Retraction, Correction and Withdrawal

This policy sets out the procedures governing retractions, corrections and manuscript withdrawals in JIBE. It is intended to ensure that changes to the scholarly record are handled in a clear, consistent and transparent manner.

1. Retraction Policy

1.1 Grounds for Retraction

An article may be retracted if it is found to contain:

• Plagiarism or substantial duplication
• Data fabrication or falsification
• Ethical issues that compromise the validity or integrity of the research
• Major errors that significantly affect the reliability of the findings or conclusions

1.2 Review and Investigation Process

• Concerns are assessed by the editorial team following established editorial procedures
• Authors are contacted and given a reasonable opportunity to respond
• Independent reviewers or subject experts may be consulted where appropriate
• The review process is conducted confidentially and objectively

1.3 Retraction Decision

• Retraction decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief based on the available evidence
• Where appropriate, relevant institutions or parties may be informed
• A formal retraction notice is issued following the decision

1.4 Retraction Notice and Record Integrity

Each retraction notice will include:

• Article title and author(s)
• Clear reason(s) for retraction
• Date of retraction
• Link to the original article

The original article will remain available online to preserve the scholarly record and will be clearly marked as “Retracted.”
Retraction notices will be permanently linked to the original article and made openly accessible.

2. Correction Policy

2.1 Grounds for Correction

Corrections may be issued when:

• Errors do not invalidate the overall findings of the article
• Author names, affiliations, or acknowledgments require amendment
• Clarifications are needed to ensure accuracy and completeness

2.2 Types of Corrections

• Erratum: Errors introduced during the publication process
• Corrigendum: Errors made by the authors

2.3 Correction Process

• Requests may be initiated by authors, readers, editors, or institutions
• The editorial team assesses the nature and impact of the issue
• Authors may be asked to provide clarification or supporting information

2.4 Publication and Linking of Corrections

• A correction notice is published and linked to the original article
• The original article may be updated with a clear indication of the correction
• All corrections are permanently linked and form part of the scholarly record

3. Withdrawal Policy

3.1 Conditions for Withdrawal

A manuscript may be withdrawn during the editorial process if:

• It has not entered final production or publication stages
• A valid reason is provided
• All listed authors agree to the withdrawal

3.2 Author Requirements

• Requests must be submitted by the corresponding author
• Written confirmation of agreement from all co-authors is required
• Requests must be formally communicated to the editorial office

3.3 Editorial Considerations

The editorial office may decline or restrict withdrawal if:

• Peer review has been completed or is near completion
• Significant editorial and reviewer resources have already been used

3.4 Unethical Withdrawal

Withdrawal will not be permitted when:

• The manuscript is in final production or publication stages
• The purpose is submission or acceptance in another journal
• There is no agreement among all authors

Such cases may be treated as a breach of the journal’s submission policies.

3.5 Outcome of Withdrawal Requests

• Approved manuscripts are removed from the editorial workflow
• Authors are notified of the outcome
• The journal may retain records of withdrawn manuscripts for administrative purposes

4. Policy Scope

JIBE seeks to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record. Retractions, corrections, and withdrawals are handled in a consistent and transparent manner to ensure trust in the journal’s editorial process and published content.

 

Policy Version: 2.0
Last Updated: 2026