Plagiarism Policy

Global Interdisciplinary Research and Publishing Collective (GIRPC) Journal

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Purpose

The Global Interdisciplinary Research and Publishing Collective (GIRPC) Journal is committed to preserving the integrity of scholarly communication through the publication of original, authentic, and properly attributed research.

Plagiarism undermines academic integrity, infringes intellectual property rights, and compromises the credibility of the scholarly record. The journal, therefore, maintains a zero-tolerance approach toward plagiarism and all forms of inappropriate appropriation of intellectual work.

This policy establishes the standards governing originality, attribution, editorial assessment, and the management of plagiarism within manuscripts submitted to the Journal. This policy applies to all authors, editors, reviewers, Editorial Board members, and any individual participating in the editorial and publication process.

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Principle of Originality

Originality is a fundamental requirement for publication in the GIRPC Journal.

Submission of a manuscript constitutes the authors' declaration that:

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• the work represents their own original scholarship;

• all sources have been appropriately acknowledged;

• the manuscript has not been copied, in whole or in part, from another published or unpublished work without proper attribution;

• all reproduced material has been used lawfully; and

• the manuscript complies with the Journal's ethical and editorial standards regarding originality.

• Authors remain solely responsible for the originality and authenticity of all submitted material.

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Definition of Plagiarism

For the purposes of this Journal, plagiarism is defined as the presentation of another person's words, ideas, research findings, data, images, figures, tables, methodology, analysis, or other intellectual contribution as one's own without appropriate acknowledgement. Plagiarism may occur intentionally or unintentionally. The absence of intent does not remove the responsibility to provide proper attribution.

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Forms of Plagiarism

The Journal recognizes, without limitation, the following forms of plagiarism:

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1. Direct Plagiarism

The verbatim reproduction of text or other intellectual content without appropriate quotation, permission where required, or proper citation.

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2. Mosaic Plagiarism

The incorporation of another author's language, structure, or expression through minor alterations while preserving the essential substance of the original work without appropriate acknowledgement.

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3. Inadequate Paraphrasing

The close rewording of another author's work without proper attribution.

Paraphrased material remains the intellectual property of the original source and must be cited accordingly.

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4. Self-Plagiarism

The substantial reuse of an author's previously disseminated work without appropriate disclosure or citation.

This includes duplicate publication, redundant publication, and the submission of substantially similar manuscripts representing the same scholarly contribution.

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5. Data, Figure and Image Plagiarism

The unauthorized use or reproduction of research data, figures, illustrations, photographs, tables, graphical material, datasets, or other visual content without appropriate attribution or permission where required.

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6. Idea Plagiarism

The unauthorized presentation of another person's original concepts, interpretations, hypotheses, research design, analytical framework, or unpublished scholarly contribution as one's own.

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Editorial Assessment of Originality

All submitted manuscripts may be evaluated for originality before entering the peer-review process. The Editorial Office may employ editorial review, similarity assessment technologies, or any other appropriate means to evaluate the originality of submitted work. Similarity reports are regarded as advisory tools intended to support editorial evaluation. Editorial decisions are based upon qualitative academic assessment rather than numerical similarity values alone. The presence of textual similarity does not necessarily constitute plagiarism, and a low similarity score does not necessarily demonstrate originality. Each manuscript is assessed individually within its scholarly context.

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Editorial Considerations

In assessing originality, the Editorial Office may consider, among other factors:

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• the extent and nature of textual similarity;

• proper attribution and citation;

• the use of quotation marks where appropriate;

• accepted scholarly conventions within the discipline;

• legitimate reuse of standard methodological descriptions;

• overlap with previously published work by the same authors; and

• whether any unattributed material affects the originality or integrity of the manuscript.

 

Editorial evaluation shall consider both the quantity and the significance of overlapping material.

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Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for ensuring that submitted manuscripts:

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• are original;

• accurately acknowledge all sources;

• contain complete and accurate references;

• distinguish clearly between original work and material derived from other sources;

• obtain permission for the reproduction of copyrighted material where required;

• comply with applicable copyright law; and

• adhere to the Journal's ethical and editorial policies.

 

The corresponding author accepts primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with these requirements on behalf of all co-authors.

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Responsibilities of Editors and Reviewers

Editors and reviewers share responsibility for protecting the integrity of scholarly publishing. Where potential plagiarism or inappropriate textual overlap is identified, editors and reviewers are encouraged to notify the Editorial Office promptly. All concerns shall be considered confidentially and evaluated objectively.

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Investigation of Suspected Plagiarism

Where concerns regarding originality arise, the Editorial Office may undertake such enquiries as are considered appropriate, including:

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• requesting clarification from the authors;

• examining supporting documentation;

• comparing relevant publications;

• consulting independent academic experts where necessary; and

• temporarily suspending editorial processing pending completion of the investigation.

 

Investigations shall be conducted fairly, impartially, confidentially, and in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness.

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Editorial Measures

Where plagiarism or other forms of inappropriate appropriation of intellectual work are established, the Journal may, depending upon the seriousness of the matter:

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• request revision or correction;

• require appropriate attribution;

• reject the manuscript;

• withdraw an accepted manuscript;

• publish a correction;

• publish an Expression of Concern;

• retract a published article;

• notify relevant institutions, funding agencies, or other appropriate bodies where justified; or

• take any additional editorial action considered necessary to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

 

Editorial measures shall be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the breach.

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Appeals

Authors may appeal editorial decisions relating to allegations of plagiarism by submitting a written statement supported by relevant evidence. Appeals shall be considered independently by the Editor-in-Chief or another designated senior editor. The Journal's decision following appeal shall be final.

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Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure continued consistency with evolving standards of scholarly publishing, publication ethics, and research integrity.The Journal reserves the right to revise this policy where necessary to improve editorial practice and uphold the integrity of the publication process.

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Plagiarism Policy Statement

The Global Interdisciplinary Research and Publishing Collective (GIRPC) Journal is committed to protecting the originality of scholarly work and the rights of intellectual contributors. The Journal expects all participants in the publication process to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty through responsible authorship, accurate attribution, and ethical research practices. Allegations of plagiarism are addressed through fair, confidential, and objective editorial procedures designed to preserve the integrity, credibility, and permanence of the scholarly record.