Open Access Policy

The ANPA Journal is committed to the unrestricted dissemination of scholarly research and policy-relevant knowledge. In furtherance of this commitment, all published articles are made freely accessible online without subscription fees or access barriers.

Our open access model promotes academic transparency, enhances global readership, and increases the visibility and impact of authors’ work. By removing limitations to access, the Journal encourages interdisciplinary dialogue, supports evidence-based policymaking, and contributes meaningfully to scholarship in public administration, governance, public policy, and related fields.

Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

The ANPA Journal upholds the highest standards of publication ethics throughout the editorial and review process. Authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher are expected to demonstrate integrity, transparency, accountability, and professionalism in accordance with internationally recognized best practices in academic publishing.

The Journal adheres to the principles and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to ensure fairness, confidentiality, and scholarly excellence.

Originality and Plagiarism

The ANPA Journal maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, and unethical research practices. Authors are solely responsible for ensuring that submitted manuscripts are original and appropriately referenced.

All submissions undergo:

• An initial editorial screening

• A mandatory plagiarism detection check using professional similarity-check tools

Manuscripts found to contain substantial plagiarism or ethical violations will be rejected immediately.

Manuscript Review Process

The ANPA Journal operates a rigorous double-blind peer review system to ensure academic quality, objectivity, and fairness.

Review Timeline

The standard review period ranges between 2 to 4 weeks, allowing for thorough yet timely evaluation.

Review Procedure

1. All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial editorial assessment to determine suitability within the Journal’s scope.

2. Suitable manuscripts are assigned to at least one Editorial Board member and independent external reviewers with relevant subject expertise.

3. Reviewers evaluate submissions based on:

   • Relevance to public administration and governance studies

   • Originality and scholarly contribution

   • Methodological rigor

   • Logical coherence and clarity

   • Policy and practical implications

   • Compliance with ethical standards

Final editorial decisions (acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection) are made based on reviewers’ reports and editorial judgment.

Confidentiality and Impartiality

To maintain impartiality:

• Authors’ identities and institutional affiliations are concealed from reviewers.

• Reviewers’ identities remain confidential.

Authors must submit a separate cover page containing:

• Full names of all contributors

• Institutional affiliations

• Contact email addresses

• ORCID IDs (where available)

Submissions from members of the Editorial Board are subjected to the same independent review process to ensure transparency and fairness.

The Journal reserves the right to reject manuscripts containing defamatory, discriminatory, unethical, or inappropriate content.

Withdrawal, Retraction, and Correction Policies

Withdrawal Policy

Authors wishing to withdraw a manuscript must submit a formal written request to the Editorial Office, clearly stating the reason for withdrawal.

• Withdrawals requested within 12 days of initial submission will not attract any fee.

• Requests made after peer review or acceptance may attract a withdrawal charge to cover administrative and review-related costs.

Correction Policy

Before publication, PDF galley proofs are sent to the corresponding author for final review. Authors are expected to carefully check for typographical errors, formatting issues, and factual accuracy.

Post-publication corrections that significantly affect interpretation, data accuracy, or citation will be published in a subsequent issue under a designated section such as “Corrections and Addendum.”

Retraction Policy

An article may be retracted if serious ethical breaches, substantial errors, plagiarism, data fabrication, or invalid findings are identified after publication.

Retraction decisions are made in accordance with internationally accepted standards, including the COPE Retraction Guidelines. A formal retraction notice will be issued, clearly stating the reasons for the retraction.

Commitment to Academic Integrity

Through these policies, the ANPA Journal affirms its unwavering commitment to scholarly integrity, ethical publishing, and the advancement of impactful research that strengthens public administration, governance systems, and policy development.