The Charter

Section 1: Preamble

1.1 Identity and Purpose

International Journal of Business Management and Research Studies (hereinafter referred to as IJBMRS) is a peer-reviewed, open access academic journal dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of business, management, economics, finance, and allied disciplines. This Charter is the supreme governing document of IJBMRS. It defines the journal’s identity, mission, and operational framework, ensuring that all activities remain aligned with the principles of academic integrity, global accessibility, and scholarly excellence.

1.2 Autonomy and Academic Spirit

IJBMRS functions as an independent, non-political, and non-commercial platform for the dissemination of research. It operates under an open access publishing model, free from political, religious, or commercial influence. All editorial and publishing decisions are guided solely by academic merit, ethical standards, and the advancement of knowledge.

1.3 Commitment to Excellence and Compliance

This Charter serves as the primary source of authority for all IJBMRS policies, procedures, and operations. It ensures that governance remains transparent, accountable, and compliant with international standards of scholarly publishing, including the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI), and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) requirements.

1.4 Continuity and Legacy

IJBMRS is established with the intent of creating and sustaining a long-term intellectual legacy that transcends borders. The structure defined in this Charter enables smooth editorial transitions, preservation of institutional memory, and safeguarding of the journal’s reputation and credibility within the global academic community.

1.5 Supremacy of the Charter

All operational guidelines, editorial policies, and associated documents derive their authority from this Charter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Charter and other internal documents, this Charter shall prevail. Any amendments to this Charter must be made in accordance with Section 12: Amendments & Dissolution.

Section 2: Name, Legal Status, and Objectives

2.1 Name

The official name of this journal shall be the International Journal of Business Management and Research Studies (IJBMRS), hereinafter referred to as “the Journal.”

2.2 Legal Status

• The Journal operates as an independent, peer-reviewed, open access academic publication.
  
  

• It is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious entity, with all revenues (if any) reinvested into improving journal operations, digital infrastructure, and global accessibility.
  
  

• All operations of IJBMRS shall remain compliant with international copyright law, applicable data protection regulations (including GDPR), and recognized best practices of academic publishing.
  
  

• The Journal maintains a digital presence through its official website and approved scholarly repositories, including Zenodo and other indexing services.
  
  

2.3 Scope of Authority

The Journal operates solely under the authority of this Charter. No editorial board member, reviewer, or associated body may act in a manner inconsistent with this Charter, or in violation of the Chief Editor’s directives.

2.4 Objectives

The objectives of IJBMRS are to:

1. Provide a credible and transparent platform for the publication of high-quality, peer-reviewed research in business, management, and allied disciplines.
   
   

2. Promote open access dissemination of scholarly knowledge, ensuring free and global accessibility to research without barriers.
   
   

3. Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and academic honesty, following COPE guidelines.
   
   

4. Support and encourage interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research contributions from scholars, practitioners, and researchers worldwide.
   
   

5. Contribute to the advancement of global academic and professional practice in business and management studies.
   
   

6. Provide long-term digital preservation and archiving of all published works through repositories such as Zenodo.
   
   

2.5 Boundaries of Operation

The Journal shall not engage in:

• Commercial advertising or sponsorships that compromise academic neutrality.
  
  

• Political campaigning, lobbying, or religious proselytizing.
  
  

• Any activity that could damage the reputation, credibility, or ethical standards of IJBMRS.

Section 3: Vision, Mission, and Core Values

3.1 Vision

To establish IJBMRS as a globally respected, academically rigorous, and ethically grounded journal that advances knowledge in business and management studies, fostering research that contributes to innovation, policy, and sustainable development worldwide.

3.2 Mission

The mission of IJBMRS is to:

1. Provide a transparent and inclusive platform for the publication of high-quality, peer-reviewed research.
   
   

2. Facilitate global knowledge exchange among scholars, practitioners, and institutions in the fields of business and management.
   
   

3. Promote open access publishing to ensure that research remains accessible to all without financial or institutional barriers.
   
   

4. Encourage scholarly integrity by upholding the strictest standards of peer review, plagiarism prevention, and research ethics.
   
   

5. Strengthen the connection between academia and industry by disseminating research with real-world impact.
   
   

6. Contribute to the digital preservation of academic knowledge through archiving in repositories such as Zenodo and other recognized indexing services.
   
   

3.3 Core Values

The Journal shall uphold the following values as guiding principles:

1. Integrity – Commitment to honesty, transparency, and fairness in all editorial and publication processes.
   
   

2. Excellence – Upholding the highest standards of quality in research selection, peer review, and publishing.
   
   

3. Accessibility – Ensuring universal access to published knowledge through open access models.
   
   

4. Diversity – Encouraging contributions from a wide range of disciplines, regions, and cultural perspectives.
   
   

5. Sustainability – Supporting environmentally and socially responsible academic practices, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where appropriate.
   
   

6. Innovation – Embracing technological advancements to improve publishing, discoverability, and long-term knowledge preservation.
   
