7. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

7.1 Objective

To regulate the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI tools in research, writing, and scholarly communication, while safeguarding academic integrity, originality, authorship, and data reliability.

7.2 Preface

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI technologies has introduced new opportunities for academic writing, data visualization, and research communication. While these tools can support efficiency, clarity, and accessibility, they also raise significant ethical concerns related to authorship, originality, accountability, data integrity, and transparency.The International Journal of Business and Social Dynamics (IJBSD) supports the limited and responsible use of AI tools strictly as auxiliary aids in manuscript preparation. This policy clearly defines acceptable and non-acceptable uses of AI, mandates full disclosure, and affirms that authors remain fully accountable for all submitted and published content.

7.3 Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All manuscripts submitted to IJBSD
  • All authors, co-authors, and corresponding authors
  • All stages of publication, including:
    • Manuscript preparation
    • Submission
    • Peer review
    • Post-publication

AI tools include, but are not limited to:

  • Generative text models
  • Automated translation tools
  • Data visualization and formatting tools
  • Code-assistance tools
  • Image- and figure-generation software

7.4 General Principles

The following principles govern AI use in IJBSD submissions:

  • AI tools cannot be credited as authors or co-authors
  • AI use must not replace human intellectual contribution
  • All AI use must be clearly and transparently disclosed
  • Authors bear full responsibility for originality, accuracy, and ethical compliance
  • AI use must not compromise research integrity, data authenticity, or scholarly accountability

7.5 Acceptable Use of AI

The following uses of AI are permitted only when disclosed and when they do not affect the originality or intellectual contribution of the research.

7.5.1 Language and Writing Support

  • Grammar correction and spelling checks
  • Stylistic refinement of author-written text
  • Improving clarity and readability without altering meaning

7.5.2 Translation

  • Translation of the author’s original manuscript text into another language for submission purposes

7.5.3 Data Presentation and Visualization

  • Refinement of presentation of data already generated by the authors
  • Visualization of results (graphs, charts, figures) without altering underlying data
  • Formatting or refining presentation-level code used to display results

7.5.4 Figures and Illustrations

  • Generation of conceptual or illustrative diagrams for explanatory purposes only
  • Such visuals must not represent original data or research findings

7.5.5 Reference Assistance

  • Suggesting potentially relevant scholarly references
  • Authors must independently verify:
    • Accuracy
    • Authenticity
    • Existence of all references

7.6 Non-Acceptable Use of AI

The following uses are strictly prohibited and constitute serious ethical violations.

7.6.1 Text Generation and Intellectual Content

  • Using AI to generate manuscript text, arguments, conclusions, or literature reviews
  • AI-assisted paraphrasing that obscures originality or authorship

7.6.2 Research and Analytical Processes

  • Using AI to analyze, interpret, or summarize qualitative, textual, or empirical research data
  • Translation of source materials as part of the research process itself

7.6.3 Data Integrity Violations

  • AI-assisted fabrication, modification, correction, or manipulation of data
  • Alteration of datasets or results through AI tools

7.6.4 Visual Misrepresentation

  • AI-generated or edited visuals that misrepresent actual research data
  • Presenting AI-generated images as empirical findings

7.6.5 Code and Computational Research

  • Using AI to generate new code used in the research or analytical process
  • AI-based alteration of analytical or computational code prior to submission

7.6.6 Fabricated References

  • Generating non-existent, unverifiable, or misleading references using AI
  • Fabricated citations are treated as serious academic misconduct

7.7 Disclosure Requirements

All authors must include a clear AI Use Disclosure Statement in the manuscript specifying:

  • The AI tool(s) used
  • The purpose of use
  • Confirmation that AI did not generate original scholarly content

Example Disclosure Statement

AI-assisted tools were used solely for language editing and grammar improvement. No AI tools were used to generate research content, analyze data, or formulate conclusions.

Failure to disclose AI use may result in rejection or post-publication action.

7.8 Editorial and Peer Review Oversight

  • Editors may request clarification or additional documentation regarding AI usage
  • Manuscripts suspected of AI misuse may undergo enhanced editorial scrutiny
  • AI-detection and screening tools may be employed where necessary

7.9 Consequences of Policy Violation

Violations of this policy may result in one or more of the following actions:

  • Desk rejection or withdrawal of the manuscript
  • Retraction of a published article
  • Publication of a correction or retraction notice
  • Notification to the author’s institution or funding body
  • Temporary or permanent submission ban

7.10 Ethical Compliance

This policy aligns with:

  • COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines
  • HEC Pakistan ethical research standards
  • DOAJ principles of transparency and best publishing practices