Decision on Establishing an Academic Research Review Laboratory 

Issued by: The Asia Pacific School of Business (APSB)

Date: May 19, 2026

To: All Faculties, Departments, Research Centers, and Relevant Units of APSB

Subject: Decision on Establishing an Academic Research Review Laboratory

In adherence to the core mission of The Asia Pacific School of Business (APSB) to promote academic integrity, enhance the quality of scholarly research, and uphold the highest standards of academic rigor, the School Administration, after rigorous deliberation and expert consultation, hereby makes the following decision regarding the establishment of an Academic Research Review Laboratory (ARRL):

1. Rationale for Establishment

As a globally oriented institution dedicated to providing high-quality, practice-driven education and advancing interdisciplinary research in business and related fields, APSB recognizes that the credibility and impact of academic research are foundational to its reputation and mission. In recent years, the complexity of academic research has increased significantly, accompanied by growing demands for transparency, reproducibility, and accountability in scholarly work. To address these demands, mitigate research risks, and ensure that APSB’s research outputs meet international academic standards, the establishment of a specialized Academic Research Review Laboratory is imperative.

The ARRL will serve as a dedicated facility to conduct systematic review, verification, and validation of academic research conducted by APSB faculty, researchers, and students. It will play a pivotal role in safeguarding academic integrity, improving research quality, and fostering a culture of rigorous scholarship, aligning with APSB’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the United Nations Article 26 on the right to education, which emphasizes accessible and high-quality educational and research experiences.

2. Objectives of the Academic Research Review Laboratory

The primary objectives of the ARRL are as follows:

To conduct independent and systematic review of academic research projects, papers, dissertations, and other research outputs produced by APSB community members, ensuring compliance with academic standards, ethical guidelines, and research protocols.

To verify the reproducibility of research findings, including data analysis, experimental design, and methodological approaches, so as to enhance the reliability and credibility of APSB’s research outcomes.

To provide guidance and support to faculty, researchers, and students on research methodology, data management, and academic integrity, helping to improve the overall quality of research conducted at the School.

To identify potential risks in research processes, such as data fabrication, plagiarism, or methodological flaws, and propose corrective measures to address such issues proactively.

To collaborate with relevant academic institutions, research bodies, and industry partners to share best practices in academic research review and promote the advancement of scholarly standards in the Asia-Pacific region.

To support APSB’s efforts in building an internationally recognized research ecosystem, contributing to the School’s goal of becoming a leading hub for business research and education.

3. Functions and Responsibilities

The ARRL shall assume the following functions and responsibilities to achieve its objectives:

3.1 Research Review and Verification

• Conduct pre-publication and post-publication review of research papers, dissertations, research reports, and ｇｒａｎｔ proposals to ensure methodological rigor, data accuracy, and compliance with academic ethics.

• Verify the authenticity and integrity of research data, including primary data, secondary data, and analytical results, using standardized review protocols and advanced verification tools.

• Assess the appropriateness of research methodologies, statistical analyses, and experimental designs, providing constructive feedback to researchers for improvement.

3.2 Academic Integrity Oversight

• Develop and implement guidelines for academic research review and integrity at APSB, aligning with international standards and best practices.

• Investigate suspected cases of academic misconduct related to research, including plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, and improper citation, and recommend appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with APSB’s policies.

• Organize training programs and workshops on academic integrity, research ethics, and research methodology for APSB faculty, researchers, and students.

3.3 Support and Capacity Building

• Provide one-on-one consultation to researchers on research design, data management, and review processes, helping to enhance their research capabilities.

• Develop and maintain a repository of research review resources, including best practices, methodological guidelines, and verification tools, to support the APSB research community.

• Collaborate with APSB’s academic departments and research centers to integrate research review into the research process, promoting a culture of proactive quality control.

3.4 Collaboration and Outreach

• Establish partnerships with other academic institutions, research laboratories, and professional organizations to exchange expertise and best practices in research review.

• Publish annual reports on the activities and outcomes of the ARRL, providing transparency on research quality and academic integrity at APSB.

• Participate in international academic forums and initiatives related to research integrity and review, enhancing APSB’s global reputation in scholarly excellence.

4. Organizational Structure and Management

4.1 Leadership

The ARRL shall be led by a Director, who shall be appointed by the APSB Dean based on academic expertise, research experience, and a strong commitment to academic integrity. The Director shall be a tenured faculty member with extensive experience in research methodology and academic review, responsible for overseeing the overall operation and strategic direction of the laboratory.

4.2 Staffing

The ARRL shall employ a team of professional researchers, data analysts, and research integrity specialists, with expertise in various business disciplines (e.g., finance, marketing, management, accounting) and research methodologies. The staff shall be appointed through a rigorous recruitment process, ensuring high academic standards and professional competence.

In addition, the ARRL may engage external experts and consultants on a part-time basis to provide specialized review services in specific research areas.

4.3 Governance

The ARRL shall operate under the supervision of the APSB Research Committee, which shall provide strategic guidance and oversight. The Research Committee shall review the ARRL’s annual work plan, budget, and performance, ensuring that the laboratory’s activities align with APSB’s overall research goals and academic mission.

The ARRL shall also establish an Advisory Board consisting of leading academics, industry experts, and representatives from relevant research bodies, to provide advice on research review standards, methodologies, and best practices.

5. Resources and Budget

The School shall allocate sufficient resources to support the establishment and operation of the ARRL, including:

A dedicated physical space equipped with necessary facilities, including office space, meeting rooms, and specialized software and tools for data analysis and research review.

An annual operating budget to cover staff salaries, training, equipment maintenance, software licenses, and other operational expenses. 

Funding for research and development of review methodologies, tools, and resources, to ensure the ARRL remains at the forefront of academic research review practices.

The Director of the ARRL shall prepare an annual budget proposal, which shall be reviewed and approved by the APSB Administration and Finance Department.

6. Implementation Timeline

The establishment of the ARRL shall be implemented in the following phases:

Phase 1 (June 2026 – August 2026): Finalize the organizational structure, recruit and appoint the Director and core staff, and secure the physical space and necessary equipment.

Phase 2 (September 2026 – October 2026): Develop research review guidelines, protocols, and resources, and conduct training for ARRL staff and APSB faculty.

Phase 3 (November 2026): Launch the ARRL officially, starting with pilot review projects and gradually expanding its services to cover all APSB research outputs.

7. Compliance and Evaluation

All APSB faculty, researchers, and students shall cooperate with the ARRL in the research review process, providing necessary access to research data, methodologies, and related materials. The ARRL shall conduct its reviews in an objective, impartial, and confidential manner, ensuring the privacy and intellectual property rights of researchers.

The APSB Research Committee shall conduct an annual evaluation of the ARRL’s performance, assessing its effectiveness in improving research quality, promoting academic integrity, and meeting its stated objectives. The evaluation results shall be used to make adjustments to the ARRL’s operations, resources, and strategic direction as needed.

8. Final Provisions

This decision shall take effect on the date of issuance. The APSB Administration shall be responsible for interpreting this decision and addressing any issues arising from its implementation.

All relevant units of APSB shall fully cooperate with the establishment and operation of the ARRL, ensuring that the laboratory can effectively fulfill its mission and contribute to the advancement of academic excellence at the School.

President

The Asia Pacific School of Business

20 May, 2026