   

7. Community – Strengthening global academic collaboration, dialogue, and mutual respect among researchers.
   
   

3.4 Alignment with Global Goals 

Where appropriate, IJBMRS will align its themes, special issues, and editorial priorities with international research agendas and global challenges, including the UN SDGs, to ensure that scholarship contributes to sustainable progress.

Section 4: Governance Structure

4.1 Supreme Authority

The Chairman of the Board of IJBMRS holds the highest authority in all matters of governance, strategic direction, and compliance. The Chairman safeguards the vision, mission, and integrity of the Journal as defined in this Charter.

4.2 Board of Members

1. The Board of Members shall function as the central governing and supervisory body of IJBMRS.
   
   

2. The Board may consist of up to ten (10) members, with no minimum requirement for composition.
   
   

3. Members are appointed by the Chairman and may include academics, researchers, or professionals relevant to the Journal’s disciplines.
   
   

4. The Board is responsible for:
   
   

   • Setting editorial policies and publication standards.
     
     

   • Approving major strategic, ethical, or financial decisions.
     
     

   • Mandating and overseeing the work of the Editorial Team.
     
     

   • Supporting international collaboration and long-term sustainability.
     
     

5. All powers of the Board derive their authority from the Chairman, whose decision is final in case of disagreement.
   
   

4.3 Editorial Team

1. The Editorial Team is an operational body mandated by the Board to manage the day-to-day functions of the Journal.
   
   

2. The Editorial Team consists of:
   
   

   • Managing Editor
     
     

   • Associate Editors
     
     

   • Section Editors
     
     

   • Technical/Production Editor
     
     

   • Secretariat Staff
     
     

3. The Editorial Team acts solely within the mandate given by the Board.
   
   

   • It executes editorial and technical processes in alignment with policies approved by the Board.
     
     

   • It may propose improvements, but such proposals require formal approval of the Board before implementation.
     
     

   • It has no independent authority to alter policies, reject Board directives, or make unilateral decisions on governance.
     
     

4.4 Peer Reviewers

• Reviewers are appointed under the authority of the Board.
  
  

• They evaluate submissions impartially, confidentially, and in accordance with Board-mandated editorial policies.
  
  

• Their role is advisory only; final publication decisions rest with the Editorial Team acting under the mandate of the Board.
  
  

4.5 Appointment and Removal

• The Chairman appoints and removes Board Members and Editorial Team members at their sole discretion.
  
  

• All appointments are documented in the Official Appointment Register.
  
  

• Removal from office takes effect immediately upon written notice from the Chairman.
  
  

4.6 Decision-Making Process

• The Chairman retains supreme authority in all governance matters.
  
  

• The Board of Members deliberates collectively and may adopt resolutions by majority vote, but such resolutions take effect only upon Chairman’s ratification.
  
  

• The Editorial Team acts as an executing body only, implementing decisions and policies as mandated by the Board.
  
  

4.7 Succession Planning

• In the event of the Chairman’s resignation, incapacity, or withdrawal, the Board of Members shall nominate a successor by majority vote.
  
  

• The nominated successor must be confirmed by at least two-thirds of the active Board Members.
  
  

• Until succession is finalized, the Managing Editor shall act as Interim Chairman, restricted to ensuring continuity of operations.
  
  

4.8 Secretariat

A permanent Editorial Secretariat shall be maintained to ensure accurate record-keeping, correspondence, and administrative support. The Secretariat operates strictly under the authority of the Chairman and the Board.

Section 5: Powers of the Chairman and the Board of Members

5.1 Powers of the Chairman

The Chairman of IJBMRS shall possess supreme, permanent, and final authority over all aspects of governance, planning, and execution of the Journal. This authority is absolute, non-transferable, and not subject to election or removal. The Chairman’s powers include, but are not limited to:

1. Approving, amending, or revoking editorial policies, publication standards, and strategic directions of the Journal.
   
   

2. Appointing, mandating, or removing members of the Board of Members, Editorial Team, Peer Reviewers, or any other committee at their sole discretion.
   
   

3. Approving or rejecting submitted manuscripts, regardless of peer review outcomes, in the interest of academic integrity and journal policy.
   
   

4. Authorizing official documents, certificates, communications, and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
   
   

5. Enforcing this Charter, all editorial mandates, and compliance with international academic publishing norms.
   
   

6. Creating or dissolving committees, councils, or associations under the Journal’s name.
   
   

7. Approving all financial transactions, budgets, and sponsorships in accordance with Section 9 of this Charter.
   
   

8. Exercising emergency powers when required, including suspension of standard procedures, to protect the Journal’s reputation and operations.
   
   

Supremacy Clause: In the event of any conflict between the Chairman’s decision and the resolution of the Board of Members or Editorial Team, the Chairman’s decision shall prevail absolutely and conclusively.

