Activities

PG and Research Department of Economics
The Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College
Webinar Report: Day Two
Date: 29-07-2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Platform: Google Meet
Topic: Research Methodology: Step-by-Step Direction to Degree Students

 

The PG and Research Department of Economics, The Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College, organized Day Two of its four-day webinar series aimed at final-year undergraduate students to strengthen their understanding of the research process. The webinar series is part of the department’s academic outreach to support students in preparing for their final-year research projects under the undergraduate curriculum. The second session took place on 29th July 2025 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM via Google Meet.

The session began with a formal welcome address delivered by Ms. Fathima Sana, who greeted the distinguished resource person, respected faculty members, and enthusiastic student participants. She emphasized the relevance of research skills in academic work and highlighted how the session would benefit degree students who are at the beginning stages of formulating their project ideas. Her introduction created a warm and respectful atmosphere that set the tone for an informative and engaging session.

The resource person for the day was Dr. K.P. Vipin Chandran, Associate Professor in the Department of Economics, Krishna Menon Memorial Government Women’s College, Kannur, Kerala. Dr. Vipin Chandran is a distinguished academician with active involvement in teaching and research. His areas of expertise include Development Economics, Econometrics, Macro Economics, Ecological Economics, Health Economics, and the Kerala Economy. His extensive academic experience and wide-ranging research interests provided students with a deep and practical understanding of research methodology. Dr. Vipin Chandran is known for his ability to simplify complex economic concepts and explain them in student-friendly language, which made him an ideal speaker for this session.

Dr. Vipin Chandran’s presentation was titled "Research Methodology: Step-by-Step Direction to Degree Students." The session was thoughtfully structured and delivered in a way that was easy to follow, even for students who were new to the research process. He began by explaining what research is and why it is essential in the field of economics, particularly for students who are preparing their undergraduate projects. He noted that research is not only about collecting and analyzing data but also about developing critical thinking, identifying problems, and proposing practical solutions.

The speaker then introduced the step-by-step process of conducting research, beginning with the identification of a research problem. He explained how students can select a relevant and feasible research topic based on their interest, availability of data, and academic relevance. Following this, he elaborated on how to formulate clear research objectives and hypotheses, guiding the students on how to align them with the main theme of their study.

The next stage discussed was the literature review. Dr. Vipin Chandran explained the importance of reviewing existing literature to understand previous work in the chosen area, to avoid duplication, and to identify research gaps. He shared strategies for accessing reliable sources such as academic journals, research databases, government reports, and institutional publications.

He then moved on to the topic of research design and methodology, where he detailed the types of research (qualitative vs. quantitative), sampling techniques (random, stratified, purposive, etc.), and the importance of selecting the right research tools. He also touched on data collection methods, including primary and secondary data, and the advantages and limitations of each.

Further, the session addressed the steps in data analysis and interpretation. Dr. Vipin Chandran introduced basic statistical tools suitable for undergraduate-level research and encouraged students to apply simple yet effective techniques to derive meaningful insights from their data. He emphasized clarity, accuracy, and ethical responsibility in data handling.

Finally, the speaker guided the participants through the structure and writing of a research report, including the layout of chapters, referencing styles (such as APA), and the importance of presenting findings clearly. He reminded students that effective research communication is key to academic success and that well-structured writing enhances the credibility of their work.

Throughout the session, Dr. Vipin Chandran maintained an interactive tone and encouraged students to reflect on their own project ideas. His approachable style and methodical presentation helped ease the anxiety many students face while beginning their research work. The session saw active participation from the audience, with several final-year students posing thoughtful questions regarding research design, data limitations, and topic selection. The speaker addressed each question with clarity and provided practical suggestions based on his academic experience.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Vrinda, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the resource person for his enlightening session and valuable time. She also thanked the organizing committee, faculty members, and students for their active cooperation and presence. She acknowledged the role of the department in supporting academic development through such meaningful events and noted that the session had been highly beneficial for all participants.

Feedback from the participants indicated a very positive reception. Students appreciated the step-by-step guidance and noted that the session helped them gain a clearer understanding of how to begin and structure their own research projects. Many felt more confident about moving forward with their topics and welcomed the speaker’s practical advice on commonly faced challenges.

In conclusion, the second day of the webinar series provided an excellent learning opportunity for final-year undergraduate students. The topic was timely, and the resource person’s expertise added immense value to the session. The PG and Research Department of Economics at The Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College succeeded in its objective of empowering students with the foundational knowledge required to undertake academic research confidently. The session not only clarified the methodology but also motivated students to approach research as an engaging and rewarding process.

As the webinar series continues, it promises to offer further valuable inputs to students, preparing them to meet the academic requirements of their final-year projects with a structured and professional approach.