A ten-day workshop on Research Methodology was conducted from May 6 to 15, 2024, at KISS Deemed to be University. It was a resounding success, drawing together esteemed resource persons Professor U. N. Dash, Ms. Bisakha Bhanja, and Professor Swarnamayee Tripathi, alongside the university’s top leadership including Mr. Satya S. Tripathi, Chancellor of KISS DU; Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, and all faculty members to upgrade their knowledge in conducting, guiding, writing, and publishing research articles and project proposals.
In the inaugural session, Mr. Satya S. Tripathi appreciated the initiative of IQAC and HRDC, KISS DU, for organizing the workshop. He called on all faculty members to make KISS DU a research university through their involvement in research activities.
Professor Deepak Kumar Behera delivered the welcome address, highlighting various facets of research and its importance in a tribal university like KISS DU. Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray shed light on action research and encouraged participants to engage sincerely in discussions, promising full support for future workshops.
During the initial technical session, Ms. Bisakha Bhanja, Director of Programmes at the National Alliance for Women in Odisha and former Country Head of Water Aid, provided valuable guidance on drafting project proposals. She offered practical insights into crafting effective proposals and recommended potential agencies for project applications, helping participants navigate the process successfully. Ms. Bhanja’s expertise illuminated the pathway for attendees, empowering them with the knowledge and resources necessary to pursue their project goals with confidence.
In the second technical session on the first day, Professor Swarnamayee Tripathi delivered insights on composing research articles, focusing on aspects such as formatting, introduction, citation, and subjective analysis. She emphasized the importance of these areas in the article writing process, providing attendees with valuable guidance on structuring and presenting their research effectively. Professor Tripathi’s session equipped participants with essential knowledge and skills, empowering them to navigate the complexities of research article writing with clarity and precision.
On days three and four, Professor Deepak Kumar Behera highlighted relevant aspects of writing research articles and proposals. He encouraged participants to apply for projects and shared a list of potential agencies that fund research. On the second day, he shared invaluable insights from his extensive research experience, explaining the process of writing research articles for journals listed in Scopus and UGC Care. He urged each faculty member to aim for the publication of two to three research articles annually and offered website links to facilitate their contributions. His guidance served as a valuable resource for enhancing the research productivity of the university’s faculty members.
The final two days of the workshop were conducted by Professor U. N. Dash in an interactive format involving presentations, question-and-answer sessions, and discussions on exemplary research issues. The discussion focused on conceptual paradigms of research, the research process including problem and hypothesis formulation, research and sampling designs, measurement theory, and statistical treatment of data using t-tests and ANOVA, and measures of association with a brief narration of the objectives of multivariate analysis. Part of the discussion was oriented towards motivating and inspiring teachers to take teaching and research as a passion, adopting pedagogic practices to foster critical and creative thinking in learners, and implementing innovative practices to enrich the university’s research ecosystem. This effort aligns with the goal of shaping KISS University into a research-intensive university as suggested in the National Education Policy 2020.
The workshop proved to be an invaluable learning experience for all participants, offering insightful sessions and practical takeaways aimed at enhancing research writing skills. Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Professor U. N. Dash, Ms. Bhanja, and Professor Tripathi shared their expertise, guiding attendees through the intricacies of crafting effective research articles and proposals.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and expert guidance, participants gained a deeper understanding of the essential elements of research writing, including structuring, formatting, citation styles, and clarity of expression. The workshop fostered a collaborative environment where participants could exchange ideas, share experiences, and receive constructive feedback on their work.
Attendees left the workshop equipped with newfound knowledge, skills, and confidence to embark on their research endeavors with greater proficiency and effectiveness. Overall, the workshop underscored KISS Deemed to be University’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and a research culture among its faculty members, further enriching the scholarly landscape of the institution. It served as a testament to the university’s dedication to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that its faculty remains at the forefront of research and innovation.
Looking ahead, the workshop’s impact is poised to resonate across the university, empowering faculty members to produce high-quality research outputs that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and societal development.