5.2 Powers of the Board of Members

The Board of Members shall function as the advisory and supervisory body of the Journal. Their role includes:

1. Recommending editorial, strategic, or policy measures to the Chairman.
   
   

2. Supporting the Chairman in upholding ethical standards, international visibility, and academic excellence.
   
   

3. Assisting in reviewing long-term goals, partnerships, and development opportunities for the Journal.
   
   

4. Serving as representatives of IJBMRS within the global academic community.
   
   

Limitation of Authority:

• The Board of Members does not hold independent authority to override, amend, or repeal the Chairman’s decisions.
  
  

• All Board resolutions are advisory and non-binding unless formally ratified by the Chairman.
  
  

5.3 Relationship Between the Chairman and the Board

1. The Chairman retains ultimate oversight and control over all Board activities.
   
   

2. The Board may act only within the scope of mandates delegated by the Chairman.
   
   

3. The Chairman’s powers cannot be suspended, diluted, or reassigned by the Board under any circumstances.
   
   

5.4 Permanence of Authority

• The position of Chairman is established as perpetual and supreme, not subject to election, replacement, or removal by any internal or external authority.
  
  

• In the event of incapacity, resignation, or death of the Chairman, this Charter must be amended to define succession, but until such amendment, no authority supersedes the Chairman.
  
  

Section 6: Publication & Editorial Protocols

6.1 Editorial Authority

1. All editorial processes, including manuscript review, acceptance, rejection, and publication, are carried out under the supreme authority of the Chairman and the mandate of the Board of Members.
   
   

2. The Editorial Team executes these processes as instructed by the Board, without independent policy-making power.
   
   

6.2 Manuscript Submission

1. Manuscripts must be submitted through the official IJBMRS submission system or email address designated by the Editorial Team.
   
   

2. Submissions must conform to the official Author Guidelines issued and periodically updated under the authority of the Chairman.
   
   

3. Authors must declare originality, authorship, and absence of conflicts of interest at the time of submission.
   
   

6.3 Peer Review Process

1. IJBMRS follows a double-blind peer review system unless otherwise directed by the Board.
   
   

2. Reviewers are selected on the basis of expertise and independence, and they are bound by confidentiality and conflict-of-interest policies.
   
   

3. Reviewer recommendations are advisory only. Final acceptance or rejection of manuscripts rests solely with the Chairman or delegated Editorial Team acting under Board mandate.
   
   

6.4 Plagiarism and Research Misconduct

1. All submissions are subject to plagiarism checks using approved software and ethical review protocols.
   
   

2. Any manuscript found to involve plagiarism, falsification of data, duplicate submission, or unethical research practices shall be rejected outright.
   
   

3. Published papers found in violation may be retracted by order of the Chairman, and authors may face blacklisting from future submissions.
   
   

6.5 Editing and Proofing

1. The Editorial Team may make language, formatting, and structural edits to manuscripts strictly within the mandate of the Board.
   
   

2. No substantial changes to content, meaning, or conclusions may be made without explicit author approval.
   
   

3. Final proof versions must be approved by the corresponding author prior to publication.
   
   

6.6 Publication Frequency

1. IJBMRS shall publish issues on a periodic basis (monthly/quarterly/bi-annual) as determined by the Board.
   
   

2. Special issues may be published upon approval of the Chairman.
   
   

6.7 Digital Archiving and Indexing

1. All published articles shall be assigned Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) and permanently archived in Zenodo and other approved repositories.
   
   

2. The Journal commits to long-term preservation of published content through redundant digital archiving systems.
   
   

3. Efforts shall be made to index the Journal in recognized scholarly databases (e.g., DOAJ, Scopus, Web of Science) subject to compliance with their standards.
   
   

6.8 Open Access Policy

1. IJBMRS operates under an Open Access model, ensuring that all published content is freely accessible to readers worldwide.
   
   

2. Articles shall be published under a Creative Commons License (type determined by the Chairman and Board).
   
   

3. Authors retain copyright of their work, while granting IJBMRS the perpetual right to publish, distribute, and archive their work across all platforms.
   
   

6.9 Publication Integrity

1. Retractions, corrections, and errata will be issued in accordance with COPE guidelines and under the authority of the Chairman.
   
   

2. The Journal shall maintain a permanent record of all corrections and retractions in its digital archives.
   
   

Section 7: Copyright & Licensing Policy

7.1 Author Copyright

1. Authors retain the copyright of their manuscripts published in IJBMRS.
   
   

2. By submitting a manuscript, authors grant IJBMRS a perpetual, non-exclusive, and irrevocable license to:
   
   

   • Publish, distribute, and archive the work in all forms (print, digital, electronic).
     
     

   • Deposit the work in Zenodo and other approved repositories for permanent preservation.
     
     

   • Translate metadata and abstracts into other languages for indexing and global dissemination.
     
     

7.2 Creative Commons Licensing

1. All published works in IJBMRS shall be released under a Creative Commons license as determined by the Chairman and the Board (default: CC BY 4.0 International License).
   
