Authorship Dispute Policy

At Phoenix Academic & Research Consultancy, we are committed to maintaining transparency and fairness in all our publishing processes. We recognize that authorship is a critical aspect of academic and creative works, and disputes can arise regarding the attribution of authorship or credit. This Authorship Dispute Policy outlines how we handle such disputes to ensure fair resolution while maintaining professional standards.

1. Definition of Authorship

Authorship attribution refers to the acknowledgment of individuals who have made significant intellectual contributions to the work. These contributions can include:

• Conception of the research or project
• Design and methodology
• Data collection and analysis
• Writing or editing
• Substantial intellectual input into the content or structure of the manuscript

Authors are expected to meet the criteria set by reputable academic and publishing standards (e.g., International Committee of Medical Journal Editors [ICMJE] guidelines, COPE [Committee on Publication Ethics] standards).

2. Resolution of Disputes

In the event of an authorship dispute, Phoenix Academic & Research Consultancy aims to resolve the issue fairly, promptly, and transparently through the following steps:

Step 1: Communication Between Parties

• Informal Resolution: Authors are encouraged to first resolve the dispute directly among themselves through open and respectful dialogue.
• Mediation: If the dispute is not resolved through informal communication, we will facilitate a mediation process between the involved parties to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

Step 2: Submission of Dispute

If the dispute persists after informal resolution and mediation efforts, the following documentation must be submitted:

• A formal Authorship Dispute Letter from the party filing the dispute, including detailed reasons for the disagreement.
• A written statement from the responding party explaining their position on the matter.
• A copy of the manuscript or any related documentation where authorship was initially agreed upon (e.g., email correspondence, research agreements).

Step 3: Review and Investigation

• Our Editorial Board or designated panel will carefully review the dispute, considering the contributions of each party based on the manuscript's intellectual and practical development.
• We may also contact third parties, such as collaborators, mentors, or institutional representatives, to gather additional insights.
• The review process will typically take [X] weeks.

Step 4: Final Decision

• After reviewing all evidence and statements, we will issue a final, binding decision on the authorship of the manuscript.
• The decision will be communicated to all involved parties in writing.
• If the dispute cannot be resolved internally, we may consult external bodies, such as professional associations, academic institutions, or legal advisors, to help resolve the matter in accordance with the prevailing norms and laws.

3. Prevention of Authorship Disputes

• Clear Communication: At the outset of the project, authors should clearly define their roles and contributions.
• Written Agreement: Authors should formalize authorship agreements in writing (e.g., in the initial project plan, contract, or agreement) outlining expectations and authorship order.
• Regular Updates: Authors should regularly communicate progress and contribution milestones throughout the project to ensure everyone’s input is acknowledged.
• Contributions Acknowledgment: At every stage of the work, all contributors should be informed and consulted on major decisions regarding authorship.

4. Impact of Disputes on Publication

• Delays: Authorship disputes may delay the publication process. We encourage authors to resolve disputes in a timely manner to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Withdrawal: If the dispute is unresolved and persists, the manuscript may be temporarily withdrawn from the publication process until the issue is addressed.
• Final Authorship Attribution: In cases where an agreement is not reached, Phoenix Academic & Research Consultancy reserves the right to proceed with publication according to the most substantiated authorship claims based on evidence.

5. Confidentiality

All communications and documentation related to the dispute will be treated confidentially. We respect the privacy of the parties involved and will ensure that sensitive information is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals.

6. Legal Recourse

In exceptional cases, if parties remain dissatisfied with the resolution of the dispute, they may seek legal recourse through the appropriate jurisdiction, in accordance with the terms outlined in the publishing agreement.