Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

1. Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines for the transparent and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in manuscripts submitted to Estudios de la Gestión. It aligns with the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME).

2. Scope
This policy applies to all authors, reviewers, and editors involved in the submission, peer-review, and publication process.

3. Definitions
AI-assisted content: Work originally created by a human author and subsequently improved through AI tools (e.g., grammar correction, style enhancement, or translation assistance).

AI-generated content: Content produced primarily by AI systems in response to prompts, which may include text, images, code, data analysis, or figures.

4. Authorship
AI tools cannot be listed as authors. Authorship requires the ability to assume responsibility for the work, approve the final version of the manuscript, and be accountable for all aspects of the research. Only human beings can fulfill these requirements.

All listed authors must have made substantial contributions to the work and assume full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of any AI-generated or AI-assisted content.

5. Disclosure Requirements

5.1 When disclosure is required
Authors must disclose the use of AI tools when they are used to:

• Generate, draft, or substantially edit text.
• Collect, process, or analyze data.
• Create or modify figures, images, or visualizations.
• Write or debug code used in the research.
• Conduct literature screening or synthesis.

5.2 When disclosure is not required
In general, disclosure is not required for:

• Basic spelling and grammar correction.
• Use of standard reference management software.
• Conventional word processor functions.

5.3 Where to disclose
The use of AI must be indicated in the following sections:

• Declarations section: For AI use in writing assistance, translation, or style editing.
• Methods section (within the article): For AI use in research methodology, data collection, analysis, or figure generation.
• Cover letter: A summary of AI use must be included at the time of submission.

5.4 What to include in the disclosure
The disclosure must specify:

1. The name and version of the AI tool or tools used.

2. The date or dates of access.

3. The specific purpose and the sections of the manuscript in which AI was used.

4. The author’s role in reviewing and validating the AI-generated content.

6. Peer Review
Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or portions of manuscripts into AI tools, as this may compromise the confidentiality of the editorial process. Reviewers must also refrain from using AI tools to generate peer-review reports.

If AI assistance is used in any aspect of the review process, the reviewer must inform the editor.

7. Editorial Use
Editors must not use AI tools to draft decision letters or summarize unpublished research. Any editorial use of AI must preserve the confidentiality of the peer-review process.

8. Compliance and Consequences
Disclosure of AI use does not, in itself, constitute grounds for manuscript rejection. However, failure to disclose AI use when required, or inappropriate use of AI, may result in manuscript rejection, retraction of published articles, or other actions in accordance with COPE guidelines.

9. Examples of Disclosure

For the Declarations section:
The authors acknowledge the use of [AI tool name, version] (accessed on [date]) for language editing and improvement of manuscript readability. The authors reviewed and edited all AI-generated suggestions and assume full responsibility for the content of this publication.

For the Methods section:
Data analysis was assisted by [AI tool name, version] (accessed on [date]) for [specific task, e.g., categorizing abstracts or generating initial code]. All results were verified by the authors through [validation method].

10. Policy Updates
This policy may be updated as AI technologies and editorial best practices evolve. Authors should consult the most recent version of this policy at the time of submission.

Effective date: May 2026