   

2. Under this license:
   
   

   • Readers may copy, distribute, display, and create derivative works, provided proper credit is given to the original authors and IJBMRS.
     
     

   • Commercial use is permitted, unless the Board designates a more restrictive license for a specific work.
     
     

3. Any deviation from the default license requires explicit approval from the Chairman and must be clearly indicated on the published article.
   
   

7.3 Author Responsibilities

1. Authors must ensure that their submissions are original, properly cited, and do not infringe upon the rights of third parties.
   
   

2. Authors are required to obtain written permissions for the reproduction of any copyrighted material (e.g., figures, tables, images, datasets).
   
   

3. Any legal disputes regarding ownership or authorship remain the responsibility of the authors, not IJBMRS.
   
   

7.4 Rights of IJBMRS

1. IJBMRS reserves the right to:
   
   

   • Publish, republish, or redistribute works through third-party platforms, indexing databases, or digital archives.
     
     

   • Apply technical or linguistic editing to ensure clarity and consistency.
     
     

   • Retract or correct published works found to violate copyright, ethical, or academic integrity standards.
     
     

2. The Journal maintains the right to preserve published works in perpetuity through digital repositories such as Zenodo, regardless of author withdrawal.
   
   

7.5 Author Self-Archiving

1. Authors are permitted to deposit their published articles, preprints, or accepted manuscripts in institutional repositories, personal websites, and academic networking sites.
   
   

2. Such deposits must include a reference to the original publication in IJBMRS and the assigned DOI.
   
   

7.6 Copyright Disputes

1. Any claims of copyright infringement will be investigated by the Editorial Team under the direct authority of the Chairman.
   
   

2. If infringement is proven:
   
   

   • The article will be retracted immediately.
     
     

   • Authors involved may face blacklisting from future submissions.
     
     

   • Legal action may be pursued in accordance with national and international copyright law.
     
     

Section 8: Digital Preservation & Zenodo Archiving Policy

8.1 Purpose

This section establishes the framework for the long-term preservation, accessibility, and discoverability of all works published in IJBMRS. The Journal is committed to ensuring that scholarly outputs remain permanently available to the global research community, independent of future changes in technology or organizational structure.

8.2 Zenodo as Official Repository

1. IJBMRS maintains an official account with Zenodo, a repository developed under the European OpenAIRE program and operated by CERN.
   
   

2. All published articles, along with their metadata, shall be deposited in Zenodo as the primary archiving mechanism for IJBMRS.
   
   

3. Each deposited work shall receive a permanent Digital Object Identifier (DOI), ensuring long-term traceability and citation.
   
   

8.3 Open Access and Compliance

1. Deposited articles on Zenodo shall remain freely accessible worldwide under the same Creative Commons license specified by IJBMRS (default: CC BY 4.0).
   
   

2. Zenodo archiving ensures compliance with international Open Access mandates (including Plan S, BOAI, and Horizon Europe requirements).
   
   

3. Authors publishing in IJBMRS automatically consent to the deposit of their work in Zenodo and related repositories.
   
   

8.4 Versioning Policy

1. Updated versions of published works (e.g., corrigenda, errata, or revised editions) shall be deposited in Zenodo with clear cross-linking to the original version.
   
   

2. The Journal shall maintain a transparent record of all versions to protect the academic integrity of the publication record.
   
   

8.5 Redundancy and Backup

1. In addition to Zenodo, IJBMRS may archive its publications in other recognized repositories (institutional, national, or international) to ensure redundancy.
   
   

2. Copies of all publications shall be preserved in the Journal’s internal Digital Archive Register for institutional continuity.
   
   

8.6 Discoverability and Indexing

1. Zenodo-archived works are automatically indexed in Google Scholar, OpenAIRE, and other research databases, enhancing visibility of IJBMRS publications.
   
   

2. The Journal shall take all reasonable steps to secure indexing in leading scholarly databases (e.g., DOAJ, Scopus, Web of Science) for broader discoverability.
   
   

8.7 Withdrawal and Retention

1. Once deposited in Zenodo, articles cannot be withdrawn at the request of authors; they remain part of the permanent scholarly record.
   
   

2. In cases of retraction, the original article shall remain accessible with a clear Retraction Notice, in accordance with COPE guidelines.
   
   

Section 9: Financial Management

9.1 Purpose

This section establishes the framework for the ethical, transparent, and compliant management of all financial resources associated with IJBMRS. All financial practices shall be consistent with the Journal’s non-profit, academic-driven mission.

