Retraction and Correction Policy
Purpose
AIMR is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record. This policy outlines procedures for correcting or retracting published articles when necessary.
Types of Post-Publication Actions
1. Erratum (Publisher Correction)
When: Errors introduced during the publication process (typesetting, formatting)
Action: Published correction notice linked to the original article
Article status: Original article remains published with link to erratum
2. Corrigendum (Author Correction)
When: Authors discover errors that do not affect the main findings
Action: Authors submit correction; published as notice linked to original
Article status: Original article remains published with link to corrigendum
3. Expression of Concern
When: Inconclusive evidence of misconduct or unreliable findings; investigation ongoing
Action: Published notice alerting readers; linked to original article
Article status: Remains published pending investigation outcome
4. Retraction
When: Clear evidence of:
- Unreliable findings due to error or fabrication
- Confirmed plagiarism
- Redundant publication (previously published elsewhere)
- Ethical violations (undisclosed conflicts, lack of consent, data manipulation)
- Failure to disclose a major conflict of interest
Action: Retraction notice published, linked to original article
Retraction Procedure
Step 1: Investigation
- Complaint or concern received by editorial office
- Editor-in-Chief initiates investigation
- Authors are contacted and given opportunity to respond
- External expert(s) may be consulted
- COPE flowcharts are followed
Step 2: Decision
- Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board review evidence
- Decision: Correction / Expression of Concern / Retraction
- Decision communicated to authors in writing
Step 3: Publication of Notice
- Notice published in the next available issue
- Notice linked to the original article on the website
- Indexing databases notified (Crossref, RePEc, CEEOL, etc.)
Step 4: Article Treatment
Retracted articles:
- Remain on the website with "RETRACTED" watermark on PDF
- HTML page updated with retraction notice
- DOI continues to resolve to the article page (with retraction notice)
- Article is NOT deleted from the record (transparency principle)
- Metadata updated in Crossref and all indexing databases
Who Can Request a Retraction?
- The article's authors
- The Editor-in-Chief or Editorial Board
- The authors' institution
- Third parties with evidence of misconduct
Timeline
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment of complaint | 5 business days |
| Author notification | 10 business days |
| Author response deadline | 30 calendar days |
| Investigation completion | 60 calendar days |
| Publication of notice | Next available issue |
Appeals
Authors may appeal a retraction decision within 30 calendar days by submitting a written response to the Editor-in-Chief with supporting evidence. Appeals are reviewed by the Editorial Board, and the decision is final.
This policy follows COPE Retraction Guidelines.