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Seminar and Report Seminar and Report Writing Writing

Dr Fred Mugambi MwirigiDr Fred Mugambi Mwirigi

JKUATJKUAT

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What is a Seminar Report? What is a Seminar Report?

A seminar report is a product of an A seminar report is a product of an investigative process on a topic of interest investigative process on a topic of interest

It a document that aids the dissemination It a document that aids the dissemination of the findings of a study on the topic of the findings of a study on the topic chosen by the seminar presenter chosen by the seminar presenter

The seminar report must be presented to The seminar report must be presented to an audience as a way of disseminating an audience as a way of disseminating findings findings

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The Cs of Report Writing The Cs of Report Writing

Clear Clear ConciseConcise Correct Correct Complete Complete

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Content of Report Content of Report

Must be well focusedMust be well focused Must be conclusive on the topicMust be conclusive on the topic Must have desirable depthMust have desirable depth Must be supported with facts Must be supported with facts Must cover desired timelines Must cover desired timelines

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Specific Requirements for Scientific Specific Requirements for Scientific Writing Writing

Clear focusClear focus ConciseConcise Wide and critical reading Wide and critical reading Well connected and supported argumentsWell connected and supported arguments Scientific languageScientific language Graphics used Graphics used

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Initial QuestionsInitial Questions

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

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General ProcessGeneral Process Identification of a problem areaIdentification of a problem area Identification of a problemIdentification of a problem Identification of a topicIdentification of a topic General studyGeneral study Specific StudySpecific Study AnalysisAnalysis Extraction of meaning from the analysisExtraction of meaning from the analysis Development of arguments and illustrations Development of arguments and illustrations Identification of recommendationsIdentification of recommendations Writing of draft report Writing of draft report Revision of information and draft report designRevision of information and draft report design Writing of final report Writing of final report

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Problem areaProblem area

Area that has alterations in work flow Area that has alterations in work flow (efficiency Vs Effectiveness) (efficiency Vs Effectiveness)

For instance- The sales department may For instance- The sales department may be loosing sales but the CEO may not be be loosing sales but the CEO may not be very clear what the problem is very clear what the problem is

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Identification of a problemIdentification of a problem

A problem is the difference between A problem is the difference between ‘what is’ and ‘what ought to be’. ‘what is’ and ‘what ought to be’.

Study the characteristics of the problem: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 perspectiveTime perspective

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Identification of a TopicIdentification of a Topic

Identify the combination of words that best Identify the combination of words that best describe the problem. describe the problem.

Good topics should be catchy but not Good topics should be catchy but not exaggerated exaggerated

Keep the topic at between five to fifteen Keep the topic at between five to fifteen words words

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Examples of good Seminar Topics….Examples of good Seminar Topics….

Determinants of an Effective Staff Determinants of an Effective Staff Appraisal ProcessAppraisal Process

The role of Nitric Oxide in the Functioning The role of Nitric Oxide in the Functioning of the Human Immune System of the Human Immune System 

The Challenges of Using The Challenges of Using Teleconferencing Technologies in the Teleconferencing Technologies in the Delivery of Training at University LevelDelivery of Training at University Level

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Examples of Bad Seminar Topics….Examples of Bad Seminar Topics….

Training Versus Learning: A Critical Training Versus Learning: A Critical AnalysisAnalysis

Teleconferencing as an Important Tool in Teleconferencing as an Important Tool in Training DeliveryTraining Delivery

A Scholar’s analysis of Economics and A Scholar’s analysis of Economics and Politics in KenyaPolitics in Kenya

Why Teach When you can Trade: A Why Teach When you can Trade: A Critical Search for AnswersCritical Search for Answers

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General studyGeneral study

Conduct a broad study of the problem Conduct a broad study of the problem area in terms of area in terms of

1.1. Scope of content Scope of content

2.2. Depth of contentDepth of content

3.3. Diversity of writersDiversity of writers

4.4. Diversity of geography (knowledge Diversity of geography (knowledge source- writers from different countries)source- writers from different countries)

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Specific StudySpecific Study

Find and study material specific to the Find and study material specific to the topic in terms of:topic in terms of:

1.1. Scope of content (Narrower)Scope of content (Narrower)

2.2. Depth of content (Narrow and deep)Depth of content (Narrow and deep)

3.3. Diversity of writers (Specific to the topic)Diversity of writers (Specific to the topic)

4.4. Diversity of geography (geographically Diversity of geography (geographically specific) specific)

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AnalysisAnalysis

Quantitative (use statistics)Quantitative (use statistics)

Qualitative (Analyze thematically)Qualitative (Analyze thematically)

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Structuring ParagraphsStructuring 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)

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Finally….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

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Layout Layout Cover page Cover page Table of contentsTable of contents List of figuresList of figures List of tablesList of tables AbstractAbstract Introduction Introduction Main bodyMain body Conclusions and recommendations Conclusions and recommendations ReferencesReferences Annexes Annexes

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End End