Plagiarism Policy

The Journal of Data and Digital Innovation (JDDI) is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and aligns its plagiarism policy with the guidelines set forth by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. This commitment ensures the credibility and originality of the research we publish.

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism, as defined by the HEC, involves "stealing or using the ideas, data, or writings of another as one's own without proper acknowledgment." This includes verbatim copying, paraphrasing without citation, and presenting someone else's research findings or ideas as original. Policy Guidelines

  1. Originality of Submissions: Authors must ensure that all submitted works are original and have not been published elsewhere. Proper citations and references are mandatory when using or discussing existing work.

  2. Use of Plagiarism Detection Tools: JDDI utilizes reputable plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin, to screen all submissions for potential plagiarism. This process helps maintain the integrity of the content we publish.

  3. Addressing Plagiarism Allegations:

    • Investigation: Upon receiving a plagiarism allegation, JDDI will conduct a thorough investigation following HEC's prescribed procedures. This may involve forming a "Plagiarism Standing Committee" to assess the claim. 
    • Right of Reply: Authors accused of plagiarism will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations during the investigation.

  4. Consequences of Plagiarism:

    • Minor Offenses: For minor or unintentional plagiarism, authors may be asked to revise their manuscripts to include proper citations or rephrase the affected sections.
    • Major Offenses: In cases of significant plagiarism, the submission will be rejected. Published articles found to contain plagiarism may be retracted, and the authors' affiliated institutions may be notified. Additionally, authors may face sanctions, including being barred from future submissions to JDDI.

  5. Institutional Reporting: In line with HEC guidelines, confirmed cases of plagiarism will be reported to the authors' respective institutions for further action, which may include disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate by the institution.

By adhering to these guidelines, JDDI ensures the publication of high-quality, original research, fostering trust and respect within the academic community.