9.2 Funding Sources

Permissible sources of funding for IJBMRS include:

1. Article Processing Charges (APCs), if and when determined by the Board.
   
   

2. Voluntary donations, grants, or institutional support.
   
   

3. Sponsorships permitted under academic publishing norms, provided they do not compromise editorial independence.
   
   

4. Surpluses from events, workshops, or academic collaborations conducted under the Journal’s name.
   
   

9.3 Budgeting and Approval

1. The Chairman shall prepare, approve, and oversee all annual and project-specific budgets.
   
   

2. No expenditure may be undertaken without prior authorization from the Chairman.
   
   

3. All financial plans must align with the Journal’s academic mission and non-profit status.
   
   

9.4 Financial Transactions

1. All financial transactions shall be conducted through traceable and secure banking channels.
   
   

2. Cash transactions, if unavoidable, must be documented with official receipts.
   
   

3. Misappropriation or unauthorized use of funds shall result in immediate disciplinary action under Section 13: Enforcement & Sanctions and may be subject to legal prosecution.
   
   

9.5 Transparency and Record-Keeping

1. Complete and accurate financial records shall be maintained in the Official Financial Register of IJBMRS.
   
   

2. Financial documents must be securely stored and retained for a minimum of seven (7) years.
   
   

3. Annual financial summaries shall be presented to the Board of Members for review.
   
   

9.6 Sponsorship and Partnership Compliance

1. All sponsorship agreements must be in writing, signed by the Chairman, and must not grant external parties influence over editorial content, peer review, or publication decisions.
   
   

2. All acknowledgments of sponsors or partners must comply with academic publishing ethics and international open access standards.
   
   

9.7 Prohibition on Profit Distribution

1. IJBMRS operates strictly on a not-for-profit basis.
   
   

2. No surplus funds shall be distributed to the Chairman, Board Members, Editorial Team, or associated individuals.
   
   

3. All surpluses shall be reinvested into:
   
   

   • Enhancing journal operations.
     
     

   • Digital infrastructure, archiving, and indexing.
     
     

   • Scholarships, waivers, or grants for authors with financial constraints.
     
     

Section 10: Documentation & Communication Protocols

10.1 Purpose

This section establishes the standards for official documentation, internal and external communications, and the secure handling of records within IJBMRS. It ensures transparency, accountability, and continuity of operations.

10.2 Official Communication Channels

1. All official communications of IJBMRS shall be conducted exclusively through:
   
   

   • The official IJBMRS email accounts.
     
     

   • The official IJBMRS website.
     
     

   • Approved academic platforms and repositories (e.g., Zenodo, DOAJ).
     
     

   • Officially registered social media handles, where applicable.
     
     

2. Personal accounts of Editors, Reviewers, or Board Members must not be used for official announcements unless expressly authorized by the Chairman.
   
   

10.3 Document Numbering and Archival

1. All official documents (appointment letters, agreements, financial approvals, certificates, and notices) shall be assigned a unique document number for traceability.
   
   

2. All records must be stored in both digital and physical formats in the Official Records Archive maintained by the Secretariat.
   
   

3. Records shall be indexed for easy retrieval and safeguarded against unauthorized access.
   
   

10.4 Publication Documentation

For each published issue of the Journal, the Editorial Secretariat shall maintain a complete documentation file containing:

1. Manuscript submission and review records.
   
   

2. Editorial decisions and author correspondence.
   
   

3. Plagiarism and integrity reports.
   
   

4. Final versions of published articles and assigned DOIs.
   
   

5. Zenodo deposition receipts and metadata records.
   
   

10.5 Public Announcements

1. All press releases, announcements, and official statements must be approved by the Chairman before publication.
   
   

2. The Chairman may delegate communication authority for specific announcements through a written order.
   
   

10.6 Confidentiality of Internal Communications

1. Internal communications (e.g., Board deliberations, reviewer comments, editorial notes) are confidential and may only be shared with authorized individuals.
   
   

2. Unauthorized disclosure of internal communications constitutes a serious breach under Section 13: Enforcement & Sanctions.
   
   

10.7 Executive Orders and Official Issuances

1. The Chairman may issue Executive Orders on matters of governance, appointments, or policy changes.
   
   

2. Executive Orders carry the same authority as this Charter and remain binding until amended or repealed.
   
   

3. All Executive Orders must:
   
   

   • Be issued on official IJBMRS letterhead.
     
     

   • Carry a unique document number.
     
     

   • Clearly state the purpose, scope, and effective date.
     
     

   • Be signed by the Chairman.
     
     

4. Executive Orders shall be recorded in the Official Orders Register and archived permanently.
   
   

Section 11: Conflict of Interest & Ethics Policy

11.1 Purpose

This section establishes ethical standards and conflict-of-interest rules to ensure that IJBMRS operates with fairness, transparency, and academic integrity in all its activities.

11.2 Conflict of Interest Definition

A conflict of interest (COI) arises when personal, financial, or professional relationships could improperly influence an individual’s duties, decisions, or recommendations within IJBMRS.

11.3 Declarations of Interest

1. Authors must disclose:
   
   

   • All sources of funding for their research.
     
     

   • Any personal, institutional, or financial relationships that may bias the submitted work.
     
