Plagiarism Policy

The Journal of Academia (JoA) is committed to maintaining academic integrity, originality and responsible scholarly publishing. The journal does not tolerate plagiarism, self-plagiarism or any form of inappropriate appropriation of intellectual work.

All authors are responsible for ensuring that their submitted manuscripts represent original scholarly contributions, acknowledge all sources appropriately and comply with recognised standards of academic integrity. This policy establishes the journal's procedures for similarity screening, identifying suspected plagiarism and addressing confirmed cases. It applies to all manuscripts submitted to JoA and articles published in the journal.

1. Plagiarism Screening

All manuscripts submitted to JoA are screened using Turnitin, a text-similarity detection tool, to identify potential overlap with previously published research, academic publications, online sources and other available documents.

Similarity screening is conducted during the initial editorial assessment before manuscripts are forwarded for external peer review. Additional screening may be undertaken during manuscript revision, editorial assessment and before publication, where necessary.

The editorial team evaluates each similarity report by considering:

  • The overall similarity percentage and distribution of matching text.
  • The sources and nature of the identified similarities.
  • The extent of verbatim copying and inappropriate paraphrasing.
  • The adequacy of citations, quotations and acknowledgements.
  • Similarities with the authors' previously published work.
  • Potential duplication of research findings, data, tables, figures and other intellectual contributions.
  • The effect of the identified similarities on the originality and scholarly contribution of the manuscript.

JoA does not apply a fixed similarity percentage as an automatic threshold for determining plagiarism. A similarity score alone does not constitute proof of plagiarism or academic misconduct. Each report is assessed individually, taking into account the source, nature, extent and significance of the identified overlap.

2. Definition and Forms of Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when an author uses another person's ideas, concepts, arguments, research findings, data, methods, words or other intellectual contributions without appropriate acknowledgement of the original source. Plagiarism may occur intentionally or unintentionally; authors remain responsible for ensuring that all sources are properly acknowledged.

JoA recognises the following forms of plagiarism, including but not limited to:

2.1 Direct Plagiarism

Copying another author's words, sentences, paragraphs or substantial portions of a publication without appropriate quotation marks, citation and acknowledgement of the original source.

2.2 Paraphrasing Plagiarism

Reproducing another researcher's ideas or arguments by changing words, phrases or sentence structures without adequately acknowledging the original source.

2.3 Idea Plagiarism

Presenting another researcher's original ideas, theoretical arguments, concepts, interpretations or intellectual contributions as one's own without appropriate attribution.

2.4 Data and Results Plagiarism

Using another researcher's data, findings, tables, figures, illustrations, images or other original research materials without proper acknowledgement or permission where required.

2.5 Source and Citation Misrepresentation

Providing inaccurate references, misrepresenting sources or attributing statements and findings to publications that do not support the claims being made.

3. Self-Plagiarism and Text Recycling

Self-plagiarism occurs when authors reuse substantial portions of their previously published work without appropriate acknowledgement, disclosure or justification, thereby presenting previously published material as new or original.

JoA recognises that legitimate scholarly development may involve building upon previous research. However, authors must acknowledge their earlier publications and ensure that submitted manuscripts provide a sufficiently distinct and original scholarly contribution.

The following practices are considered unacceptable:

  • Republishing substantially similar manuscripts that have already appeared in another journal or publication.
  • Reusing substantial portions of previously published text, research findings or data without appropriate acknowledgement.
  • Presenting previously published research results as new or original findings.
  • Reusing previously published material in a manner that misrepresents the originality or contribution of the submitted manuscript.
  • Dividing a single research project into multiple publications without sufficient scholarly justification or appropriate disclosure (commonly referred to as salami publication).

Any legitimate reuse of previously published material must be appropriately cited and disclosed. Authors must also obtain permission from the relevant copyright holder where necessary.

4. Citation, Referencing and Acknowledgement

Authors must acknowledge all sources of information, ideas, data and materials used in their manuscripts. Proper citation and referencing are essential to academic integrity and the recognition of intellectual contributions.

Authors are required to:

  • Cite original sources when using ideas, arguments, theoretical perspectives and interpretations developed by other researchers, including when these are expressed in their own words.
  • Reference statistics, research findings, factual information and other information obtained from identifiable sources, unless they constitute common knowledge.
  • Enclose verbatim material in quotation marks or present it in an appropriate block quotation format, accompanied by a citation and page number or other location information where available.
  • Paraphrase source material using their own words and sentence structures while acknowledging the original source.
  • Properly attribute reproduced or adapted tables, figures, illustrations and other materials, and obtain permission where required.
  • Disclose and reference their own earlier publications whenever previously published material is reused.

Providing a citation does not justify extensive reproduction of another author's work. Authors must ensure that quotations, paraphrasing and the use of published materials comply with accepted academic and copyright standards.

