SBE Pathway Writing Retreat

A conference paper rarely develops in one sitting. It takes focused time to develop an argument, work through ideas and turn an initial plan or draft into a paper ready for submission. This full-day writing retreat provides PGRs researching topics related to Sustainable Growth, Business, Work and Economic Productivity (SBE) with dedicated time and a supportive environment in which to make meaningful progress on their own conference paper.

The retreat follows the earlier WRDTP session on Preparing a Conference Submission in Management, but attendance at that session is not required. Rather than focusing primarily on how to approach conference submission, the emphasis here is on writing and developing the paper itself. Participants will set their own writing goals and work through a series of focused writing sessions during the day, with opportunities to discuss challenges, exchange experiences and receive peer feedback.

The retreat is suitable for researchers at any stage of their PhD and at different stages of developing a conference paper, whether working from an initial idea, developing an existing draft or revising a paper towards submission. Participants should come with a paper, draft or clearly developed conference paper idea that they intend to work on during the day. Where possible, participants are also encouraged to identify a target conference and familiarise themselves with its submission requirements in advance. By the end of the retreat, participants should have made substantive progress on their paper and leave with a clear plan for taking it forward.

The anticipated schedule for the day is as follows:

• 10:00–10:15 – Welcome, introductions and setting individual writing goals;
• 10:15–11:30 – Focused writing session 1: developing the conference paper;
• 11:30–11:45 – Refreshment break;
• 11:45–13:00 – Focused writing session 2, with opportunities for peer discussion and feedback;
• 13:00–14:00 – Lunch;
• 14:00–15:15 – Focused writing session 3: progressing and refining the paper;
• 15:15–15:30 – Refreshment break;
• 15:30–16:00 – Peer reflection, individual action planning and next steps.

Outcomes

Participants will:

• Make substantive progress in developing or revising a conference paper;
• Apply focused writing strategies to structure and manage the development of an academic paper;
• Use peer discussion and feedback to identify ways of strengthening a developing conference paper;
• Develop a clear and achievable plan for progressing the paper towards conference submission.

Contributors

• Dr Chidozie Umeh is Associate Professor in Human Resource Management at the University of York and Deputy Director of the WRDTP’s Sustainable Growth, Business, Work and Economic Productivity (SBE) Pathway. His research and publishing experience spans human resource management, work and organisations, with experience of publishing, reviewing and editorial work across management journals.
• Prof Sally Russell is Professor of Sustainability and Organisational Behaviour at the University of Leeds and Director of the WRDTP’s Sustainable Growth, Business, Work and Economic Productivity (SBE) Pathway. Her research focuses on sustainability and organisational behaviour, and she has extensive experience of supporting and developing researchers in management and related fields.

Please note: The WRDTP is committed to sustainability and waste reduction. If you have booked a place but are no longer able to attend an event, please let us know at least 3 working days in advance by emailing training@wrdtp.ac.uk or cancelling your place on Eventbrite. Failure to do so may result in the cost of your place being deducted from your RTSG (if you are funded by the WRDTP), or a charge being made to your department (if you are not funded by the WRDTP). Thank you in advance for your cooperation.