Plagiarism & Screening Policy

Last Updated: 07/05/2026

The Journal of Sustainable Innovation and Impact (JSII), ISSN 3051-8083, upholds strict standards of originality and research integrity. Submissions may be screened for plagiarism, text overlap, duplicate publication, and related misconduct before and during peer review.

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying text, data, figures, or tables from other sources without appropriate citation.
  • Paraphrasing substantial parts of another work without acknowledgement.
  • Self-plagiarism, including duplicate publication or resubmitting previously published work as new.
  • Unacknowledged use of third-party images, datasets, software, or other protected materials.

2. Screening Process

  • Manuscripts may be checked with plagiarism detection software at submission or during editorial assessment.
  • Similarity reports are assessed by editors in context, including overlap in references, standard methods wording, quotations, and properly cited material.
  • Submissions with substantial or unexplained similarity may be returned for clarification, revision, or rejected, depending on the severity of the issue.

3. During Peer Review

  • Reviewers are encouraged to flag any suspected overlap, duplicate publication, or unattributed use of sources.
  • Further checks may be carried out if concerns are raised during review.

4. Consequences of Misconduct

  • Minor overlap: Authors may be asked to revise and cite appropriately.
  • Major overlap or deliberate plagiarism: The manuscript may be rejected, and authors may be restricted from future submissions.
  • Post-publication: Corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions may be issued in line with COPE-aligned procedures.

5. Author Responsibilities

  • Submit only original manuscripts with accurate referencing.
  • Check the manuscript carefully for overlap before submission.
  • Secure permissions for third-party content where required.

6. Editorial Responsibilities

  • Apply originality checks consistently and fairly.
  • Communicate decisions transparently where concerns arise.
  • Handle suspected cases in accordance with the Ethical Guidelines (PEMS) and COPE-aligned procedures.

Contact: Questions about this policy may be directed to the Editorial Office: editorial@thesustainimpact.com.