1. Seminar and Report Writing
Dr Fred Mugambi Mwirigi
JKUAT

2. What is a Seminar Report?
A seminar report is a product of an investigative process on a topic of interest
It 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. The Cs of Report Writing
Clear
Concise
Correct
Complete

4. Content of Report Must be well focused Must be conclusive on the topic
Must have desirable depth
Must be supported with facts
Must cover desired timelines

5. Specific Requirements for Scientific Writing
Clear focus
Concise
Wide and critical reading
Well connected and supported arguments
Scientific language
Graphics used

6. 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?

7. General Process Identification of a problem area
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

8. 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 very clear what the problem is

9. 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
Organizational and physical location
Problem ownership
Absolute and relative magnitude
Time perspective

10. 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

11. 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 Challenges of Using Teleconferencing Technologies in the Delivery of Training at University Level

12. Examples of Bad 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

13. General study Conduct a broad study of the problem area in terms of
Scope of content
Depth of content
Diversity of writers
Diversity of geography (knowledge source- writers from different countries)

14. Specific Study
Find and study material specific to the topic in terms of:
Scope of content (Narrower)
Depth of content (Narrow and deep)
Diversity of writers (Specific to the topic)
Diversity of geography (geographically specific)

15. Analysis Quantitative (use statistics)
Qualitative (Analyze thematically)

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. 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

18. Layout Cover page Table of contents List of figures List of tables
Abstract
Introduction
Main body
Conclusions and recommendations
References
Annexes

19. End