Complaints Policy

General terms

The editorial board of "The National Transport University Bulletin" is committed to ensuring transparency and objectivity in the process of handling complaints and appeals. All submissions are considered in accordance with the principles and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The editorial office acts promptly and constructively, providing responses to complainants within the shortest possible timeframe.

Proposals and complaints should be submitted to the official e-mail address: visnik.ntu@gmail.com. 

Submissions are normally considered within thirty working days. In complex cases, the period may be extended, with notification sent to the complainant.

A complaint must be clear, specific, and contain sufficient information to allow assessment of a possible breach of publication ethics. Where possible, supporting documents or materials should be provided.

Complaints that are offensive, threatening, defamatory, or fall outside the scope of the journal’s responsibility will not be considered. In such cases, the complainant will receive an explanatory response.

Appeals against editorial decisions

Authors have the right to appeal a decision to reject their submission. An appeal must be made in writing and should clearly state the grounds for reconsideration. The appeal letter should:

  • explain the reasons for disagreement with the decision, providing reasoned responses to the comments of the editor and/or reviewers;
  • present evidence if it is believed that reviewers made technical errors in their assessment;
  • provide proof if there is reason to believe that a reviewer had a conflict of interest.

Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or the Executive Secretary. Possible outcomes include:

  • upholding the original decision;
  • assigning an additional independent review;
  • referring the matter to the editorial board for further discussion.

The author will be informed in writing of the outcome of the appeal, together with an explanation. Only one appeal per article is permitted. All decisions regarding appeals are final.

Consideration of other complaints

"The National Transport University Bulletin" also considers complaints relating to the conduct of editors, members of the editorial board, reviewers, or the publisher. Such complaints must be submitted in writing, with a detailed description of the issue and supporting evidence.

The editorial office will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and inform the complainant of the further procedure for its consideration. All cases are handled in line with the principles and recommendations of COPE.