Six-Day Workshop on Research Methodology in Social Sciences

1. Name of the Activity: Six-Day Workshop on Research Methodology in Social Sciences
2. Type of Activity: Workshop
3. Date/ Duration of Activity: 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th and 18th November, 2024
4. Time: 10:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. approximately.

5. Details of Resource persons:
Day 1: Prof. Sumanta Dutta, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, PG, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) Kolkata.
Day 2: Prof. Rahul Sarkar, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University.
Day 3: Prof. Chandrima Chakraborty, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Vidyasagar University.
Day 4: Prof. Panchanan Das, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Calcutta.
Day 5:
– Prof. Panchanan Das, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Calcutta.
– Prof. Saswata Choudhury, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Balurghat College.
Day 6:
– Prof. Saswata Choudhury, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Balurghat College.
– Prof. Gholam Syedain Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of Management & Business Administration, Aliah University.
– Prof. Ashish Kumar Sana, Professor, Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta
– Prof. Tanupa Chakraborty, Professor and Head, Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta.

6. No. of Participants: 25

7. Objective of the event: The workshop aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of advanced research techniques and methodologies essential for conducting impactful academic and professional studies. It focused on enhancing participants’ analytical and methodological skills, with a particular emphasis on hands-on experience using software tools like SPSS, STATA and VOSviewer. These tools were integrated into the sessions to ensure that participants could apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of data analysis, time series econometrics, panel data analysis, and bibliometric studies, while promoting academic rigor and integrity.

8. Brief description of the event: The Six-Day Workshop on Research Methodology in Social Sciences, organised by the Department of Commerce (UG, Afternoon and Evening Section & PG) at The Bhawanipur Education Society College, took place from 11th to 18th November 2024 at the Second Floor Auditorium, Society Hall. The workshop was designed to equip participants with advanced research skills, emphasising both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience with tools such as SPSS, STATA, and VOSviewer.

The event commenced with an inaugural session featuring distinguished dignitaries. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Paramita Chakravarty, Coordinator, Department of Commerce (PG), The BESC. The inaugural session also included special addresses by Dr. Subhabrata Ganguly, Teacher-in-Charge, The BESC and Prof. Dilip Shah, Rector and Dean of Student Affairs, The BESC. The ceremonial watering of a sapling symbolised the growth and prosperity that the workshop aimed to foster.

Across six days, the workshop featured 12 meticulously planned sessions, each led by renowned resource persons. Day 1 commenced with sessions on academic integrity in research and mapping research before publication, facilitated by Prof. Sumanta Dutta. The subsequent days delved into statistical analysis and econometrics. On Day 2, Prof. Rahul Sarkar introduced participants to statistical analysis using SPSS, focusing on parametric and non-parametric tests. Days 3 and 4 were dedicated to cross-section and time-series analysis, where Prof. Chandrima Chakraborty and Prof. Panchanan Das provided in-depth guidance on employing SPSS and STATA for research.

Day 5 advanced into panel data analysis using STATA, led by Prof. Saswata Choudhury, and concluded with participant feedback and evaluation. The final day, Day 6, included a continuation of panel data analysis, followed by bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer, conducted by Dr. Gholam Syedain Khan.

A notable highlight of the workshop was the book release ceremony, which unveiled Changing Paradigm in the Fields of Commerce, Volume II, showcasing research contributions by the department’s faculty and students. The valedictory session featured discourses by Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Kumar Sana, Professor, Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta, and Prof. (Dr.) Tanupa Chakraborty, Head, Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta.

The vote of thanks for both the inaugural and valedictory sessions, as well as for the entire workshop, was delivered by Mr. Saspo Chakraborty, Vice-Principal, Department of Commerce (UG, Afternoon and Evening Section), The BESC. The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants, signifying their successful completion of this comprehensive learning experience.

9. Outcome of the event: The workshop successfully equipped participants with advanced research methodologies and practical tools, enhancing their skills in data analysis and academic integrity. It fostered a collaborative academic environment, providing valuable networking opportunities and encouraging further research in social sciences. The event culminated in the release of a faculty-student research volume, highlighting the department’s commitment to academic excellence.