Correction and Retraction

Smart International Management Journal (SIMJ) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the scholarly record. When significant errors or publication-ethics concerns are identified after publication, the journal will assess the matter carefully and take appropriate action based on the nature and severity of the issue.

Correction

A Correction may be published when an error or omission is identified in a published article that affects the accuracy or clarity of the article but does not invalidate the main findings, conclusions, or scholarly integrity of the work.

Corrections may be considered for, but are not limited to:

  • Errors in text, tables, figures, references, or author information;

  • Minor errors in data or presentation that do not substantially affect the findings or conclusions;

  • Important information that was inadvertently omitted and needs to be added for clarity or accuracy.

Corrections will be clearly linked to the original article and will provide sufficient information to explain the nature of the correction.

Retraction

A Retraction may be considered when there is clear evidence that a published article is unreliable or contains serious publication-ethics or legal concerns. Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Unreliable Findings
    There is clear evidence that the findings are unreliable because of serious errors, data fabrication, data falsification, image manipulation, or other forms of research misconduct.

  2. Plagiarism
    Significant plagiarism or unauthorized appropriation of another person's work is identified.

  3. Duplicate or Redundant Publication
    Substantial findings have previously been published elsewhere without appropriate acknowledgment, disclosure, permission, or sufficient justification.

  4. Unauthorized Material or Data
    The article contains material, data, images, or other content used without the necessary permission or authorization.

  5. Serious Legal or Copyright Issues
    The article infringes copyright or contains other serious legal concerns, such as violations involving privacy or defamation.

  6. Unethical Research
    The research is found to have been conducted in violation of applicable ethical standards, research regulations, or required ethical approvals.

  7. Compromised Peer Review
    The article was accepted as a result of a seriously compromised, manipulated, or fraudulent peer-review process.

  8. Undisclosed Conflict of Interest
    A significant competing interest was not disclosed and, in the Editorial Team's assessment, could have substantially influenced the interpretation, conclusions, or recommendations presented in the article.

Retraction Procedure

When a potential reason for retraction is identified, the Editorial Team will conduct an appropriate assessment and, where necessary, seek clarification or evidence from the authors and other relevant parties. Authors will normally be given an opportunity to respond to the concerns before a final decision is made.

Where retraction is considered necessary, the retraction notice will:

  • Clearly identify the retracted article;

  • State the reason and basis for the retraction;

  • Distinguish the retraction notice from the original article;

  • Remain permanently linked to the original publication; and

  • Maintain the transparency and integrity of the scholarly record.

The original article will not normally be removed from the journal's online archive. Where technically and ethically appropriate, the article will remain accessible with a clear RETRACTED indication and a link to the retraction notice.

Post-Publication Review

A correction or retraction may be initiated following concerns raised by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, institutions, or other relevant parties. SIMJ will assess such concerns fairly and objectively and will take action proportionate to the evidence and seriousness of the issue.

The Editorial Team may also publish an Expression of Concern when there are substantial unresolved concerns about the reliability or integrity of a published article, but the available evidence is not yet sufficient to make a final decision on correction or retraction.

SIMJ is committed to ensuring that corrections, retractions, and other post-publication actions are handled transparently, fairly, and in accordance with recognized principles of publication ethics.