or an appropriately designated editor will assess the appeal.
4. Where necessary, an independent editor or reviewer may be consulted to ensure impartiality.
5. The decision following the appeal will be communicated to the concerned party.
6. The decision reached after the formal appeal process will normally be considered final.

Complaints Handling:

- Complaints should be submitted in writing with sufficient information to allow the journal to investigate the matter.
- Complaints will be handled objectively, confidentially, and as promptly as reasonably possible.
- Complaints involving members of the editorial team will, where appropriate, be reviewed by another qualified member of the editorial team or an independent authority.
- The journal will take appropriate corrective action where a complaint is found to be justified.

Publication Ethics and Misconduct:

- Allegations involving plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, duplicate publication, authorship misconduct, or other ethical violations will be investigated according to established publication-ethics principles.
- Where appropriate, the journal may issue corrections, expressions of concern, retractions, or other notices to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.
- Serious cases may be referred to the relevant author's institution or other appropriate authority.

Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation:

- The journal will make reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of individuals involved in complaints and appeals.
- Individuals who raise genuine concerns in good faith should not be subject to retaliation or unfair treatment as a result of submitting a complaint or appeal.

Timelines:

- Complaints and appeals will be acknowledged and reviewed within a reasonable period, subject to the complexity of the matter and the availability of relevant information.
- Additional time may be required where an investigation involves multiple parties, external reviewers, institutions, or complex ethical issues.

Ethical Framework:

- The journal seeks to handle complaints and appeals in accordance with recognized principles of publication ethics, fairness, transparency, confidentiality, and editorial independence, including applicable guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).