Plagiarism and AI Usage Policy

When you submit a paper to the International Review of Public Policy and Administration, it is understood that the manuscript is original, prepared in accordance with accepted academic standards, and complies with the journal’s policies on plagiarism and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Plagiarism

Definition

Plagiarism is not acceptable in any form. This includes:

  • Copying text, data, or ideas without proper attribution

  • Paraphrasing without appropriate citation

  • Self-plagiarism or reuse of previously published work without disclosure

  • Duplicate or redundant publication

  • Improper acknowledgement of sources

Similarity Threshold

The journal applies a maximum similarity index of 20% for submitted manuscripts.

This threshold excludes:

  • References

  • Standard methodological descriptions

Individual instances of high similarity may be considered unacceptable regardless of the overall percentage.

Screening

All submissions may be screened using recognised plagiarism detection tools prior to peer review.

Additional checks may be conducted during revision and prior to publication.

Actions

Where similarity or plagiarism is identified, actions may include:

  • Return of the manuscript for revision

  • Rejection of the manuscript

  • Retraction of published articles

  • Notification to relevant institutions

  • Restrictions on future submissions

All actions are based on the severity of the case and are documented.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

Permitted Use

AI tools may be used only for limited support purposes, such as:

  • Language editing

  • Grammar correction

  • Formatting assistance

Prohibited Use

AI tools must not be used to:

  • Generate substantive academic content

  • Fabricate or manipulate data

  • Create references or citations

  • Alter images, figures, or results in a misleading manner

Disclosure

Authors must disclose the use of any AI tools in the manuscript.

Disclosure should include the name of the tool and the purpose of use.

Authorship

AI tools must not be listed as authors.

Authorship is limited to individuals who meet accepted authorship criteria.

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work.

Detection and Enforcement

The journal may use editorial assessment and available tools to identify AI-generated or manipulated content.

Failure to disclose AI usage or misuse of AI tools may result in:

  • Rejection of the manuscript

  • Retraction of published work

  • Notification to relevant institutions

  • Restrictions on future submissions

Post-Publication

Where plagiarism or unethical AI usage is identified after publication, appropriate actions may be taken, including corrections, retractions, or public notices.

Authors are expected to cooperate in any investigation.

Compliance

Authors are expected to comply with accepted standards of scholarly publishing and ethical research practices.

Declaration

By submitting a manuscript to IRPPA, authors confirm that their work is original, free from plagiarism, and compliant with the journal’s policies on AI usage and ethical conduct.

Version: 1.0  
Last Updated: 2026

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