research methodology workshop

Organised for: BBA 5th Semester Students
Date: 16 October 2025
Venue: Room No 402, Assam Don Bosco University, Azara Campus

Introduction

The Department of Commerce and Management, Assam Don Bosco University, organised a Day-long Workshop on “Research Design and Methodology – Basics” for the students of BBA 5th Semester on 16 October 2025. The workshop aimed to provide foundational knowledge and hands-on understanding of research methodology, equipping students with the skills required for undertaking academic and applied research in business and management.

The sessions were facilitated by eminent faculty members of the department, who guided students through the various stages of the research process — from problem identification and literature review to hypothesis formulation, research design, and data collection techniques.

Objectives of the Workshop

The primary objectives of the workshop were to:

• Introduce students to the fundamental concepts of research and its role in management studies.
• Enable students to identify research problems and formulate appropriate research questions and hypotheses.
• Familiarize participants with different research designs and methodologies.
• Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative approaches in research.
• Equip students with practical knowledge of sampling techniques, data collection methods, and referencing tools.

Session-wise Summary

Session 1: Inaugural & Workshop Orientation (10:00 – 10:15 AM)
Facilitator: Dr. Rashmita Barua
The workshop commenced with a brief inaugural address and orientation. Dr. Rashmita Barua welcomed the participants, highlighting the objectives of the workshop and the importance of research literacy for management students. The session underscored how systematic research enhances analytical and decision-making skills crucial for business studies.

Session 2: Introduction to Research & Types of Research (10:15 – 11:00 AM)
Facilitator: Dr. Amarjit Deb
This session introduced the meaning and objectives of research and elaborated on its various classifications — basic vs applied, qualitative vs quantitative, and exploratory vs descriptive vs causal. Dr. Deb illustrated these concepts with relatable business examples, making the discussion engaging and practical.

Session 3: Identifying Research Problems & Objectives (11:00 – 11:45 AM)
Facilitator: Dr. Samit Chowdhury
Dr. Chowdhury focused on identifying and defining research problems, criteria for selecting suitable research topics, and formulating clear research objectives. The examples discussed in this session helped students understand how to transform broad business issues into specific, researchable problems.

Session 4: Review of Literature & Gap Identification (11:45 – 12:30 PM)
Facilitator: Dr. Rashmita Barua
This expanded session emphasized the importance of literature review in understanding existing research. Students were introduced to searching techniques using keywords and Boolean operators, organizing literature thematically and chronologically, and identifying research gaps. The facilitator demonstrated referencing using APA style and tools such as Zotero and Mendeley. A mini-activity on “gap identification from sample abstracts” enhanced student engagement and comprehension.

Lunch Break (12:30 – 1:00 PM)

Session 5: Formulating Research Questions & Hypotheses (1:00 – 1:45 PM)
Facilitator: Dr. Suman Mahanta
This session explained the difference between research questions and hypotheses and outlined the characteristics of a good hypothesis. Students learned about null and alternative hypotheses with practical examples drawn from business research.

Session 6: Research Design & Methodology Basics (1:45 – 2:30 PM)
Facilitator: Dr. Gaurav Das
Dr. Das elaborated on the components of research design, including exploratory, descriptive, and causal designs. He also highlighted methodological choices and the importance of validity and reliability in ensuring credible research outcomes.

Session 7: Quantitative vs Qualitative Approaches (2:30 – 3:15 PM)
Facilitator: Dr. Chayanika Das
This session compared quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Dr. Das discussed features of quantitative methods such as surveys and experiments, and qualitative techniques like case studies and interviews. The session clarified when to adopt each approach, depending on research objectives.

Session 8: Sampling Techniques & Data Collection Methods (3:15 – 4:00 PM)
Facilitator: Dr. Jamal Hussain
Dr. Hussain covered the concepts of population and sampling, including probability and non-probability techniques. He also explained sample size determination and the distinction between primary and secondary data collection methods, emphasizing their importance in empirical research.

Session 9: Wrap-up, Q&A, and Feedback (4:00 – 4:30 PM)
Facilitator: Dr. Taniya Paul
The final session provided a platform for participants to reflect on key takeaways from the day’s sessions. Students engaged in an open Q&A, sharing feedback and clarifying doubts. Dr. Paul concluded the workshop by summarizing the core concepts discussed and encouraging students to apply research methodology effectively in their forthcoming projects. There was a quick assessment conducted at the end based on the deliberations.

Conclusion

The Day-long Workshop on Research Design and Methodology – Basics was a highly enriching experience for the BBA 5th Semester students. It offered a comprehensive introduction to the essentials of research methodology and cultivated critical and analytical thinking among participants. Through interactive discussions and mini activities, students developed a practical understanding of research processes, preparing them to undertake systematic and meaningful research in their academic journey.

The Department extends its gratitude to all the faculty members who facilitated the sessions and to the students for their enthusiastic participation, which made the workshop a resounding success.