Beware of Predatory Journals: The Case of International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE)

The academic publishing landscape is fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to identifying legitimate scholarly journals. One such journal that has been the subject of debate and suspicion is the International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE). While it is indexed in Scopus, a prestigious database, scrutiny reveals several red flags.

Introduction to IJITEE

International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE) is a journal that purports to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to share their advancements in innovative technology and engineering. However, recent investigations have raised doubts about the integrity of this journal.

Indexed in Scopus but with Unreliable Practices

Although IJITEE appears to be indexed in Scopus, a widely recognized database for peer-reviewed journals, there are significant issues regarding its practices. One of the most notable concerns is the misleading information provided about Article Processing Charges (APCs).

Misleading APC Information

On its official website, IJITEE claims to be a free journal to publish articles. However, upon acceptance of a manuscript, authors are instructed to pay an annual processing charge of Rs 8000 INR. This unexpected and undisclosed fee arises after the manuscript has been accepted, which is a clear indication of predatory practices common in questionable journals.

Recognition as a Predatory Journal

The journal's practices align with the characteristics of a predatory journal. According to the Complete List ofFake Predatory or Bogus Journals, IJITEE falls under this category. Predatory journals often:

Lack transparency and proper disclosure of fees and policies. Fail to conduct thorough peer review. Do not require authors to pay APCs upfront. Utilize misleading marketing tactics to attract submissions.

These practices not only undermine the credibility of the journal and its published works but also potentially harm the academic careers of unsuspecting researchers who publish in such journals.

Conclusion

As the academic community continues to grapple with the proliferation of questionable journals, it is crucial to exercise caution and due diligence. Researchers, institutions, and publishers must be vigilant in evaluating the integrity of journals before submitting their work. The case of IJITEE highlights the importance of transparent and ethical publishing practices. Academic authors and institutions should avoid supporting journals that engage in deceptive and predatory behavior.

For more information on identifying and avoiding predatory journals, visit the All About Research (AIR) list of predatory journals.