Under the scheme by KCG Promotion of research for facility, A one-day workshop on “Research Methodology” was successfully organized by the Department of Statistics on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, at the M,G, Science institute premises, including Theatre 5 and the Data Science Laboratory. The workshop witnessed the active participation of more than 100 attendees, nearly equal representation of students and faculty of the institute. The event was further enriched by the presence of two eminent guest lecturers Dr Himani Baxi and Dr Kishor Bhanushali and Dr. Hardik Khamar as chief guest, whose expertise significantly contributed to the academic depth and success of the workshop.
OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP
The workshop aimed to:
● Introduce participants to the fundamentals of research methodology.
● Explain research design, problem formulation, and hypothesis development.
● Provide hands-on training on research tools, AI-assisted platforms, and data analysis techniques.
● Enhance awareness of ethical research practices, plagiarism, and publication standards.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
● Dr. Manishkumar B. Thaker, Head of Department (Statistics)
● Dr. R D Chaudhari, Associate Professor (Statistics)
● Dr. Pankaj Parmar, Associate Professor (Statistics)
GUEST FACULTIES
● Chief Guest: Dr. Hardik Khamar – Homeopathic Practitioner
● Guest Lecturer: Dr. Himani Baxi, Economics Professor, PDEU
● Guest Lecturer: Dr. Kishor Bhanushali, Director, Research, Karnavati University
1. REGISTRATION AND KIT DISTRIBUTION
The workshop began with registration of students and faculty members. Each participant received a kit containing:
● Pen and diary
● Coupons for breakfast, lunch, and high tea
● Workshop schedule
2. INAUGURAL SESSION
The formal inauguration commenced with prayers followed by Deep Jyoti Pragatya, performed by the Principal, Chief Guest, and Head of Department. The Principal delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the importance of research competence in academic and professional domains. Dr. Manish B. Thaker introduced the Chief Guest, and felicitations were offered. The Chief Guest emphasized the role of statistics and research in scientific development.
3. SESSION I: DESIGNING RESEARCH: QUALITATIVE V/S QUANTITATIVE METHODS
Resource Person: Dr. Himani Baxi
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Dr. Himani Baxi provided an insightful lecture on what research is, the components of research design, qualitative vs. quantitative methods, and their applications. The session focused on frameworks and methodological clarity.
4. SESSION II: FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM AND STATEMENT
Resource Person: Dr. Himani Baxi
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
In the second session, Dr. Baxi elaborated on identifying a research problem, articulating it, and correctly formulating hypotheses. She emphasized unbiased research conduct and explained analytical pathways. The session concluded with a practical exercise involving three problems. A memento was presented at the end of Session II.
5. LUNCH BREAK
A one-hour lunch break was provided. The menu included puri, undhiyu, gajar ka halwa, daal, rice, papad, chaas, and bhajiya. The catering was managed under the supervision of Dr. Mullya, Head of Botany Department, with assistance from NCC cadets as well as volunteers from Statistics Department Sem IV and Maths Department Sem IV
6. SESSION III: DATA COLLECTION AND DATA PLANNING USING AI
Resource Person: Dr. Kishor Bhanushali
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Participants proceeded to the Data Science Lab for a hands-on session. Dr. Bhanushali demonstrated the use of AI and mapping tools such as Heuristica and idea generation platforms like PaperGuide, SciSpace. He introduced literature review tools including ResearchRabbit and Mendeley, and other AI research assistants such as NotebookLM and Perplexity.
7. SESSION IV: DATA ANALYSIS AND ETHICAL PRACTICES
Resource Person: Dr. Kishor Bhanushali
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
The final session focused on Excel-based analytical techniques including skewness, regression, correlation, t-test, and AMOVA and many other analytical techniques . Dr. Bhanushali also covered plagiarism awareness, ethical writing practices, and guidelines for conducting high-quality research.
8. VALEDICTATION AND CERTIFICATE DISTRIBUTION
The workshop concluded with a valedictory ceremony, vote of thanks, and distribution of certificates to all participants. Guest lecturers were felicitated with mementos at the conclusion of their respective sessions.
9. HIGH TEA AND PHOTOGRAPHY
High tea was served, followed by group photographs involving the organizing committee, resource persons, faculty members, and volunteers.
Active support was provided by NCC cadets and departmental volunteers who assisted
with logistics and food service.
Participants gained:
● Conceptual clarity on research methodology.
● Practical understanding of research tools and AI-based platforms.
● Hands-on experience with data analysis techniques.
● Awareness of ethical research conduct and publication norms.
The organizing team expresses sincere gratitude to:
● The Principal for encouragement and support.
● All resource persons for their time and expertise.
● Volunteers and staff for smooth conduct of the event.