5. Procedures for Handling Suspected Plagiarism

JoA takes all allegations and evidence of plagiarism seriously. Suspected cases may be identified through Turnitin screening, editorial assessment, peer-review reports, post-publication notifications or complaints from readers and other members of the academic community.

Each case is assessed individually, taking into consideration the nature, extent and seriousness of the suspected plagiarism, the available evidence and the stage of the publication process.

5.1 During Initial Editorial Screening

When potential plagiarism or substantial unattributed overlap is identified during initial screening:

  • The editorial team examines the similarity report and relevant original sources.
  • The corresponding author may be requested to provide an explanation where clarification is necessary.
  • Manuscripts containing minor and correctable citation or referencing errors may be returned for appropriate corrections at the editor's discretion.
  • Manuscripts involving substantial plagiarism, deliberate copying or serious academic misconduct may be rejected without proceeding to external peer review.
  • Relevant screening reports and supporting evidence may be retained for editorial documentation.

5.2 During Peer Review

If a reviewer or editor identifies suspected plagiarism during peer review:

  • The concern must be reported confidentially to the editor.
  • The editorial team examines the available evidence, including the similarity report and original sources.
  • The corresponding author may be contacted to provide an explanation.
  • Editorial processing may be suspended while the matter is investigated.
  • Where substantial plagiarism or serious academic misconduct is established, the manuscript will be rejected.

5.3 After Revision or Acceptance but Before Publication

If plagiarism is discovered after manuscript revision or acceptance but before publication:

  • The editorial team conducts a further assessment of the identified similarities.
  • The corresponding author may be asked to provide an explanation and supporting evidence.
  • Where the issue involves minor and correctable attribution errors, the editor may request appropriate amendments.
  • If substantial plagiarism or serious academic misconduct is established, the acceptance decision may be withdrawn and the manuscript rejected.
  • The journal reserves the right to discontinue further editorial and production processing.

5.4 After Publication

If credible evidence of plagiarism is identified after an article has been published:

  • The editorial team investigates the allegation and assesses the available evidence.
  • The corresponding author and relevant co-authors may be contacted for an explanation.
  • Where necessary, the journal may contact the authors' affiliated institutions or relevant research-integrity authorities for further investigation.
  • Depending on the findings and seriousness of the case, the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern or retraction.
  • Any retraction notice will clearly explain the reasons for retraction and remain linked to the original article to maintain transparency and protect the scholarly record.

Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record and protect the integrity of published research.

6. Consequences of Plagiarism

Depending on the nature, extent and seriousness of the established plagiarism, JoA may take one or more of the following actions:

  • Request corrections to citation, referencing or attribution errors.
  • Reject the submitted manuscript.
  • Withdraw a previously communicated acceptance decision.
  • Discontinue editorial and publication processing.
  • Publish a correction, expression of concern or retraction for an affected published article.
  • Notify the authors' affiliated institutions or relevant research-integrity authorities, where appropriate.
  • Decline future submissions from authors found to have engaged in serious or repeated publication misconduct, subject to the circumstances and applicable editorial procedures.

The action taken will be proportionate to the seriousness of the case and based on the available evidence.

7. Responsibilities of Authors and Editorial Team

7.1 Authors' Responsibilities

All authors submitting manuscripts to JoA are responsible for ensuring that:

  • Their manuscripts represent original scholarly work.
  • All ideas, quotations, data, findings and materials obtained from other sources are appropriately acknowledged.
  • Previously published material is properly cited and disclosed.
  • The manuscript does not contain plagiarised or improperly reproduced material.
  • Necessary permissions for the reproduction of copyrighted materials have been obtained.
  • Information and declarations provided during submission are accurate and complete.
  • Any relevant concerns regarding overlapping publications or reused research materials are disclosed to the editorial team.

Authors are encouraged to conduct their own originality checks before submission and to retain appropriate documentation supporting the originality and integrity of their research.

7.2 Editorial Responsibilities

The editor and editorial team are responsible for implementing this policy and safeguarding the originality and integrity of the journal's publication process. Their responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring that submitted manuscripts undergo appropriate similarity screening.
  • Assessing similarity reports objectively and in context.
  • Investigating credible allegations of plagiarism.
  • Providing authors with an appropriate opportunity to respond to allegations.
  • Maintaining the confidentiality of investigations and related documentation.
  • Making editorial decisions based on evidence, academic standards and recognised publication-ethics principles.
  • Taking appropriate corrective action when plagiarism is established, including after publication.

All suspected cases will be handled fairly, impartially and confidentially, with reference to relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and applicable publication-ethics procedures.

The editor retains final authority over decisions concerning manuscript rejection, withdrawal of acceptance and post-publication corrective action.