The School of Graduate Studies (SGS-UCC) in collaboration with the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UCC) has held a research seminar for graduate students to educate them in the selection of their research topics, gap identification, and student-supervisor relationships.

 The Vice-Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof Kankam Boadu, who chaired the program, mentioned that over the years, the School of Graduate Studies had put measures and structures in place to facilitate the graduation rate of students. He noted that one of such was the GRASAG-UCC Research Seminar. He said students who had keenly participated in such seminars have benefited tremendously and have enjoyed their graduate school experience. He urged the participants to ask constructive questions, contribute to the discussions, and be prepared to learn from the research seminars.

Presenting on the topic “Gap identification and selection of research topic”, Prof. Francis Enu-Kwesi, an Associate Professor at the Department of Integrated Development Studies of the School for Development Studies, explained that the ability to identify a gap reflected a person’s understanding of the knowledge in their discipline, helped to reduce the duplication of research work and also minimized the chances of plagiarism.

Prof. Enu-Kwesi said that more reading, and reading materials such as systematic reviews, content analysis reports, meta-analysis reports, and journals were required to help in the identification of gaps for formulating a research topic.

Speaking on the topic “Student-Supervisor Relationship”, Mr. Isaac Kosi, a Lecturer at the Department of Management of the School of Business, explored the concept of a quality relationship and supervision. Mr. Kosi suggested that students should be assigned to supervisors who have expertise in the research area where they (students) want to research. He added that there should be clear procedures with support systems outlined for students who wish to change a supervisor within the structure of the University, for the wellbeing of Post-Graduate studies. He also advised that supervisors should show interest in their student's well-being.