Module 1: Foundations and the Research Lifecycle

• Understanding the landscape of scholarly communication (Journals, Conferences, Repositories)
• Deconstructing the IMRaD structure: purpose and function of each section
• The importance of the central thesis and main research contribution
• Developing a robust and persuasive manuscript outline
• Time management strategies for writing a first draft efficiently

Practical session: Developing a detailed, structured outline for a research manuscript based on a participant's own data or project.

Module 2: Crafting Compelling Introductions and Literature Reviews

• The "Funnel" approach: moving from broad context to specific research gap
• Techniques for writing a strong, engaging opening paragraph
• Synthesizing existing literature vs. merely summarizing individual studies
• Articulating the Research Gap and justifying the study's necessity
• Stating the research objectives and hypotheses clearly and concisely

Practical session: Writing and peer-critiquing the Introduction and Literature Review section for a manuscript based on the developed outline.

Module 3: Methodological Rigor and Reporting Standards

• Principles of transparency and replicability in the Methods section
• Detailed coverage of discipline-specific reporting guidelines (e.g., CONSORT, STROBE)
• Describing research design, population, sampling, and data collection procedures
• Transparent reporting of data analysis techniques and statistical software used
• Handling ethical approval, consent procedures, and participant protection details

Practical session: Reviewing and refining a draft Methods section to ensure all necessary reporting standards are met and methodology is fully reproducible.

Module 4: Presenting Results and Discussion/Conclusion

• Creating effective figures, tables, and graphs that enhance clarity and narrative flow
• Using results section text to guide the reader through key findings, not repeat tables
• The role of the Discussion section: Interpretation, implications, and limitations
• Connecting results back to the original hypotheses and literature review
• Writing a strong, forward-looking Conclusion that highlights impact

Practical session: Designing one high-impact figure or table and drafting the corresponding text for the Results section of a paper.

Module 5: Effective Academic Style and Language

• Achieving Precision and Conciseness: eliminating hedging, jargon, and passive voice
• Rules for proper citation and referencing styles (e.g., APA, Chicago, Vancouver)
• Structuring sentences for maximum impact and smooth logical transitions
• Techniques for self-editing and proofreading advanced academic text
• Using language effectively to highlight novelty and significance

Practical session: Submitting a 500-word sample of current work for instructor and peer editing focusing on clarity and conciseness.

Module 6: Ethics, Integrity, and Authorship

• Understanding and preventing plagiarism (self-plagiarism, text recycling)
• Data integrity: handling, storage, and avoiding fabrication/falsification
• Determining appropriate Authorship Criteria (e.g., ICJME guidelines)
• Recognizing and disclosing conflicts of interest
• Retractions, errata, and navigating post-publication ethical issues

Practical session: Analyzing three case studies involving authorship disputes and determining the correct contributor order and roles based on ethical guidelines.

Module 7: Selecting the Right Journal and Targeting Audience

• Evaluating journal metrics: Impact Factor, h-index, and Scopus/Web of Science listings
• Aligning manuscript scope, target audience, and contribution level with journal fit
• Understanding Open Access models (Gold, Green) and publication fees
• Analyzing the structure of a journal's guidelines and submission requirements
• Avoiding predatory journals and identifying warning signs

Practical session: Selecting three potential target journals for a participant's research topic and drafting a justification memo for the first-choice journal.

Module 8: Manuscript Submission and the Peer Review Process

• Crafting a persuasive Cover Letter that sells the manuscript's significance
• Understanding the editorial screening process (desk rejection vs. external review)
• The role and expectations of the Peer Reviewer
• Writing suggestions for appropriate and inappropriate reviewers
• Navigating online submission systems and addressing technical requirements

Practical session: Drafting a compelling, professional cover letter introducing a participant's paper to their chosen target journal's editor.

Module 9: Revising and Responding to Reviewer Comments

• Deconstructing the revision letter: Accept, Minor, Major, Reject
• Strategies for addressing every single reviewer comment professionally
• Preparing a point-by-point response document that maximizes clarity and diplomacy
• Techniques for integrating changes and highlighting revisions in the manuscript text
• Managing rejection and determining re-submission strategies

Practical session: Analyzing a sample Major Revision letter and drafting a detailed, diplomatic point-by-point response document.

Module 10: Maximizing Visibility and Impact

• Understanding unique persistent identifiers (ORCID, DOI)
• Strategies for post-publication promotion (Social media, institutional repositories)
• Writing lay summaries and abstracts for non-academic audiences
• Tracking citations and measuring the altmetrics (alternative metrics) of impact
• Utilizing pre-print servers (e.g., arXiv, bioRxiv) for early dissemination

Practical session: Developing a one-paragraph Lay Summary and a three-point social media plan to promote a recently published or accepted paper.

Requirements:

• Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.
• Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588