Post-Publication Discussion

Abdimas: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Merdeka Malang welcomes post-publication discussions and encourages readers, academic peers, community practitioners, and researchers to engage in constructive dialogue regarding the community service results, methodologies, and impact published in the journal. Post-publication discussion is an essential component of scientific integrity and continuous improvement in community empowerment practices.

1. Mechanisms for Post-Publication Discussion

Formal discussions or critiques regarding published articles can be submitted using the following channels:

  • Letters to the Editor / Commentary: Readers may submit formal comments, letters, or observations regarding specific findings, methodologies, or interpretations in a published article. Submissions must be evidence-based, objective, and scholarly in tone.

  • Direct Communication with Editorial Office: Inquiries or concerns regarding a published paper should be submitted via email to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

2. Handling Letters and Reader Comments

When a formal letter or commentary regarding a published article is received:

  1. Editorial Evaluation: The Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief evaluate the submission to ensure it presents substantial, constructive, and evidence-based discussion rather than personal opinions or unverified claims.

  2. Author Right of Reply: If the commentary is deemed valid for discussion, the corresponding author of the original article will be invited to provide a formal response within a specified timeframe (typically 14 business days).

  3. Peer Review and Publication: The commentary and the author's response may undergo peer review before being published together in a subsequent issue of the journal, cross-linked directly to the original article on the journal’s OJS platform.

3. Addressing Errors and Post-Publication Corrections

If a post-publication discussion reveals honest errors, minor omissions, or significant flaws affecting the validity of the work, Abdimas: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Merdeka Malang follows standard COPE guidelines to take appropriate action:

  • Correction / Corrigendum: Issued when minor errors (e.g., misprinted numbers, minor text errors, or author affiliation updates) do not alter the main conclusions or ethical standing of the community service program.

  • Addendum: Published if additional essential information or clarification regarding field data or implementation methodology is necessary.

  • Expression of Concern: Published by the Editorial Board if a serious allegation or inquiry is ongoing without conclusive resolution yet.

  • Retraction: Executed if severe ethical misconduct, fabrication of community service data, or fundamental methodological errors render the conclusions invalid.

4. Contact Information

To submit a letter to the editor, comment, or query regarding a published article, please write to us at [email protected].