TAKORADI, Ghana — Early-career researchers and postgraduate students at Takoradi Technical University (TTU) have been cautioned against the rush to convert theses into books without proper refinement.
The call for a more strategic approach to academic publishing was the central theme of the 5th Faculty of Media Technology and Liberal Studies (FAMTELS) Research Seminar.
Quality Over Speed: The Thesis vs. The Book
The keynote speaker, Prof. Charlotte Fofo Lomotey, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages Education at UEW, urged participants to prioritize peer-reviewed articles over immediate book publishing.
“Books are good, but you must know whether you really need one,” Prof. Lomotey advised. “If you are starting out, focus on articles first; the book can come later, even on retirement.”
She explained that while a thesis is a rich repository of knowledge, it is fundamentally an academic assessment tool. Converting it into a published book requires “careful reflection, refinement, and substantial reworking” to meet professional standards.
Why Strategy Matters in Academia
According to Prof. Lomotey, a calculated publishing plan is essential for building a lasting academic legacy. A strategic approach helps researchers:
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Strengthen CVs for promotion and tenure.
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Build professional reputations within specific niches.
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Unlock opportunities for international collaborations and research grants.
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Expand academic networks through high-impact journals.
FAMTELS: The “Soft Wing” of Innovation
The Dean of FAMTELS, Prof. Ramos Asare-Adjei, emphasized the faculty’s role as the university’s “soft wing,” bridging the gap between technical expertise and societal impact.
Supporting this vision, Prof. Victor Bondzie Micah, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, encouraged attendees to view publishing not as a finish line, but as an ongoing process of knowledge contribution.
Looking Ahead: AI in Research
The two-day seminar continues with a focus on modern methodology. Prof. Victor Fannam Nunfam is set to lead a session on Thematic Analysis, teaching researchers how to combine manual techniques with AI-supported methods to enhance data accuracy and efficiency.
This 5th edition of the FAMTELS Research Seminar solidifies TTU’s position as a hub for innovation, ensuring that the next generation of Ghanaian scholars is equipped for global academic competitiveness.
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