     

2. Reviewers must disclose:
   
   

   • Any relationship with the author(s) that could influence impartial judgment.
     
     

   • If unable to provide an unbiased review, they must decline the assignment.
     
     

3. Editors and Board Members must disclose:
   
   

   • Any conflicts related to submissions under consideration.
     
     

   • They must recuse themselves from handling such manuscripts.
     
     

11.4 Ethical Standards for Authors

1. Manuscripts must represent original work, not previously published or under consideration elsewhere.
   
   

2. All sources and references must be properly cited.
   
   

3. Authors must obtain permissions for any reused figures, tables, or data.
   
   

4. Plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, or duplicate submission are strictly prohibited.
   
   

11.5 Ethical Standards for Reviewers

1. Reviews must be objective, constructive, and timely.
   
   

2. Confidentiality of manuscripts must be strictly maintained.
   
   

3. Reviewers must not use knowledge from manuscripts for personal or professional advantage.
   
   

11.6 Ethical Standards for Editors and Board Members

1. Editorial decisions must be based solely on academic merit, originality, and contribution to knowledge.
   
   

2. No decision shall be influenced by race, gender, nationality, religion, political beliefs, or institutional affiliation.
   
   

3. Editors are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the publication record, including issuing corrections, retractions, or clarifications where necessary.
   
   

11.7 Enforcement of Ethics

1. The Chairman has sole authority to investigate alleged breaches of ethics or conflicts of interest.
   
   

2. Investigations may include author/reviewer correspondence, plagiarism reports, and independent evaluations.
   
   

3. Verified violations may result in:
   
   

   • Rejection or retraction of manuscripts.
     
     

   • Removal from the reviewer/editorial pool.
     
     

   • Blacklisting from future contributions.
     
     

   • Notification of institutional authorities.
     
     

11.8 Continuing Obligation

All ethical and conflict-of-interest obligations extend beyond the period of formal association with IJBMRS. Any misuse of privileged information obtained during service remains a violation subject to sanctions.

Section 12: Digital Infrastructure & Security

12.1 Purpose

This section defines the principles for maintaining secure, reliable, and transparent digital systems for the operations of IJBMRS, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of scholarly content.

12.2 Official Digital Platforms

1. The official website of IJBMRS shall serve as the primary platform for:
   
   

   • Manuscript submission and tracking.
     
     

   • Publication of accepted articles.
     
     

   • Announcements, policies, and author guidelines.
     
     

2. All official archives of IJBMRS shall be maintained through:
   
   

   • The official Zenodo account of IJBMRS.
     
     

   • The Journal’s internal digital repository.
     
     

   • Additional recognized indexing services (DOAJ, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.), as applicable.
     
     

12.3 Data Security

1. All IJBMRS digital platforms must be protected by secure login credentials, encryption protocols, and backup systems.
   
   

2. Access to administrative systems (website backend, submission portal, Zenodo account, financial dashboards) shall be limited to authorized personnel only, appointed by the Chairman.
   
   

3. Passwords and access rights must be updated upon appointment or removal of any Editorial Team or Board Member.
   
   

12.4 Confidentiality of Submissions

1. Manuscripts under review are confidential and must be stored on secure servers or cloud systems approved by the Chairman.
   
   

2. Authors’ personal information shall be handled in compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
   
   

3. Unauthorized copying, sharing, or misuse of submission data constitutes a serious breach subject to sanctions under Section 13.
   
   

12.5 Backup and Continuity

1. Regular digital backups of all manuscripts, correspondence, and official documents shall be maintained.
   
   

2. The Editorial Secretariat shall maintain a Disaster Recovery Plan, ensuring continuity of operations in the event of technical failures.
   
   

3. Zenodo archiving provides permanent redundancy, guaranteeing long-term preservation of published works.
   
   

12.6 Website & Technical Management

1. The IJBMRS website shall be managed by the Technical/Production Editor or another designated staff member, under the authority of the Board.
   
   

2. Any structural, design, or hosting changes to the website must be approved by the Chairman.
   
   

3. Unauthorized modifications to the website, servers, or repositories shall be treated as misconduct.
   
   

12.7 Cybersecurity & Misuse Prevention

1. Unauthorized access, hacking attempts, or digital sabotage against IJBMRS systems will be investigated and may result in:
   
   

   • Permanent expulsion from IJBMRS roles.
     
     

   • Notification of law enforcement authorities.
     
     

2. All IJBMRS personnel must undergo periodic digital security awareness training, as mandated by the Board.
   
   

Section 13: Enforcement & Sanctions

13.1 Purpose

This section defines the enforcement mechanisms of the IJBMRS Charter and prescribes sanctions for violations by authors, reviewers, editors, Board Members, or any other associated parties. Its aim is to safeguard the credibility, reputation, and ethical standing of the Journal.

13.2 Authority of Enforcement

1. The Chairman of the Board holds supreme authority to investigate, adjudicate, and impose sanctions in all cases of misconduct or violations of this Charter.
   
