The Research and Development Cell, KISS-DU organized a one-day Workshop on Research Methodology for Ph.D. Scholars in Social Sciences on the topic ‘How to Write a Synopsis’ was organized on 21st July 2022. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, KISS-DU, Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, was the distinguished speaker at this event. Deans of all the Schools, Director Research, Research Supervisors and Research Scholars had attended the Workshop on such a relevant topic.
Professor Ranjan Kumar Bal, Professor Emeritus, KISS-DU, delivered the introductory remarks and briefed the students on the importance of a Ph.D. synopsis, expectations from a research scholar, and opportunities available doctorates immediately after the award of the degree. Professor Bal interacted with the Scholars and answered their questions. Further, he also encouraged them to interact with him on a regular basis. Professor Swarnamayee Tripathy, Professor Emerita, KISS-DU also interacted with the Scholars.
Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor stressed that it is important for the students to learn how to think, not what to think. He encouraged the supervisors to help the scholars by enhancing their access to resources and information. He also announced that very soon the University is going to create an Open Research Forum, to promote scientific discourses among the supervisors and scholars. Giving detailed examples, Professor Behera described how the synopsis ought to be divided into discrete sections including a statement of problem, significance of the study, review of state-of-the-art literature in the field, objectives, hypothesis, methodology, division into well-defined chapters, and references. He gave detailed practical examples of how each section must be dealt with, and exhibited specific examples from synopses already successfully submitted, showing good practices and areas where students are liable to make avoidable mistakes. Defining and detailing each section, he conducted hand-holding exercises and led through the process of creating an impactful and scholarly synopsis. He welcomed all questions and suggestions, and interacted with the students, encouraging and motivating them.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, KISS-DU, offered valuable suggestions and insights to improve the quality of the research work being conducted, and to enable its successful presentation. He also suggested to introduce an Open Research Question Programme, where a research problem would be posed, and faculty, students, and research scholars would be free to present solutions at a specific date and time.
Dr. Snigdharani Panda, Chairperson Council of Deans had organized the Workshop and it was co-ordinated by Dr. Priyoneel Basu, Director, Research, KISS-DU.
