Using a real example from the hospitality management field
If you’re a postgraduate student at Kenyatta University, chances are you’ve been asked to write a seminar paper and wondered where to start. A seminar paper is a formal academic document that demonstrates your ability to synthesize existing literature, build a theoretical argument, and contribute meaningful insights to your field of study.
This guide walks you through the exact format KU expects, using a real seminar paper on work-life balance and employee retention in the hospitality industry as a reference example.
What Is a Seminar Paper?
A seminar paper at Kenyatta University is a structured academic write-up — typically between 20–40 pages — submitted as part of coursework, usually at Masters or PhD level. It is not a full thesis, but it mirrors thesis structure and is meant to demonstrate research literacy, critical thinking, and academic writing competence.
The KU Seminar Paper Format
Here is the standard structure you should follow:
1. Title Page
Your title page should include:
- The full title of your paper (bold, centered)
- Your full name
- The label “Seminar Paper”
- The month and year of submission
Example:
Impact of Work-Life Balance Practices on Employee Retention in the Hospitality Industry Jane Doe Seminar Paper July, 2025
2. Table of Contents
List all sections with corresponding page numbers. Use a two-level structure — main headings and subheadings. KU expects this to be auto-generated or manually formatted neatly.
3. List of Figures / Tables (if applicable)
If your paper includes conceptual frameworks, diagrams, or tables, list them here with their figure numbers and page references.
4. Abstract (approximately 250–350 words)
The abstract is a standalone summary of your entire paper. It should briefly cover:
- The research problem and why it matters
- The theoretical framework(s) used
- The methodology (e.g., desktop review, qualitative, mixed methods)
- Key findings
- The conclusion and recommendations
Avoid citations in the abstract. Write it last, even though it appears first.
From the sample paper: The abstract covers the flexible work scheduling focus, mentions Self-Determination Theory and Work Design Theory, states the desktop review methodology using databases like Google Scholar and Scopus, and summarizes findings on turnover reduction through better work-life balance.
5. Introduction (2–4 pages)
Your introduction should:
- Define key concepts — what is work-life balance? What is employee retention?
- Establish context — globally, regionally (Africa), and locally (Kenya)
- State the problem you’re addressing
- Justify the study — why does this matter now?
- End with a roadmap of the paper
The sample paper opens by defining WLB practices, then progressively narrows from global trends to the Kenyan hospitality sector, making a compelling case for why the topic is urgent.
6. Problem Statement (1–2 pages)
This section must clearly articulate:
- The scale of the problem with statistics (e.g., 60–70% annual turnover in hospitality globally)
- The gap in existing literature — what has been studied vs. what hasn’t
- The local dimension — how does this manifest in Kenya specifically?
- What your study seeks to address
Use citations heavily here. Reviewers want to see that the problem is evidence-based, not just your opinion.
7. Research Objectives
State 3–5 clear, numbered objectives. These should be:
- Action-oriented (use verbs: examine, assess, evaluate, determine)
- Directly tied to your independent variables
- Measurable or researchable
From the sample:
i. To examine the effect of flexible work scheduling on employee retention ii. To assess the influence of remote and hybrid work options on employee retention iii. To evaluate the role of leave and time-off policies in employee retention iv. To determine the impact of employee wellness and family support programs on employee retention
8. Rationale for the Study (1 page)
Explain why this study is worth doing. Address:
- Practical significance (what will managers/policymakers gain?)
- Academic significance (what gap does it fill?)
- Who benefits from the findings?
9. Literature Review
This is typically the longest and most important section. KU expects it split into two parts:
a) Theoretical Literature Review
Discuss 2–4 theories that underpin your study. For each theory:
- State who proposed it and when
- Explain its core assumptions
- Discuss its strengths and weaknesses
- Link it explicitly to your study
The sample paper covers three theories: Job Demand-Control Theory, Boundary Theory, and Social Exchange Theory — each discussed in roughly 400–600 words with proper critiques and connections to the research variables.
b) Empirical Literature Review
Organize this by your research objectives/variables. For each variable:
- Review 4–6 recent studies (ideally 2019–2025)
- Summarize methodology, findings, and conclusions
- Note contradictions or gaps across studies
- Conclude each subsection with a synthesized paragraph
Aim for studies from global, African, and Kenyan contexts where possible.
10. Conceptual Framework
Present a diagram (Figure 1) showing the relationship between your independent variables and the dependent variable. Below the diagram, explain:
- What each variable represents
- How they connect to the outcome
- Which theories ground the framework
This is where your original intellectual contribution starts to show.
11. Research Methodology (1–2 pages)
Describe how you conducted your review. Cover:
- Research philosophy (e.g., pragmatic, interpretive, constructivist)
- Research design (e.g., qualitative desktop review)
- Data sources — which databases, what date range, what keywords
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria
- Data analysis approach (e.g., thematic synthesis)
For desktop/literature review papers (common at KU for seminar papers), you are not collecting primary data — you are systematically reviewing existing studies. Be explicit about this.
12. Findings
Present what the reviewed literature reveals, organized by each research objective. This is not a re-listing of studies — it’s a synthesis. Bring multiple studies together to show a pattern, note where they agree and where they diverge, and highlight what the weight of evidence suggests.
13. Discussion
Interpret your findings in light of your theoretical framework. Ask: Do the findings support or challenge the theories you cited? Connect back to specific scholars and explain what the results mean for the industry or sector you studied.
14. Conclusion (half to one page)
Summarize the key takeaways concisely. The conclusion should flow naturally from your findings and discussion — no new information here. Restate the significance of your topic and what the evidence collectively tells us.
15. Recommendations (half to one page)
Offer 4–6 practical, evidence-based recommendations for:
- Industry practitioners (managers, HR professionals)
- Policymakers
- Future researchers
Keep recommendations specific, not generic.
16. References
KU uses APA 7th Edition formatting. Every source cited in the text must appear in the reference list and vice versa. Key rules:
- Alphabetical order by author surname
- Hanging indent format
- Include DOI or journal volume/issue where available
- Use peer-reviewed sources from 2019 onwards where possible (older sources are acceptable for foundational theories)
Quick Tips for Success
Start with your objectives. Everything — your literature review structure, your conceptual framework, your findings — should map back to those objectives.
Use recent literature. KU supervisors expect sources from the last five years, with exceptions for seminal theories.
Be critical, not just descriptive. Don’t just summarize what scholars said — evaluate their methods, note limitations, and identify gaps.
Cite as you write. Don’t leave referencing to the end; it becomes a nightmare and risks plagiarism.
Use databases strategically. Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Emerald Insight, and SpringerLink are your best friends for peer-reviewed material.
Write your abstract last. Once everything else is done, the abstract practically writes itself.
Final Word
A seminar paper at Kenyatta University is your opportunity to demonstrate that you can think and write like a researcher. The format is structured, but within that structure there’s room for original thinking, critical analysis, and genuine academic contribution. Follow the format, ground your work in solid theory and evidence, and make sure every section connects to your research objectives.
Good luck — and remember, the best seminar papers are not the longest ones, but the most clearly argued.
Have questions about a specific section of your seminar paper? Drop them in the comments below.
