Conflict of Interest
Authors, reviewers, and editors of the African Journal of Offshore, Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture (AJOMENA) are required to disclose any financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence the research or its evaluation. All manuscripts must include a conflict-of-interest statement at submission, either declaring relevant relationships or confirming that none exist. Reviewers and editors with potential conflicts must recuse themselves from
handling the manuscript. Transparent disclosure ensures the integrity and credibility of the scholarly record.
A conflict of interest arises when an individual’s personal, financial, or professional affiliations could inappropriately influence, or appear to influence, their judgment, objectivity, or integrity.
Types of Competing Interests:
- Financial: Funding, employment, stock ownership, paid consultancy, patent applications.
- Non-financial: Personal relationships, academic rivalry, political or religious beliefs, institutional affiliations.
Disclosure Requirements:
- Authors: Must include a statement under “Competing Interests” in the manuscript. If none exist: “The authors declare no competing interests.”
- Reviewers: Must decline review assignments if conflicts exist.
- Editors: Must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts with potential conflicts.
