APC Policy
PURPOSE
This policy outlines the Article Processing Charge (APC) framework adopted by Sairam Institute of Management Studies to support the sustainable publication in the journal. The APC helps cover editorial, peer review, production, hosting, and indexing while ensuring a high-quality publishing experience for authors and readers.
WHAT APCs COVER ?
The APC contributes to the comprehensive lifecycle of article publication, ensuring professional handling, quality control, and long-term discoverability. It includes:
Manuscript Submission Handling
- Maintenance of secure online submission systems.
- Technical support for authors and reviewers.
Editorial Management
- Assignment of qualified editors and subject-specific reviewers.
- Initial editorial screening for scope, originality, and compliance.
- Management of the peer review process.
Peer Review Process
- Coordination with reviewers and communication with authors.
- Monitoring the quality and ethics of the review process.
- Editorial decisions based solely on scholarly merit.
- Plagiarism Detection and Ethical Compliance.
- Use of tools like Turnitin or iThenticate for plagiarism checks.
- Adherence to ethical guidelines (e.g., COPE, ICMJE).
Language Editing and Quality Improvement
- Advanced-level editing for clarity and grammar (especially for non-native English speakers).
- Adherence to journal formatting and style guidelines.
- Copyediting and Typesetting.
- Professional copyediting for consistency and readability.
- Formatting in XML, PDF, and HTML for online publication.
Proofing and Final Author Approval
- Author review of final proof prior to publication.
- Incorporation of necessary corrections.
- DOI Assignment and CrossRef Registration.
- CrossRef metadata registration for persistent identification.
Digital Hosting and Online Publication
- Hosting on a secure, responsive digital platform.
- Mobile-friendly layout and long-term accessibility.
Archiving and Indexing
- Digital preservation (Journal Website Archives).
- Metadata submission to indexing databases, including Scopus.
Promotion and Dissemination
- Inclusion in newsletters, social media, and academic outreach.
- Author assistance with institutional repository deposits.
Post-Publication Support
- Handling of corrections, errata, and updates.
- Assistance with citation tracking and article impact metrics.
Transparency And Editorial Integrity
- Payment of the APC does not influence editorial or peer review decisions.
- All editorial decisions are made independently based on scholarly merit.
- The publisher adheres to the ethical policies of COPE, DOAJ, and relevant academic standards.
Policy Review And Updates
This APC policy is reviewed annually to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with industry standards. Any revisions will be communicated via journal
websites and author notifications.