Human Resource Development Center and Mittal School of Business collaborated to organize a comprehensive Refresher Course on Mixed Methods Research. The course aimed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The course covered various topics, including research design, data collection techniques, data analysis, and the integration of qualitative and quantitative findings. Participants had the opportunity to enhance their research skills and develop a holistic understanding of conducting mixed methods studies.
Dr. Sanjay Modi, Course Director and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lovely Professional University congratulated the participants on achieving this milestone and exhorted them to conduct, meaningful research that contributes towards the community, environment and problem solving and reiterated that Mixed Methods are the way ahead. He advised the participants to widen the bandwidth of their thought horizon along with the depth that is essential. He lauded the hosting of the event and the round the clock service by the Organizing Committee, conducted by the subject matter experts and the receptiveness of the participants.
Convener of the program Dr. Sunaina Ahuja, Professor and Dean, HRDC, in her welcome address, emphasized the importance of empowering researchers and enhancing their capabilities in employing the Mixed Methods approach. She mentioned that the course is meticulously crafted to align with the UGC Guidelines-2019 and followed a structured framework spanning 18 days and 72 hours of instruction. She expressed that the course is designed to build capacity in Mixed Methods Research Design, systematic literature review methodologies, scale development, standardization techniques, data collection and analysis utilizing the Atlas-ti software, quantitative statistical analysis techniques, the ability to produce high-impact publications and a strong understanding of ethics in research and academic integrity.
Prof. Dr. Rajesh Verma, Course Convener and Head, Mittal School of Business enlightened the participants on Case Study Methodology and inspired them to pursue curiosity-driven research. In his own inimitable style, he demonstrated the conduct of industry-relevant research, essential for enabling Indian Higher Education Institutions to make a mark in the global research community. Hands-on sessions on developing Case Studies were the hallmark of this course.
Dr. Sunaina Ahuja, Professor & Dean, skillfully delved into the intricacies of Mixed Method Research. Employing a dynamic discussion-based approach, she engaged the participants and facilitated a fruitful exchange of ideas. By incorporating the buzz group technique, Dr. Ahuja fostered collaborative learning and encouraged participants to actively contribute to the exploration of this research methodology. Undoubtedly, her focus on the Mixed Method Research Approach left a lasting impact on the attendees, equipping them with valuable insights and tools to embark on their own research endeavors.
Dr. Pretty Bhalla, Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University conducted an enlightening session on Narrative and Phenomenological Research, Ethnography, and Netnography. The session focused on exploring qualitative research methods and their applications in understanding human experiences and social phenomena. Dr. Bhalla guided participants through the intricacies of conducting narrative and phenomenological research, ethnographic studies, and Netnography in diverse settings. The session provided valuable insights into how these qualitative approaches can uncover rich and context-specific understandings of individuals and cultures.
Dr. Rupinder Katoch, Associate Professor, Mittal School of Business, provided insights into conducting a comprehensive literature review and effective referencing techniques. Participants learned how to critically analyze existing literature and appropriately cite and reference sources in their research papers. She also introduced the techniques of writing papers based on Bibliometric Analysis and Meta-Analysis in Social Sciences
Mr. Ajay Chandel, Assistant Professor, Mittal School of Business at Lovely Professional University, conducted an informative session on the Grounded Theory Approach. The session focused on the principles and techniques of conducting research using the Grounded Theory methodology. Mr. Chandel explained the iterative process of data collection, coding, and analysis to develop a theory grounded in the data. Participants gained valuable insights into how this approach can generate new theoretical frameworks and advance knowledge in various fields.
Dr. Shamily Jaggi, Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, conducted an insightful session on data collection methods in qualitative research. The session focused on three key methods: in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Dr. Jaggi elucidated the nuances of each method, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and practical implementation. The session equipped the participants with the necessary skills to choose and employ appropriate data collection methods in their qualitative research endeavors.
Dr. Tejinderpal Singh, Associate Professor, Punjab University, Chandigarh, conducted extensive two-day sessions on Data Analysis Approaches in Qualitative Research. The first-day session focused on various methodologies employed in qualitative data analysis, emphasizing the importance of rigorous and systematic approaches. On second day, Dr. Singh provided an overview and practical demonstration of using ATLAS.ti, a popular software tool for qualitative data analysis. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of data analysis techniques and acquired hands-on experience with the ATLAS.ti interface, enabling them to effectively manage and analyze qualitative data in their research projects.
