Withdrawal, Retraction, and Correction Policy

When you submit or publish a paper in the International Review of Public Policy and Administration, it is understood that the journal will take appropriate action to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record.

Principles

The journal ensures that:

  • Actions are transparent and evidence-based

  • Decisions are documented and recorded

  • The scholarly record is corrected and preserved

Article Withdrawal (Pre-Publication)

Author-Initiated Withdrawal

Authors may request withdrawal of a manuscript prior to publication.

Requests must:

  • Be submitted in writing by the corresponding author

  • Include consent from all co-authors

  • Provide a valid reason

The Journal Editor may approve or decline the request based on the stage of the process and the justification provided.

Editorial Withdrawal

The journal may withdraw a manuscript prior to publication where:

  • Plagiarism or ethical concerns are identified

  • Duplicate or redundant submission is detected

  • Significant errors affect the validity of the work

  • Authors fail to respond to editorial communications

Retraction (Post-Publication)

Retraction is used to correct the scholarly record where a published article is found to be unreliable or unethical.

Grounds

An article may be retracted where:

  • Plagiarism or duplication is identified

  • Data are fabricated or falsified

  • Research is conducted unethically

  • Findings are unreliable due to significant error

  • Undisclosed conflicts affect the integrity of the work

Process

Retractions may be initiated by authors, the Journal Editor, or third parties.

The journal will:

  • Review available evidence

  • Communicate with relevant parties

  • Record all findings and decisions

Retraction Notice

A retraction notice will be published.

The notice will:

  • Identify the article

  • State the reason for retraction

  • Indicate the source of the action

Retracted articles will remain available and will be clearly marked.

Corrections

Minor Corrections

Minor errors that do not affect the conclusions may be corrected without formal notice.

Major Corrections

Errors that affect interpretation require:

  • Publication of a correction notice

  • Linking of the correction to the original article

Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern may be issued where:

  • Evidence of misconduct is inconclusive

  • An investigation is ongoing

  • There are serious concerns regarding the work

Author Responsibilities

Authors must:

  • Notify the Journal Editor of any errors

  • Cooperate in investigations

  • Provide clarification and supporting data where required

Ethical Misconduct

Cases of suspected misconduct are reviewed and may result in corrective action.

The journal may seek additional information or contact relevant institutions where necessary.

Transparency

All actions related to withdrawal, retraction, and correction are recorded and maintained.

Preservation of the Scholarly Record

The journal ensures that:

  • Retracted articles remain accessible and are clearly identified

  • Corrections are permanently linked to original publications

  • The integrity of the record is maintained

Compliance

The journal follows accepted standards of scholarly publishing and ethical practice.

Declaration

By submitting or publishing with IRPPA, authors acknowledge and agree to this policy and its procedures for maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record.

Version: 1.0  
Last Updated: 2026

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