Accounting And Finance Horizons

Plagiarism Policy

In accordance with the guidelines of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Accounting and Finance Horizons (AFH) observes Zero Tolerance to plagiarism (Plagiarism Policy). AFH uses either Turnitin or i Thenticate for all research papers submitted to detect possible plagiarism. If similarity is more than 18%, the paper is returned to the author(s) immediately. AFH follows HEC and COPE guidelines to make the determination whether (or to what extent) plagiarism exists.

If plagiarism or other unethical practices are detected after publishing the paper, editorial board has the authority to correct or retract the paper as HECâ€™s plagiarism policy (http://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/faculty/Plagiarism/Pages/default.aspx). All authors are responsible for their content individually and collectively. In extreme cases, Editorial board may decide to consult the institution of author(s).

Self-plagiarism: verbatim or substantial copying of authorsâ€™ own published work (or under consideration for publication at some other outlet) effecting originality of current submission is also no acceptable in any way.

Peer Review Process

Peer review process is one of the most important and fundamental components in the publication process. The credibility and reputation of a journal mainly depends on the integrity of peer review process and trust of authors. Accounting and Finance Horizons (AFH) likes to assure the research community that it applies very stringent and rigorous peer review process in order to deliver high quality of content to its widespread readers around the globe. AFH is releasing its 10th volume and likes to move towards higher review standards and strict control over submissions in accordance with the new reduced domain (commerce, business and economics rather than wide domain of all social sciences previously) following the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) guidelines. HEC assesses all documentations (including peer review documents) for recognition/accreditation, annual funding and up-gradation of its recognized/accredited journals. Journals not following the peer review and other guidelines of HEC, can also be delisted from HEC recognized/accredited status thus lose their annual financial support from HEC.

Being an HEC recognized/accredited journal, AFH follows peer review guidelines of HEC in true letter and spirit to meet the requirements of annual funding. All papers submitted to AFH undergo a rigorous internal and external review by experts in the relevant area of interest :

Internal Review

Each paper goes through an internal review by a relevant editorial board member to determine whether it is properly formatted, within the scope of AFH and follows the publication ethics. The board member would also consider whether basic protocols of research have been followed in research design/analysis and contribution to the literature. Papers that do not meet the basic requirements are not sent out for external review, and the authors are generally informed within 1 to 2 weeks.

External Review

AFH follows a double-blind review process after a paper screened through the internal review. Authors are requested not to include their personal information in the text of the paper. They are further indicated not to post their papers on any website to prevent their identity to the potential reviewers. While reviewers are also expected to refuse, if they come to know about the identification of author(s) of a paper referred to them for peer review.

External reviewers (1-2) generally comment and suggest on originality, quality of presentation, research design, data/results/conclusions, usefulness of the study and interest to the researchers community. During external review, if reviewers find that the research paper has major flaws that cannot be resolved through major revision, they can recommend to decline the paper.