   

2. The Chairman may, at their discretion, delegate preliminary investigations to the Editorial Team or an appointed Ethics Committee, but the final decision shall rest solely with the Chairman.
   
   

13.3 Grounds for Sanctions

Violations subject to enforcement include, but are not limited to:

1. Plagiarism, falsification, or fabrication of research.
   
   

2. Copyright infringement or unauthorized use of third-party materials.
   
   

3. Breach of confidentiality by reviewers, editors, or staff.
   
   

4. Conflicts of interest not disclosed as required under Section 11.
   
   

5. Violation of the Journal’s data security or misuse of digital systems.
   
   

6. Unauthorized public communications on behalf of IJBMRS.
   
   

7. Financial mismanagement, fraud, or misappropriation of Journal resources.
   
   

8. Disrespect or non-compliance with the directives of the Chairman or the Board.
   
   

13.4 Types of Sanctions

Depending on the severity of the violation, the following sanctions may be imposed:

1. For Authors:
   
   

   • Immediate rejection or retraction of manuscripts.
     
     

   • Permanent blacklisting from future submissions.
     
     

   • Notification of affiliated institutions or funding bodies.
     
     

2. For Reviewers:
   
   

   • Removal from the Reviewer Pool.
     
     

   • Blacklisting from future participation in IJBMRS.
     
     

3. For Editorial Team Members:
   
   

   • Removal from editorial duties with immediate effect.
     
     

   • Permanent exclusion from IJBMRS governance.
     
     

4. For Board Members:
   
   

   • Removal from the Board by order of the Chairman.
     
     

   • Public revocation of appointment.
     
     

5. For External Parties:
   
   

   • Termination of partnerships, sponsorships, or collaborations.
     
     

   • Legal action, if required.
     
     

13.5 Retractions and Corrections

1. Retractions, corrections, and expressions of concern shall follow the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
   
   

2. Retractions will remain permanently visible, with a clear statement of reason, to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.
   
   

13.6 Appeals Process

1. Individuals subject to sanctions may submit a written appeal to the Chairman within 30 days of notification.
   
   

2. The appeal shall be reviewed by the Chairman in consultation with the Board, if deemed appropriate.
   
   

3. The Chairman’s decision on appeals is final, binding, and not subject to further challenge.
   
   

13.7 Continuing Liability

Resignation, withdrawal, or removal from IJBMRS does not absolve individuals from liability for prior violations. Sanctions may be imposed retroactively.

Section 14: Amendments & Dissolution

14.1 Authority to Amend

1. This Charter is the supreme governing document of IJBMRS.
   
   

2. Only the Chairman of the Board possesses the authority to amend, modify, or repeal any provision of this Charter.
   
   

3. Amendments proposed by the Board of Members or Editorial Team shall be considered advisory only and have no effect unless expressly ratified by the Chairman.
   
   

14.2 Procedure for Amendments

1. All amendments shall be issued by the Chairman through a formal Executive Order.
   
   

2. Each amendment must:
   
   

   • Be documented in the Official Orders Register.
     
     

   • Specify the section(s) being amended.
     
     

   • Include the date of effect.
     
     

   • Bear the official signature of the Chairman.
     
     

3. Once issued, amendments become immediately binding and supersede all previous provisions.
   
   

14.3 Non-Derogation of Authority

1. No amendment may diminish, restrict, or transfer the supreme authority of the Chairman.
   
   

2. Any attempt to alter this supremacy clause shall be null and void.
   
   

14.4 Dissolution of IJBMRS

1. The Journal may be dissolved only by order of the Chairman.
   
   

2. In the event of dissolution:
   
   

   • All published works shall remain permanently archived in Zenodo and other repositories to preserve the scholarly record.
     
     

   • The Official Records Archive shall be sealed and maintained for historical reference.
     
     

   • Any remaining financial or material assets shall be redirected to academic, research, or charitable purposes, as determined solely by the Chairman.
     
     

14.5 Continuity Clause

In the absence, incapacity, or death of the Chairman, this Charter remains valid and binding until explicitly amended. The Board of Members may continue routine operations, but no authority supersedes the supremacy of the Chairman unless succession is defined through an official amendment.

Section 15: Founding Authority of the Co-Chairpersons

15.1 Origin

The International Journal of Business & Management Research Studies (IJBMRS) was established as a sub-venture of the Nirmaya Foundation. Recognizing its importance as an independent academic publishing platform, the trustees of the Foundation granted IJBMRS full autonomy in its operations while retaining the role of ultimate guardians of its mission and integrity.

15.2 Supreme Authority

1. The two Managing Trustees of Nirmaya Foundation, hereafter referred to as the Co-Chairpersons of IJBMRS, shall hold permanent, supreme, and irremovable authority over all aspects of the Journal.
   
   

2. The Co-Chairpersons shall jointly exercise ultimate oversight of:
   
   

   • Governance and strategic direction.
     
