The Journal of Decision Support Systems and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (JODESMA) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. When credible concerns arise regarding a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to reach a definitive conclusion, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern.

An Expression of Concern is a formal editorial notice intended to alert readers to unresolved issues that may affect their assessment of an article. It does not constitute a final determination of misconduct or establish that the article is necessarily unreliable.

The purpose of an Expression of Concern is to provide readers with timely and transparent information when a significant issue relating to a published article remains unresolved.

An Expression of Concern may be considered when:

• Credible allegations of research or publication misconduct require further investigation.
• Questions have been raised about the reliability or integrity of research data.
• Potential ethical violations require clarification.
• Significant concerns have been referred to an author's institution or another relevant body, and the investigation remains pending.
• The journal has received conflicting evidence that prevents an immediate conclusion.
• Other unresolved issues may materially affect readers' interpretation of the article.

An Expression of Concern should be based on credible information rather than speculation, personal disagreement, or unsupported allegations. The Editorial Office will assess the seriousness of the concern and its potential implications for the published work.

Relevant information may include:

• Documented discrepancies in research data or reported results.
• Evidence of possible plagiarism or inappropriate use of published material.
• Questions concerning research ethics or required approvals.
• Concerns about image integrity, data processing, or analytical procedures.
• Relevant findings or communications from research institutions or other competent bodies.
• Other verifiable information that warrants further editorial assessment.

Concerns may be reported by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, research institutions, or other individuals with relevant information. Reports should be submitted to the Editorial Office of the Journal of Decision Support Systems and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (JODESMA).

Where possible, a report should include:

• The title and DOI of the article concerned.
• The names of the authors.
• A clear description of the concern.
• Relevant sections, data, figures, or statements in question.
• Supporting documents, references, or other verifiable evidence.
• Any relevant information about an ongoing institutional investigation, where appropriate.

The journal will handle submitted information carefully and assess reports according to their relevance, credibility, and potential effect on the scholarly record.

The Editorial Office will evaluate the available information before deciding whether an Expression of Concern is appropriate. The assessment may involve consultation with the authors, relevant experts, editorial board members, or research institutions.

The editorial assessment may consider:

• The credibility and relevance of the evidence.
• The seriousness of the reported issue.
• The potential impact on the article's findings and conclusions.
• Whether additional information or independent investigation is necessary.
• Whether an interim public notice is needed to inform readers while the matter remains unresolved.

The decision will be made independently and proportionately, taking into account the available evidence and the importance of protecting the scholarly record.

When an Expression of Concern is issued, the journal will publish a formal notice that is clear, factual, and proportionate to the available evidence.

Where appropriate, the notice will identify:

• The title and authors of the article.
• The article's DOI and publication details.
• The general nature of the concern.
• The status of any ongoing investigation, where disclosure is appropriate.
• The reason the journal considers a public notice necessary.
• The date of publication of the notice.

The notice will be linked to the original article whenever technically possible. Confidential information and details that could compromise a fair investigation will not be disclosed unnecessarily.

Where appropriate, the journal will inform the authors of the concerns and provide a reasonable opportunity for them to respond or supply relevant documentation.

An Expression of Concern is a precautionary editorial measure and should not be presented as proof of wrongdoing. The journal will seek to communicate the status of the matter accurately and avoid language that prejudges unresolved allegations.

If the authors do not respond, the journal may proceed based on the available evidence when doing so is justified and necessary to inform readers.

An Expression of Concern may remain in place while relevant evidence is being assessed or an appropriate investigation is pending. The journal will review significant new information when it becomes available.

The notice may be updated or its status reconsidered when the evidence changes or a sufficiently reliable conclusion becomes available. Any subsequent editorial action will be handled under the journal's relevant publication ethics policies.

The journal aims to avoid unnecessary delays while recognizing that complex investigations may require time and cooperation from parties outside the journal's control.

The Journal of Decision Support Systems and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (JODESMA) is committed to handling Expressions of Concern fairly, transparently, and independently.

Editorial decisions will be based on the available evidence, the seriousness of the issue, and the need to protect readers and preserve confidence in scholarly communication. Decisions will not be influenced by commercial interests, institutional pressure, personal relationships, or reputational considerations.

By issuing an Expression of Concern when warranted, the journal seeks to ensure that readers receive relevant information while unresolved questions are assessed responsibly.