Corrections and Retractions Policy

Asian Online Journals (AOJ) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the scholarly record. When errors or ethical concerns are identified in published articles, appropriate actions are taken in accordance with recognized best practices in academic publishing.
This policy applies to all journals published by Asian Online Journals, unless otherwise specified on an individual journal website.

Purpose of Corrections and Retractions

The purpose of corrections, retractions, and related notices is to ensure that readers are alerted to significant errors, ethical concerns, or reliability issues in published content, while preserving the integrity of the academic record.

Corrections

A correction (also referred to as an erratum or corrigendum) may be issued when:

• An error is identified that affects the clarity, accuracy, or interpretation of the article but does not invalidate the main findings.
• Minor factual, typographical, or metadata errors are discovered after publication.
• Author information or affiliations require correction.

Corrections are clearly linked to the original article and indicate the nature of the error and the corrected information.

Retractions

A retraction may be issued when:

• There is clear evidence that the findings are unreliable due to misconduct (e.g., data fabrication, data falsification) or honest error.
• The article contains plagiarism or redundant publication.
• The research was conducted unethically or without required approvals.
• Significant conflicts of interest were not disclosed and materially affect the validity of the work.

Retracted articles remain accessible to preserve the scholarly record but are clearly marked as Retracted, with a retraction notice explaining the reason for the action.

Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern may be issued when:

• There are unresolved or ongoing investigations into the integrity of a published article.
• Sufficient information is not yet available to warrant a correction or retraction.

Expressions of concern are linked to the original article and updated once investigations are concluded.

Retraction and Correction Notices

All correction, retraction, or expression of concern notices:

• Are published promptly once a decision is made
• Clearly identify the affected article
• State the reason for the action
• Are freely accessible to readers
• Are permanently linked to the original article

Process for Handling Corrections and Retractions

1. Concerns may be raised by authors, readers, reviewers, or editors.
2. The editorial office conducts an initial assessment of the concern.
3. Where necessary, the Editor-in-Chief consults with reviewers, editorial board members, or institutional authorities.
4. A decision is made to issue a correction, retraction, or expression of concern, or to take no action.
5. The decision and outcome are communicated transparently.

Author and Editor Responsibilities

• Authors are expected to cooperate fully with investigations and provide requested information promptly.
• Editors are responsible for managing cases fairly, confidentially, and without conflict of interest.
• Editorial decisions related to corrections and retractions are made independently of commercial considerations.

Ethical Framework

Asian Online Journals handles corrections and retractions in accordance with ethical publishing standards and best-practice guidance aligned with the principles of Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Appeals

Authors who disagree with a correction or retraction decision may submit a written appeal to the editorial office. Appeals are reviewed objectively and in accordance with journal policies.

Contact

For questions or concerns related to corrections, retractions, or publication ethics, please contact:
[email protected]