11. Correction, Withdrawal & Retraction Policy

11.1 Introduction

The International Journal of Business and Social Dynamics (IJBSD) is committed to preserving the accuracy, integrity, transparency, and reliability of the scholarly record. Despite rigorous peer review and editorial oversight, errors or ethical concerns may occasionally arise before or after publication. This Correction, Withdrawal & Retraction Policy outlines the principles, definitions, procedures, and responsibilities governing amendments to the academic record. The policy applies to authors, editors, reviewers, readers, and third parties and follows the ethical guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

11.2 Policy Objectives

This policy aims to:

  • Maintain the credibility and trustworthiness of IJBSD
  • Correct honest errors and address ethical breaches promptly
  • Ensure transparency and accountability in post-publication actions
  • Prevent dissemination of misleading or invalid research
  • Ensure all corrections and retractions are permanent, visible, and linked to original articles

11.3 Definitions

11.3.1 Correction (Erratum / Corrigendum)

A Correction is issued when an error is identified in a published article that:

  • Does not invalidate the main findings or conclusions
  • Was introduced by:
    • Authors (Corrigendum), or
    • Editors/Publishers (Erratum)

11.3.2 Retraction

A Retraction is issued when a published article is found to be fundamentally flawed or unethical due to:

  • Plagiarism
  • Data fabrication or falsification
  • Serious methodological or analytical errors
  • Duplicate or redundant publication
  • Unethical research practices

11.3.3 Withdrawal

Withdrawal refers to the removal of a manuscript before formal publication (i.e., before assignment of volume, issue, or DOI), either at the request of the author(s) or initiated by the editorial office.

11.3.4 Expression of Concern

An Expression of Concern is issued when:

  • Serious concerns exist regarding an article
  • An investigation is ongoing
  • A final decision has not yet been reached

It alerts readers without prematurely retracting the article.

11.4 Correction Policy

11.4.1 Grounds for Corrections

Corrections may be issued for:

  • Errors in author names or affiliations
  • Incorrect tables, figures, or data values
  • Missing acknowledgments or funding disclosures
  • Reference inaccuracies
  • Minor statistical or unit calculation errors

11.4.2 Correction Procedure

  1. Authors notify the editorial office in writing
  2. The editorial team evaluates and verifies the request
  3. If approved, a Correction Notice is published
  4. The notice:
    • Cites the original article fully
    • Describes the correction clearly
    • States whether conclusions are affected
  5. The correction is linked permanently to the original article

11.4.3 Publisher Responsibility

If errors are introduced during copyediting, typesetting, or production, IJBSD will issue an Erratum without penalty to the authors.

11.5 Retraction Policy

11.5.1 Grounds for Retraction

Retractions are issued when articles involve:

  • Plagiarism (text, data, figures)
  • Data fabrication or falsification
  • Duplicate publication without disclosure
  • Ethical violations (e.g., lack of consent)
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest
  • Copyright or legal infringement

11.5.2 Retraction Procedure

  1. Concerns may be raised by authors, editors, reviewers, or third parties
  2. A preliminary investigation is conducted by the editorial board
  3. Authors are informed and allowed to respond
  4. If misconduct or invalidity is confirmed, the Editor-in-Chief issues a retraction
  5. The Retraction Notice includes:
    • Article title and DOI
    • Reason for retraction
    • Party initiating retraction (authors/editors)

The original article remains accessible but is clearly labelled “Retracted”.

11.5.3 Partial Retractions

If only a portion of an article is unreliable, a partial retraction or correction may be issued with a detailed explanatory note.

11.6 Withdrawal Policy (Pre-Publication)

11.6.1 Author-Initiated Withdrawal

Authors may withdraw a manuscript under the following conditions:

  • Withdrawal request must:
    • Be submitted in writing
    • Be made by the corresponding author
    • Include justification
    • Be approved by all co-authors

Withdrawal Timeline & Fees

  • Within 7 working days of submission:
    ✔ No withdrawal fee
  • After desk review / during peer review:
    • PKR 5,000 after first review
    • PKR 10,000 after second review

Unethical withdrawal (simultaneous submission elsewhere) may result in submission bans.

11.6.2 Editor-Initiated Withdrawal

IJBSD may withdraw a manuscript due to:

  • Plagiarism detected pre-publication
  • Authorship disputes
  • Policy violations
  • Failure to respond to editorial queries

Authors are formally notified with reasons for withdrawal.

11.7 Expression of Concern Policy

11.7.1 Grounds

An Expression of Concern may be issued when:

  • Evidence of misconduct is inconclusive
  • Institutional investigations are ongoing
  • Serious concerns exist but remain unresolved

11.7.2 Format

  • Published alongside the article
  • Linked to the article DOI
  • Updated once investigation concludes
  • Followed by correction or retraction if warranted

11.8 Post-Publication Responsibilities

11.8.1 Authors

Authors must:

  • Report significant errors promptly
  • Cooperate fully during investigations
  • Inform the journal of relevant post-publication changes

11.8.2 Editors

Editors must:

  • Investigate all credible concerns
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Act impartially and transparently
  • Follow COPE procedures strictly

11.8.3 Readers & Third Parties

IJBSD welcomes reports of concerns from readers and institutions. Reports may include:

  • Description of the issue
  • Supporting evidence
  • Contact details (anonymous reports accepted)

11.9 Visibility and Transparency

All notices are:

  • Freely accessible
  • Permanently linked to the original article
  • Clearly labelled (Corrected / Retracted / Concern)
  • Timestamped and signed by responsible authority

11.10 Consequences of Ethical Violations

In cases of misconduct:

  • Authors may face temporary or permanent submission bans
  • Institutions or funders may be notified
  • Sanctions are applied in accordance with COPE guidelines

11.11 Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed every two years or sooner if:

  • COPE or HEC guidelines change
  • Ethical challenges emerge
  • Editorial feedback necessitates revision

Updated versions are published on the IJBSD website.