Corrections and Retraction Policy

Corrections and Retraction Policy

JMISIP follows the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines and flowcharts for handling corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern, in order to protect the integrity and reliability of the published scholarly record.

Types of Post-Publication Notices

1. Correction (Erratum/Corrigendum)
Issued when an error is identified that does not undermine the overall validity, conclusions, or reliability of the article — for example, a typographical error, an incorrect affiliation, a minor figure/table formatting issue, or a citation error.

  • A correction notice is published as a separate, linked document.
  • The original article remains fully accessible, with a clear, permanent notation and link directing readers to the correction.
  • Corrections are issued for errors introduced by the authors ("author correction") as well as errors introduced during the editorial/production process ("publisher correction"), with the source of the error clearly stated.

2. Retraction
Issued when the reliability of an article's findings or conclusions is seriously undermined. Grounds for retraction include, but are not limited to:

  • Clear evidence of data fabrication or falsification
  • Plagiarism or duplicate/redundant publication without proper disclosure
  • Findings that have been shown to be unreliable due to major honest error (e.g., miscalculation, flawed methodology invalidating the conclusions)
  • Failure to disclose a major competing interest that, in the editors' judgment, unduly influenced the interpretation of the work or the editorial decision
  • Unethical research practices (e.g., lack of required ethical approval)
  • Content that infringes third-party copyright, privacy, or other legal rights, where remediation is not otherwise possible

Retraction process:

  • Retracted articles remain permanently accessible on the journal's website (they are not deleted), but are clearly and permanently marked "RETRACTED" on every page/view of the article, including in PDF and HTML versions.
  • A formal retraction notice is published, linked bidirectionally with the original article, explaining the specific reason(s) for retraction and who identified the issue.
  • Wherever possible, all listed authors are given the opportunity to respond prior to retraction; however, the journal reserves the right to retract an article even without author agreement, where the evidence of a serious breach is clear, consistent with COPE guidance.

3. Expression of Concern
Issued when an allegation of misconduct or a serious concern about an article has been raised but is still under investigation, is unresolved, or where a definitive determination cannot yet be made (e.g., awaiting an institutional investigation). This alerts readers to exercise caution while the matter is resolved. An Expression of Concern may later be updated to a full retraction, a correction, or removed if the concern is resolved without further action.

Who Can Initiate a Correction or Retraction Review

  • The article's original author(s)
  • Readers who identify a potential error or concern
  • The editorial team, upon independent identification of an issue
  • A third party (e.g., another researcher, an institution) raising a substantiated concern

All requests should be directed to support@jmisip.com with supporting detail.

Decision-Making Authority

All final decisions regarding corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern rest with the Editor-in-Chief, informed by the investigation and, where appropriate, consultation with the author's institution, independent experts, or COPE guidance.

Article Removal (Rare, Exceptional Cases)

Complete removal of an article from the journal's website (rather than retraction with continued access) is reserved for extremely rare, legally necessary circumstances — for example, where the content is defamatory, infringes a legal right in a way that cannot be remedied by retraction, or where a court order requires removal. Even in such cases, a stub page indicating the article has been removed, and the reason, will remain in place to preserve the citation record.