These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the use and submission of manuscripts to the SMS Journal of Business Management (the "Journal"), published biannually in english by the School of Management Studies (SMS) at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). By submitting your manuscript to the Journal, you agree to comply with these Terms.

Manuscript Submission:
1.1. Authors are responsible for ensuring that their submitted manuscripts are original, have not been previously published, and are not under consideration by any other publication.

1.2. Manuscripts should be submitted electronically through the Journal's online submission system. The submission should include all necessary components, such as an abstract, keywords, and the main body of the manuscript.

1.3. Authors must provide accurate and complete information during the submission process, including their names, affiliations, contact information, and any conflicts of interest.

Peer Review Process:
2.1. All submitted manuscripts will undergo a rigorous peer review process conducted by experts in the field. The Journal follows a double-blind review process, ensuring that the identities of the authors and reviewers are kept confidential.

2.2. The review process aims to provide constructive feedback to authors and make informed decisions regarding the acceptance, revision, or rejection of manuscripts. The final decision lies with the Journal's Editor-in-Chief.

Copyright and Licensing:
3.1. Authors retain the copyright of their manuscripts published in the Journal. However, by submitting a manuscript, authors grant the Journal a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to publish, reproduce, distribute, display, and communicate their work in both print and electronic formats.

3.2. The Journal may also utilize open access publishing options, allowing broader access to published manuscripts, subject to the authors' consent and any applicable fees or policies.

Plagiarism and Ethics:
4.1. Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality of their work and should appropriately cite and reference any sources used. Plagiarism or any form of academic misconduct is strictly prohibited and may result in the rejection of the manuscript and possible sanctions against the author(s).

4.2. Authors must adhere to ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects, animals, or any potentially sensitive content. Any necessary ethical approvals should be obtained prior to conducting the research and clearly stated in the manuscript.

Publication and Access:
5.1. Once accepted for publication, manuscripts may undergo necessary editing and formatting changes by the Journal's editorial team. Authors will have the opportunity to review and approve the final version before publication.

5.2. The Journal strives to ensure the widest possible dissemination of published content. Manuscripts will be made available online through the Journal's website and other appropriate platforms.

Disclaimer:
6.1. The School of Management Studies and Cochin University of Science and Technology make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information published in the Journal. The authors are solely responsible for the content of their manuscripts.

Amendments to the Terms:
7.1. The Journal reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be communicated through the Journal's website or other appropriate means.

By submitting a manuscript to the SMS Journal of Business Management, authors acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these Terms and Conditions.