The Journal of Cost Management (J. Cost Manag.) is committed to maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that all published work is original and appropriately acknowledges the contributions of other researchers. To support this commitment, the journal uses Turnitin as its primary plagiarism and similarity-detection tool.

1. Mandatory Plagiarism Report

Authors are required to submit a plagiarism/similarity report generated through Turnitin along with their manuscript at the time of submission. Manuscripts submitted without the required plagiarism report may be returned to the authors for completion before the editorial assessment proceeds.

2. Initial Similarity Screening

Upon submission, the Editorial Office may conduct an independent similarity check using Turnitin to identify substantial textual overlap, plagiarism, duplicate publication, self-plagiarism, or other forms of inappropriate reuse.

The similarity report is considered an important part of the journal's quality-control process but is not, by itself, the sole basis for determining whether plagiarism has occurred.

3. Evaluation of Similarity

Similarity percentages are reviewed in context. Matches resulting from properly cited quotations, references, standard terminology, commonly used phrases, or legitimate methodological descriptions may not constitute plagiarism.

The Editorial Office and, where appropriate, reviewers will assess the nature and source of substantial similarities before making an editorial decision.

4. Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct

If substantial plagiarism or inappropriate duplication is identified, the manuscript may be returned to the authors for clarification or revision, rejected, or subjected to further investigation depending on the seriousness of the concern.

Serious cases may include:

• Copying substantial portions of another work without appropriate attribution
• Presenting another researcher's ideas, findings, or wording as one's own
• Duplicate or redundant publication
• Significant self-plagiarism or inappropriate reuse of previously published material
• Manipulation or concealment of sources or attribution

5. Screening at Different Stages

The journal reserves the right to conduct additional plagiarism or similarity checks at any stage of the editorial and publication process, including after revision, acceptance, or publication, if concerns arise.

If plagiarism is identified after publication, the journal may take appropriate action in accordance with its publication ethics policy, including correction, expression of concern, or retraction where warranted.

6. Author Responsibility

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their manuscripts are original and that all sources, quotations, ideas, data, and previously published material are appropriately acknowledged and cited.

Submission of a Turnitin report does not transfer responsibility for originality to the Editorial Office. Authors remain fully accountable for the integrity and originality of their submitted work.

7. Commitment to Academic Integrity

The Journal of Cost Management maintains a rigorous plagiarism-screening process to protect authors, reviewers, readers, and the integrity of the scholarly record. The use of Turnitin, together with editorial assessment and appropriate ethical procedures, helps ensure that published articles meet the journal's standards of originality and academic integrity.