1 Seminar and Report Writing PhD (Business Administration) Dr Fred Mugambi Mwirigi

2 What is a Seminar Report?  A seminar report is a product of an investigative process on a topic of interest  It is a document that aids the dissemination of the findings of a study on the topic chosen by the seminar presenter  The seminar report must be presented to an audience as a way of disseminating findings

3 Initial Questions  What is the problem?  Who is the target of the report?  What level of analysis is needed?  What are the anticipated solutions?  Where can I get the information needed?

4 General Process  Identification of a problem area  Identification of a problem  Identification of a topic  General study  Specific Study  Analysis  Extraction of meaning from the analysis  Development of arguments and illustrations  Identification of recommendations  Writing of draft report  Revision of information and draft report design  Writing of final report

5 Problem area  Area that has alterations in work flow (efficiency Vs Effectiveness)  For instance- The sales department may be loosing sales but the CEO may not be knowing what the problem is

6 Identification of a problem  A problem is the difference between ‘what is’ and ‘what ought to be’.  Study the characteristics of the problem: Problem Substance Problem Substance Organizational and physical location Organizational and physical location Problem ownership Problem ownership Absolute and relative magnitude Absolute and relative magnitude Time perspective Time perspective Take care to view the problem from all possible dimensions

7 Identification of a Topic  Identify the combination of words that best describe the problem.  Good topics should be catchy but not exaggerated  Keep the topic at between five to fifteen words  Good topics should be directional with regard to problem resolution

8 Examples of good Seminar Topics….  Determinants of an Effective Staff Appraisal Process  The role of Nitric Oxide in the Functioning of the Human Immune System  The role of Nitric Oxide in the Functioning of the Human Immune System  The Challenges of Using Teleconferencing Technologies in the Delivery of Training at University Level

9 Examples of undesirable Seminar Topics….  Training Versus Learning: A Critical Analysis  Teleconferencing as an Important Tool in Training Delivery  A Scholar’s analysis of Economics and Politics in Kenya  Why Teach When you can Trade: A Critical Search for Answers

10 General study  Conduct a broad study of the problem area in terms of 1. Scope of content 2. Depth of content 3. Diversity of writers 4. Diversity of geography (knowledge source- writers from different countries)

11 Specific Study  Find and study material specific to the topic in terms of: 1. Scope of content (Narrower) 2. Depth of content (Narrow and deep) 3. Diversity of writers (Specific to the topic) 4. Diversity of geography (geographically specific)

12 General Study Specific Study Seminar Report General Study of problem

13 Analysis  Quantitative (use statistics)  Qualitative (Analyze thematically)

14 The Cs of Report Writing  Clear  Concise  Correct  Complete

15 Main considerations when Writing  Clear focus  Wide and critical reading  Well connected and supported arguments  Technical language  Graphics used

16 Structuring Paragraphs Studies show that the human brain can easily follow a sentence of about 16 to 20 words. (17) This sentence length will avoid tiring the reader. (8) These studies also show that, when reading for pleasure, readers can grasp paragraphs of about 100 to 125 words, but only 75 to 100 when reading documents. (27) Observing these guidelines will encourage the reader to continue reading without confusion. (12) Keep your paragraphs below 75 words otherwise they start getting boring (Paragraph total 75 words)

17 Layout  Cover page  Table of contents  List of figures  List of tables  Abstract  Introduction  Main body  Conclusions and recommendations  References  Annexes/ Appendices

18 Finally….   Anticipate who will read report   Anticipate who will criticize report   Anticipate key issues and develop them logically   Keep the reader informed; Motivate the reader   Clarity in your writing is achieved by reducing the need for the reader to draw inferences.   Make effective use of transitional sentences and paragraphs

19 Instructions  The paper will be written as per the instructions contained in the APA writers manual  It will have not less than twenty references (not bibliography entries)  It will be written using times new roman font size 12 in single space  All major headings will be in Times New Roman font size 14, in bold print and in Capitals  All subheadings will be in title case, Times New Roman, and in bold print  All headings and subheadings will be numbered  The paper will be graded out 60 marks while the seminar presentation will carry 40 marks  Late submissions WILL NOT be received

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