     

   • Editorial and ethical policies.
     
     

   • Financial approvals, sponsorships, and asset management.
     
     

   • Amendments or dissolution of this Charter.
     
     

3. Their authority is absolute and perpetual, not subject to election, replacement, or limitation by the Board of Members, Editorial Team, or any external entity.
   
   

15.3 Relationship to Nirmaya Foundation

While IJBMRS operates as an autonomous scholarly journal, its legitimacy and foundational trust derive from the Nirmaya Foundation. The Co-Chairpersons, in their dual role as Managing Trustees, remain the custodians and guarantors of IJBMRS’s mission, vision, and ethical standards.

15.4 Supremacy Clause

In the event of any conflict between the decisions of the Co-Chairpersons and the resolutions of the Board of Members, Editorial Team, or any committee, the joint decision of the Co-Chairpersons shall prevail conclusively and absolutely.

Section 16: Nirmaya Foundation Charter Linkage

16.1 Subordination to Foundation Charter

This Charter of the International Journal of Business & Management Research Studies (IJBMRS) shall operate under and in conformity with the Charter of the Nirmaya Foundation. Nothing in this Charter shall be construed as overriding, contradicting, or limiting the provisions of the Nirmaya Foundation Charter.

16.2 Initiative of Nirmaya Foundation

1. IJBMRS is formally recognized as “An Initiative of Nirmaya Foundation.”
   
   

2. All official documents, websites, certificates, and publications of IJBMRS shall prominently display this designation to reflect its origins and governance.
   
   

16.3 Grant of Autonomy

1. The Nirmaya Foundation, through its Managing Trustees (the Co-Chairpersons of IJBMRS), has granted IJBMRS editorial and operational autonomy within the framework of this Charter.
   
   

2. Such autonomy does not constitute separation from the Foundation; IJBMRS remains legally and structurally an integral initiative of Nirmaya Foundation.
   
   

16.4 Binding Interpretation

In the event of any ambiguity, conflict, or interpretative doubt regarding this Charter, the Charter of Nirmaya Foundation shall prevail as the supreme governing document.

Section 16A: Removal and Tenure of Board Members

16A.1 Authority of Appointment and Removal

All appointments to the Board of Members of the International Journal of Business & Management Research Studies (IJBMRS) are made under the discretion and authority of the Co-Chairpersons, acting in their capacity as Managing Trustees of the Nirmaya Foundation.

16A.2 Absolute Power of Removal

1. The Co-Chairpersons hold the absolute, supreme, and unquestionable authority to remove, dismiss, or revoke the appointment of any Board Member at any time.
   
   

2. Removal may be carried out with or without cause, justification, or explanation.
   
   

3. Such removal shall be effective immediately upon issuance of a written order by the Co-Chairpersons.
   
   

16A.3 Tenure of Board Members

1. Each Board Member shall be appointed for a maximum term of three (3) months.
   
   

2. Upon completion of their term, they shall automatically cease to hold office unless expressly reappointed by the Co-Chairpersons.
   
   

3. By default, no Board Member may serve two consecutive terms. A minimum cooling-off period of three (3) months must pass before reappointment.
   
   

4. However, if the Co-Chairpersons so decide, they may override this limitation and reappoint a Board Member for two, three, or more consecutive terms, entirely at their will.
   
   

16A.4 Non-Contestability

1. The decision of the Co-Chairpersons regarding appointment, renewal, or removal shall be final, binding, and non-contestable.
   
   

2. Any attempt by Board Members to appeal, reverse, or resist such decisions shall be null and void.
   
   

16A.5 Supremacy of Foundation Authority

This authority over appointment, tenure, and removal derives directly from the Charter of Nirmaya Foundation. Therefore, no provision of the IJBMRS Charter, nor any resolution of the Board, may limit or challenge this authority.

Section 17: Status of Nirmaya Foundation

17.1 Foundational Basis

The International Journal of Business & Management Research Studies (IJBMRS) acknowledges that it exists as an Initiative of the Nirmaya Foundation, operating fully under the authority, protection, and custodianship of the Foundation’s Charter.

17.2 Nature of the Foundation

1. The Nirmaya Foundation is constituted and governed by its own Founding Charter.
   
   

2. It is not registered under the Trusts Act, Societies Act, or Companies Act, and functions as a voluntary, non-profit academic trust based on its Charter.
   
   

3. IJBMRS, as a venture of the Foundation, derives its legitimacy, governance, and autonomy from the Co-Chairpersons, who are Managing Trustees of the Foundation.
   
   

17.3 Recognition of Authority

1. IJBMRS explicitly recognizes that the authority of its Co-Chairpersons is vested in them through their role as Managing Trustees of Nirmaya Foundation.
   
   

2. Nothing in this Charter shall be interpreted as separating IJBMRS from the Foundation or diminishing the supremacy of the Foundation’s Charter.