Plagiarism and AI Policy

Plagiarism and AI Policy

Global Journal of Econometrics and Finance (GJEF)

1. Introduction

The Global Journal of Econometrics and Finance (GJEF) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, originality, and ethical scholarship. This policy outlines the journal’s expectations regarding plagiarism, self-plagiarism, data integrity, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in manuscript preparation and submission. Adherence to this policy is mandatory for all authors submitting work to the journal.

2. Plagiarism Policy

2.1 Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the appropriation of another author’s ideas, language, data, models, econometric techniques, or analytical results without proper acknowledgment. In the field of econometrics and finance, plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

  • Copying textual content verbatim without citation.

  • Paraphrasing economic theories, models, or arguments too closely without referencing.

  • Presenting previously published data, tables, econometric results, or graphical outputs as new.

  • Using another researcher’s mathematical formulations or statistical techniques as one’s own.

  • Submitting someone else’s code, datasets, or simulation results without permission and attribution.

2.2 Self-Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism occurs when authors recycle portions of their previously published work without disclosure. Since econometric and financial research often builds on earlier work, limited overlaps are acceptable only if:

  • The reused material is properly cited.

  • The manuscript demonstrates substantial new analysis, results, or theoretical contribution.

  • The submission is not under review at another journal simultaneously.

Duplicate publications—partial or complete—are strictly prohibited.

2.3 Plagiarism Screening

Every manuscript submitted to GJEF undergoes a thorough plagiarism check using advanced similarity-detection software. The following criteria are applied:

  • A similarity index of below 15% is generally acceptable, excluding references and common methodological phrases.

  • Similarity in econometric formulas, standard model descriptions, or technical expressions may be acceptable if properly cited.

  • Textual similarity above acceptable limits will result in immediate revision requests or rejection.

Manuscripts with evidence of copied figures, datasets, or econometric outputs will be rejected outright.

2.4 Consequences of Plagiarism

If plagiarism (including data manipulation or fabricated results) is confirmed at any stage, the journal will take the following actions:

  • Immediate rejection or withdrawal of the manuscript.

  • Blacklisting of authors for future submissions for a specified period.

  • Notification to the authors’ institution(s) or funding bodies.

  • Retraction of the article if plagiarism is discovered post-publication.

The journal reserves the right to publish a formal retraction notice for any unethical scholarly practice.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

3.1 Acceptable Uses of AI Tools

Authors may use AI tools only for minor technical support, ensuring the originality and intellectual contribution remain entirely human-generated. Acceptable uses include:

  • Grammar, spelling, and language refinement.

  • Formatting assistance (APA, Chicago, or journal-specific style).

  • Data visualization support for author-produced datasets.

  • Code optimization when original logic and results remain unchanged.

AI must not replace human authorship, originality, or critical thinking.

3.2 Prohibited Uses of AI

The use of AI tools is prohibited in the following situations:

  • Generating theoretical frameworks, literature reviews, or econometric arguments.

  • Creating fabricated datasets, simulated results, or statistical outputs without empirical basis.

  • Generating entire paragraphs, sections, or full manuscripts using generative AI.

  • Producing citations or references that do not correspond to real, verifiable sources.

  • Using AI models to produce interpretations, conclusions, or economic-policy recommendations.

AI-generated content that lacks transparency or verification will be considered academic misconduct.

3.3 Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose any use of AI tools in a dedicated section titled “Author Declaration on AI Use.” The disclosure must include:

  • The name and version of the AI tool used.

  • The specific purpose (e.g., grammar check, statistical formatting).

  • A statement confirming that AI was not used for conceptual, analytical, or interpretive tasks.

Sample disclosure statement:
“The authors used AI-based tools solely for grammar correction and language refinement. All methodological, analytical, and conceptual components of the manuscript were developed by the authors without AI assistance.”

Failure to disclose AI use may result in manuscript rejection.

3.4 Responsibility and Accountability

Authors bear full responsibility for:

  • Ensuring that all AI-assisted text is free of bias, hallucinations, or inaccuracies.

  • Verifying all numerical, statistical, and econometric outputs.

  • Guaranteeing that AI tools did not contribute to idea generation, data manipulation, or substantive research content.

AI tools cannot be listed as authors or contributors under any circumstances.

4. Editorial and Review Responsibilities

The editorial board ensures the following:

  • Systematic screening for plagiarism and inappropriate AI use.

  • Verification of data authenticity, statistical procedures, and code integrity where applicable.

  • Transparent communication with authors during the evaluation process.

  • Enforcement of ethical standards consistent with COPE, ICMJE, and global research publishing guidelines.

5. Policy Enforcement and Revision

The Global Journal of Econometrics and Finance will enforce this policy rigorously. Updates may be made annually to reflect evolving academic norms, technological advancements, and international ethical standards in econometric and financial research.