Retraction and Correction Policy
ABSU Journals recognizes its responsibility to maintain the integrity, transparency, and reliability of the scholarly record. This policy outlines the procedures for correcting the literature when significant issues are identified in published articles.
1. Preamble
ABSU Journals (including JEST and JAMESLSS) are committed to maintaining the integrity, transparency, and reliability of the scholarly record. This Retraction Policy outlines the procedures for correcting the literature when significant issues are identified in published articles.
2. Purpose of Retraction
Retraction is a mechanism for correcting the scholarly record.
- Correcting errors that invalidate findings.
- Maintaining the integrity of the academic record.
- Alerting readers to unreliable or unethical research.
- Retraction is not intended to punish authors but to ensure the accuracy of scholarly communication.
3. Grounds for Retraction
An article may be retracted under the following circumstances.
- Research Misconduct:Plagiarism, data fabrication or falsification, or image manipulation.
- Ethical Violations:Lack of ethical approval (where required), unethical research practices, or undisclosed conflicts of interest.
- Redundant or Duplicate Publication:Submission or publication of the same work in multiple journals.
- Major Errors:Errors that significantly affect the validity or reliability of results, or incorrect data analysis or interpretation.
- Authorship Issues:Disputes that cannot be resolved, or inclusion/exclusion of authors without consent.
4. Initiation of Retraction
Retraction may be initiated by authors, editors, reviewers, readers or third parties, or institutions or regulatory bodies.
5. Investigation Process
Upon receiving a concern: (1) The Editorial Board conducts a preliminary assessment; (2) Authors are contacted for clarification; (3) Evidence is reviewed objectively; (4) External experts may be consulted if necessary. All investigations are conducted fairly, confidentially, and transparently.
6. Decision Making
The Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with the Editorial Board, makes the final decision based on evidence presented, severity of the issue, and impact on the scholarly record.
7. Retraction Notice
When an article is retracted, a formal retraction notice is published.
- The notice is clearly labelled as 'Retraction', linked to the original article, freely accessible, and indexed and citable.
- The notice will include the reason for retraction, who initiated the retraction, and the date of retraction.
8. Article Status After Retraction
The original article will remain online but will be clearly marked as 'Retracted'. A watermark or header will indicate retracted status. The PDF and HTML versions will be updated accordingly.
9. Corrections vs Retractions
Where issues are minor and do not invalidate findings:
- Erratum:Correction of publisher errors.
- Corrigendum:Correction of author errors.
- Retraction is reserved for serious issues affecting validity.
11. Post-Retraction Actions
The journal may notify indexing and abstracting services, inform the author's institution, and restrict future submissions in severe cases.
12. Appeals Process
Authors may appeal a retraction decision by submitting a written explanation and providing supporting evidence. The Editorial Board will review the appeal and issue a final decision.
13. Transparency and Accountability
All retraction processes will be handled without bias, with confidentiality, and in accordance with global ethical standards.
14. Conclusion
ABSU Journals are committed to safeguarding the integrity of academic publishing by ensuring that all published research remains accurate, reliable, and ethically sound.