Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 2: Yenepoya Research Centre for Finance and Entrepreneurship Development (YEN-REFINED) and the Department of MBA, YIASCM, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), jointly organised a two-day national-level workshop on “Exploring Advanced Research Designs and Gen AI in Academic Research” on May 30 and 31.
The workshop focused on understanding various research designs, such as Intensive Longitudinal Design, Dynamic SEM, Multilevel Designs, Experimental Designs, and Model Development. It also emphasised the ethical use of Generative AI in developing research designs.
The workshop commenced with an inaugural ceremony on May 30 at 9:30 am, setting the tone for two days of intensive learning. The ceremony began with a solemn prayer led by Ansar Ali, student of MBA, YIASCM, hosted by Dr S M Riha Parvin, assistant professor of YEN-REFINED, YIASCM, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by the esteemed dignitaries.
The chief guest, Dr Prakash Pinto, professor and dean, department of Business Administration, St Joseph Engineering College (Autonomous), Mangaluru and guest of honour and resource person Dr Murugan Pattusamy, assistant professor, School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad – Institute of Eminence, Hyderabad graced the occasion. The session was presided over by Prof Jeevan Raj, principal, YIASCM, alongside other notable dignataries, including Prof Shareena P, dean of the faculty of Commerce & Management & vice principal, YIASCM, Prof Niyaz Panakaje, coordinator of YEN-REFINED & MBA, YIASCM, Dr Shakira Irfana, associate professor, YEN-REFINED and Rovina Sharon Soans, assistant professor, Department of MBA, YIASCM.
Dr Shakira Irfana delivered the welcome address and introduced the distinguished guests. Prof Niyaz Panakaje highlighted the need to enhancing the knowledge in research. He stressed the significance of creating a holistic and collaborative research ecosystem.
In his inaugural address, the chief guest Dr Prakash Pinto emphasised that in the present era, traditional academic boundaries are not merely expanding but are being fundamentally redefined by transformative realities. He highlighted the critical global challenges related to sustainability, climate change, socio-economic issues, and how they necessitate more advanced and thoughtful research inquiries.
Dr Prakash Pinto urged researchers to adopt mixed methods, longitudinal, and experimental research designs to comprehensively explore complex, multidimensional problems.
He further elaborated on the opportunities presented by Generative AI in contemporary research. However, he stressed the importance of discernment that is, knowing when to rely on AI tools and when to apply human reasoning and critical thinking. Ethical considerations in data collection and methodology, he noted, are paramount to maintaining the credibility and integrity of a researcher's career.
The guest of honour, Dr Murugun Pattuswamy, in his address, shared insights on the high retraction rate of Indian research papers when compared to countries like China. He cited real-life examples to underline the severe career implications of even a single retracted publication. He also shed light on the growing competition in the teaching profession, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, emphasising the role of quality research in improving employability and contributing to nation-building.
Prof Shareena P, dean, faculty of Commerce and Management and vice principal, YIASCM emphasised the importance of understanding the appropriate use of Generative AI. She stated that meaningful research can only emerge when technology is used judiciously and with purpose.
Prof Jeevan Raj, principal, YIASCM spoke about the significance of transformative education in today’s world. He remarked that identifying real-world problems and addressing them through research not only promotes personal and professional growth but also contributes to societal development. He encouraged researchers to recognise issues around them and convert them into meaningful research questions.
The inaugural session seamlessly transitioned into the first day of the workshop, to be followed by one more day of rigorous academic discourse led by Dr Murugan Pattusamy. The workshop attracted 106 participants across the country, marking a significant step towards enhancing their research capabilities.
The event was coordinated by Dr Niyaz Panakaje, along with the co-convenors Dr Shakira Irfana, associate professor of YEN-REFINED, YIASCM and Rovina Soans, assistant professor, Department of MBA, YIASCM.
The workshop’s key takeaways are expected to substantially elevate the research proficiency of the participants, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the academic community.
The workshop set a new benchmark in enhancing expertise in advanced research design methodologies and the integration of Generative AI in academic research. Organised by the department of MBA and YEN-REFINED, it empowered participants with practical insights and future-ready skills for high-impact scholarly work.