Retraction, Correction and Withdrawal Policy

The Journal of International Business, Economics and Entrepreneurship (JIBE) applies this policy to ensure that retractions, corrections, expressions of concern and manuscript withdrawals are handled in a transparent, consistent and ethical manner. This policy follows the principles and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Retraction Policy

1.1 Grounds for Retraction

An article may be retracted where there is evidence of:

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

1.2 Review and Investigation Process

Concerns regarding published articles may be raised by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, or institutions.

The editorial team will assess concerns in accordance with journal procedures and COPE guidance. Authors will be given an opportunity to respond, and independent reviewers or subject experts may be consulted where appropriate.

Investigations are handled as confidentially as reasonably possible and assessed objectively.

1.3 Retraction Decision

Retraction decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief based on the available evidence.

Where conflicts of interest exist, responsibility for the decision may be delegated to an independent editor or editorial board member.

Where appropriate, relevant institutions or organizations may be informed.

1.4 Retraction Notice and Record Integrity

A formal retraction notice will be published and linked to the original article.

Retraction notices will normally include:

  • Article title and author(s)
  • 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 remain permanently accessible and freely available. Retraction status, metadata, and indexing records may also be updated where necessary.

1.5 Expression of Concern

The journal may issue an Expression of Concern where significant concerns exist regarding the integrity, reliability, or ethical compliance of a publication, but where an investigation is ongoing or conclusive evidence is not yet available.

Expressions of Concern will be clearly linked to the original article and will remain part of the scholarly record unless replaced by a correction or retraction.

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, acknowledgements, or metadata require amendment
  • Clarifications are necessary to improve accuracy or completeness

2.2 Types of Corrections

  • Erratum: errors introduced during the publication process
  • Corrigendum: errors identified by the authors after publication

Minor metadata corrections may be made without issuing a formal correction notice where appropriate.

2.3 Correction Process

Requests for correction may be submitted by authors, readers, editors, or institutions.

The editorial team will assess the nature and impact of the issue and may request clarification or supporting information from the authors.

2.4 Publication and Linking of Corrections

Correction notices will be published and linked to the original article.

The original article may be updated with a clear indication that a correction has been issued.

Corrections form part of the permanent scholarly record, and relevant metadata or indexing information may be updated where necessary.

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 for withdrawal is provided
  • All listed authors agree to the withdrawal

3.2 Withdrawal Requests

Withdrawal requests must:

  • Be submitted by the corresponding author
  • Include written confirmation from all co-authors
  • Be formally communicated to the editorial office

3.3 Editorial Considerations

The editorial office may decline or restrict withdrawal requests where:

  • Peer review has been completed or is near completion
  • Significant editorial or reviewer resources have already been committed
  • Concerns regarding publication ethics are under investigation

The journal may also withdraw manuscripts before publication where ethical concerns, significant errors, or policy breaches are identified.

3.4 Unethical Withdrawal

Withdrawal will not normally be permitted where:

  • The manuscript is in final production or publication stages
  • The purpose is submission to another journal after review or acceptance
  • There is disagreement among the authors regarding withdrawal

Such cases may be treated as breaches of the journal’s submission or publication policies.

3.5 Outcome of Withdrawal Requests

Approved manuscripts will be removed from the editorial workflow, and authors will be informed of the decision.

The journal may retain records of withdrawn manuscripts for administrative and editorial purposes.

Policy Integration

This statement forms part of the journal's publication ethics framework and should be read together with the following policies:

  • Copyright and License Policy
  • Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement
  • Peer Review Policy
  • Plagiarism Policy
  • Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Use of Generative AI Policy

 

Policy Version: 2.0
Last Updated: 2026