Correction and Retraction Policy

The International Journal of Enterprise Modelling (IEIA) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors or concerns may occasionally arise after publication and is committed to addressing them promptly, fairly, and transparently.

1. Corrections

Corrections may be issued when errors are identified in a published article that affect its accuracy, clarity, completeness, or interpretation but do not invalidate the overall findings or conclusions.

Corrections may include, but are not limited to:

  • Errors in author names, affiliations, acknowledgements, or funding information.

  • Typographical, editorial, or formatting errors that affect the meaning or presentation of the article.

  • Errors in data, tables, figures, equations, or references that require clarification or correction.

  • Other factual inaccuracies that can be corrected without invalidating the main findings of the research.

Requests for corrections may be submitted by authors, readers, or other relevant parties to the editorial office. The editorial team will assess the request and may consult the authors, reviewers, or relevant experts before making a decision.

When a correction is approved, the journal will publish a formal correction notice describing the error and the corresponding amendment. The correction notice will be linked to the original article, and the original article will remain accessible with appropriate reference to the correction.

2. Retractions

Retraction may be necessary when the reliability or integrity of a published article is seriously compromised. The purpose of retraction is to correct the scholarly record and alert readers that the findings or content of the article should no longer be considered reliable in whole or in part.

Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

  • Confirmed plagiarism or substantial unattributed duplication.

  • Fabrication or falsification of research data, results, or findings.

  • Serious methodological errors that invalidate the research findings or conclusions.

  • Duplicate or redundant publication that substantially compromises the originality of the scholarly record.

  • Unethical research practices or serious violations of research ethics.

  • Authorship fraud or other forms of publication misconduct that materially affect the integrity of the article.

  • Other circumstances in which the published findings are demonstrably unreliable.

Retraction will not be used solely to resolve authorship disputes or to penalize authors for honest errors that can be adequately addressed through a correction.

3. Retraction Procedure

When concerns about a published article arise, the editorial team will conduct an appropriate assessment and, where necessary, initiate an investigation. The journal may request explanations or supporting evidence from the authors and consult independent experts or the authors' affiliated institutions when appropriate.

Authors will normally be given an opportunity to respond to the concerns before a final decision is made. However, the journal may take urgent action when necessary to protect readers or the integrity of the scholarly record.

If retraction is warranted, the journal will publish a formal retraction notice that:

  • Clearly identifies the retracted article, including its title, authors, publication details, and DOI.

  • Explains the reasons for retraction in a clear, factual, and objective manner.

  • Identifies the party initiating the retraction, where appropriate.

  • Provides a direct link between the retraction notice and the original article.

The original article will normally remain available on the journal website to preserve the scholarly record but will be clearly marked as retracted. Its metadata and DOI will be retained, and the retraction notice will be linked to the original publication.

4. Expressions of Concern

If credible concerns arise but the investigation is incomplete or a definitive decision cannot yet be reached, the journal may publish an expression of concern. This notice informs readers of the unresolved issues while further assessment is conducted.

An expression of concern may subsequently be followed by a correction, retraction, or other appropriate editorial action, depending on the investigation's outcome.

5. Responsibilities of Authors and Readers

Authors are encouraged to notify the editorial office promptly if they discover significant errors in their published work or become aware of circumstances that may compromise the reliability of their findings.

Readers, researchers, and other interested parties may report suspected errors, ethical violations, or research misconduct to the editorial office, preferably with supporting evidence and a clear reference to the relevant article.

All reports will be assessed fairly and confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.

6. Editorial Decision and Transparency

All decisions concerning corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern rest with the editorial team of the International Journal of Enterprise Modelling (IEIA), following an evidence-based assessment and applicable publication ethics principles.

The journal will seek to ensure that editorial actions are proportionate to the nature and severity of the issue, that affected parties are treated fairly, and that relevant notices are published promptly.

The journal follows recognized publication ethics guidance, including recommendations from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), to support responsible and transparent correction of the scholarly record.