The intersection of academia and practical application received a significant boost as the Centre for Applied Data Science and the Department of Marketing Management at the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems, College of Business and Economics, recently hosted a series of workshops from 08-11 April 2024.
These workshops, facilitated by Distinguished Visiting Professor Samuel Fosso Wamba and Visiting Professor Nripendra Rana, were designed to equip Honours, Masters, and PhD students with advanced methodologies and frameworks crucial for navigating the complexities of research, particularly in the realm of Digital Financial Services (DFS) in India.
Delving into research tools and technique
The workshops commenced with an illuminating seminar and training session on Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). Participants delved into the intricacies of crafting hierarchical frameworks, indispensable for guiding policymakers and practitioners in decision-making processes pertaining to DFS.
Moreover, the workshops introduced attendees to various multi-decision-making techniques, including Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), Objective Prioritization through Subjective Evaluation (OPSIS), and VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR). These tools not only broaden the methodological toolkit of researchers but also offer novel perspectives on addressing complex decision-making scenarios.
Impactful sessions
One of the focal points of the workshops was elucidating the structures for both qualitative and quantitative research papers. Through comprehensive discussions, participants gained insights into the essential components that constitute a theoretical contribution, thereby enhancing the rigor and relevance of their research endeavours. Additionally, the workshops provided invaluable guidance on navigating the intricacies of conducting a literature review and offered insights into common pitfalls leading to paper rejections, thereby empowering participants to refine their research methodologies and academic writing skills.
Dr. Kevin Major, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, lauded the workshops, emphasising the transformative impact on emerging researchers. He expressed gratitude for the department’s initiative in organising such impactful sessions and commended Prof. Rana for his meticulous dissemination of knowledge and expertise in research methodologies. Dr. Major’s sentiments echoed the sentiments of many attendees, who found the workshops to be enlightening and enriching experiences.
Ms. Jade Turner, a PhD student, echoed similar sentiments, describing her participation in the workshops as a transformative experience. She highlighted the comprehensive insights provided by Prof. Rana, which not only enhanced her ability to design robust studies but also bolstered her confidence in navigating the complexities of academia. Ms. Turner’s testimonial underscores the workshops’ efficacy in equipping participants with practical skills essential for advancing their research endeavours.
Fostering academic excellence and innovation
Dr. Isolde Ward, Head of the Marketing Management Department, acknowledged the profound impact of Prof. Rana and Prof. Fosso Wamba’s workshops on enriching academic discourse and practical application. She commended Prof. Rana for his scholarly excellence and dedication to advancing the domain of marketing management. Dr. Ward’s endorsement reflects the workshops’ significance in fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation within the institution.
In conclusion, the workshops led by Distinguished Visiting Professors Samuel Fosso Wamba and Nripendra Rana served as a catalyst for empowering future researchers with advanced methodologies and frameworks essential for addressing contemporary challenges in academia and industry. The testimonials of participants underscore the workshops’ transformative impact, affirming their pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of academic discourse and research excellence.
