Corrections, Retractions, Complaints and Appeals Policy

The integrity and accuracy of the published scholarly record are fundamental principles of academic publishing. Appropriate procedures are maintained for addressing errors, publication concerns, complaints, appeals, and issues that may arise before or after publication.

1. Corrections

A correction may be issued when a published article contains an error, omission, or inaccurate information that affects the accuracy or clarity of the publication but does not invalidate the overall research findings or conclusions.

Corrections may relate to:

  • Author names or affiliations

  • Funding information

  • Conflict of interest declarations

  • Factual or typographical errors

  • Figures or tables

  • References or citations

  • Other information requiring clarification

Corrections will clearly identify the affected article and explain the nature of the correction.

Authors should promptly notify the editorial team if they discover a significant error in their published work.

2. Retractions

A published article may be retracted when serious concerns substantially undermine the reliability or integrity of the scholarly record.

Possible grounds for retraction include:

  • Fabrication or falsification of data

  • Serious plagiarism

  • Duplicate or redundant publication

  • Major errors that invalidate the findings or conclusions

  • Serious research or publication ethics violations

  • Unreliable or manipulated results

  • Significant undisclosed conflicts of interest that materially affect the publication

  • Other circumstances that substantially compromise the integrity of the article

Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record rather than to serve as a punitive measure.

3. Retraction Procedure

Before a retraction is issued, the editorial team may investigate the concern and request explanations or supporting documentation from the authors.

Where appropriate, the journal may communicate with relevant institutions, ethics committees, or other responsible organizations.

A retraction decision will be based on the available evidence and the need to maintain the integrity of the published scholarly record.

4. Retraction Notice

When an article is retracted, a retraction notice will be published and linked to the original article.

The notice will clearly state that the article has been retracted and will provide the reason or reasons for the action.

Where technically and ethically appropriate, the original article will remain accessible as part of the publication record but will be clearly identified as Retracted.

5. Expression of Concern

Where a substantial concern exists but the available evidence is insufficient for an immediate final determination, an Expression of Concern may be issued.

This may be used while an investigation is ongoing or while additional information is being obtained.

6. Complaints

Authors, reviewers, readers, and other relevant parties may submit complaints concerning the journal's editorial, peer-review, publication, or administrative processes.

Complaints may relate to matters such as:

  • Editorial procedures

  • Peer-review conduct

  • Publication ethics

  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest

  • Authorship

  • Publication charges

  • Copyright or licensing

  • Editorial misconduct

  • Delays or procedural concerns

  • Other legitimate publishing-related matters

Complaints should be submitted with sufficient details and supporting information where available.

7. Handling of Complaints

Complaints will be considered fairly, objectively, and as confidentially as reasonably possible.

The editorial or publishing team will assess the complaint and may request additional information from the complainant or other relevant parties.

Where a complaint concerns a member of the editorial team, the matter should, where possible, be handled by another appropriate and independent member of the editorial or publishing team.

Complaints will not affect the author's ability to submit or publish future work, provided that the complaint is made in good faith.

8. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors may appeal an editorial decision when they believe that:

  • A significant procedural error occurred during the editorial or peer-review process;

  • Relevant information was overlooked;

  • There is evidence of a misunderstanding or factual error that materially affected the decision; or

  • There is another substantive reason warranting reconsideration.

An appeal should provide a clear explanation of the grounds for reconsideration and should include relevant supporting information.

9. Appeal Procedure

Appeals should be submitted to the editorial team through the journal's official contact email.

The appeal will be reviewed by an appropriate editor or responsible member of the editorial team who was not directly responsible for the original decision, where practicable.

The journal may seek an additional editorial or independent assessment when necessary.

The outcome of an appeal will be communicated to the author after consideration of the available information.

An appeal does not guarantee reversal of the original decision.

10. Finality of Decisions

Editorial decisions may be reconsidered where a legitimate procedural or substantive basis for appeal exists.

Repeated appeals that do not provide new information or substantive grounds may not be considered further.

11. Misconduct and Ethical Concerns

Concerns involving plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, authorship manipulation, unethical research, peer-review manipulation, or other forms of publication misconduct may be investigated in accordance with the journal's Publication Ethics and Research Integrity Policy.

The journal may request relevant evidence or documentation and may contact appropriate institutions or authorities where necessary.

12. Post-Publication Concerns

Concerns about a published article may be raised by authors, readers, reviewers, institutions, or other relevant parties.

The journal will assess credible concerns and may issue a correction, expression of concern, retraction, or other appropriate notice depending on the circumstances.

13. Confidentiality

Information relating to complaints, appeals, investigations, and ethical concerns will be handled confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.

Confidential information will only be disclosed where necessary for the proper investigation or resolution of the matter, or where disclosure is required by applicable law or institutional requirements.

14. Protection Against Retaliation

Individuals who raise legitimate concerns or complaints in good faith should not be subject to retaliation or disadvantage as a result of making such a report.

15. Editorial Independence

Corrections, retractions, complaints, and appeals are handled independently of advertising, sponsorship, publication charges, or other commercial considerations.

Payment of an Article Processing Charge does not guarantee publication and does not affect editorial decisions.

16. Contact

Complaints, appeals, correction requests, and concerns regarding published articles should be submitted to:

Email: editor@ajqr.ibexinstitute.org