Dr. Lokesh Jasrai, Associate Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, conducted an enlightening session on the Quantitative Research Approach. The session focused on the various types of quantitative research, research design considerations, measurement scales, and sampling techniques. Dr. Jasrai provided a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices in quantitative research, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to design and conduct rigorous quantitative studies. The session gave valuable insights on selection of appropriate measurement scales, designing effective research designs, and employing suitable sampling techniques for quantitative research endeavors.
Dr. Preeti Mehra, Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, conducted an engaging session on Questionnaire Design and the Criteria for good measurement, focusing on validity and reliability. The session provided valuable insights into the process of designing effective questionnaires, emphasizing the importance of clear and unambiguous questions, appropriate response scales, and proper sequencing. Dr. Mehra also highlighted the significance of validity and reliability in measurement, explaining how these criteria ensure the accuracy and consistency of data collected through questionnaires.
Dr. Pooja Kansra, Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, conducted two informative sessions on Hypothesis Testing. The sessions focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to formulate and test hypotheses in research studies. Dr. Kansra explained the significance of hypothesis testing in the scientific inquiry process and guided participants through the steps involved in hypothesis formulation, selecting appropriate statistical tests, and interpreting the results.
Dr. Rahul Sharma, Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, conducted two insightful sessions on Factor Analysis and Conjoint Analysis. The sessions aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of these advanced statistical techniques commonly used in research. Dr. Sharma explained the underlying principles, methodologies, and applications of Factor Analysis, which aids in understanding latent variables and their relationships. Additionally, the session on Conjoint Analysis focused on the technique’s utility in determining consumer preferences and decision-making processes. Through practical examples and hands-on exercises, participants gained valuable insights into applying these techniques effectively in their research endeavors. These sessions equipped researchers with the skills necessary for analyzing complex data and extracting meaningful insights for decision-making.
Dr. Pawan Kumar, Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, conducted an enlightening session on Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS). The session aimed to familiarize participants with the concept and application of MDS, a statistical technique used to analyze and visualize complex relationships among objects or variables. Dr. Kumar elucidated the principles and methodologies of MDS, emphasizing its role in understanding perceptual maps and consumer preferences.
Dr. Tushinder Preet Kaur, Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, conducted an informative session on Software Tools for Plagiarism Check, Targeting High Impact Publication. The session aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively detect and prevent plagiarism using software tools. Dr. Kaur emphasized the importance of maintaining academic integrity and provided insights into identifying and avoiding plagiarism in research publications. The session served as a valuable resource for researchers seeking to uphold ethical standards and enhance the quality of their scholarly work.
The journey of experiential learning continued throughout the eventful eighteen days, making it enlightening, experiential and practically assimilating. Course Assessment was done with a two-tier approach- The Multiple Choice Questions and participants were given data sets to apply tests for the given hypotheses.
The outcome was a gamut of pertinent knowledge, skills and information covering the Research Journey right from the first step, delivered in a mode of Exploration, Experience and Experiment.
The Course Director appreciated the Organizing Team led by Dr. Sunaina Ahuja, Dr. Rajesh Verma and ably assisted by Dr Savita Gupta, Course Coordinator, HRDC and Dr. Rahul Sharma. He applauded the resource panel who delivered it in an experiential, learner-driven and instructor-mentored mode. He also acknowledged the proactive participation of the participants who in spite of the diversity in terms of demographic representation, academic profile and organizational background formed a very pro-learning and vibrant group. Finally, the curtain came down on the 18-day extravaganza of intellectual pursuit focusing Research Methodologies and Data Analysis. A landmark event hosted with meticulous planning, executed with precision finesse, full of Research insights, techniques and skills. Hailed by one and all as the most wonderful experience ever.
The course ended on a high note with Course Coordinator, Dr Savita Gupta reminding the participants of the access to the resource repository and thanking the resource panel, Course Mentors and the participants who appreciated the efforts of the Organizing Committee. A JOB WELL DONE! reiterated the fact that now that they are equipped with adequate knowledge and skills.
