The Department of Architecture and Planning at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, successfully conducted a 10-day Research Methodology Course from 13th to 22nd July 2024. Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), this course aimed to enrich the skills of PhD scholars. It was coordinated by Dr. Kavita Dehalwar and co-coordinated by Dr. Surabhi Mehrotra from the Department of Architecture and Planning.
The 10-day Research Methodology Course was meticulously designed to enhance the research capabilities of research scholars and young faculty members in the fields of social sciences, planning, and architecture. This comprehensive course aimed to prepare participants for rigorous research endeavors by providing expert sessions on a variety of critical topics. These included Research Methodology, Tools and Techniques, Research Ethics and Integrity, Data Management and Analysis, as well as Publication and Writing Skills tutorials. By addressing these key areas, the course sought to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their research pursuits.
Thirty research scholars were selected from prestigious institutes such as IITs, NITs, and Central/State Universities, representing 15 states across India. This diverse group of participants brought a wealth of perspectives and experiences, enriching the learning environment and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
The distinguished panel of experts for the course included several prominent figures in the field. Dr. Shankar Chatterjee, former Professor and Head of the Centre for Policy Management and Evaluation (CPME) at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR), Hyderabad, shared his extensive knowledge and insights. Dr. Raka Arya, Professor of Political Science, Dean of Student Welfare, and Chief Hostel Warden at the National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, provided valuable guidance on various aspects of research. Dr. Poonama Prakash, Professor at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, contributed her expertise in planning and architectural research.
Additionally, Dr. M. Sadik Batcha, Professor and Head of the Department of Library and Information Science at Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, offered his profound understanding of data management and research tools. Dr. Kalpana Pandit, Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, shared her experience in architectural research and methodologies. Dr. Tanuj Nandan, Professor at the School of Management Studies, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj, discussed management studies and research techniques.
The course also featured Dr. Vishakha Kawathekar, Dean of Faculty Welfare and Head of the Centre for Cultural Knowledge Systems at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, who provided insights into cultural knowledge systems and their relevance to research. Dr. Sanjeev Khanna from MITS Gwalior, along with other experts such as Dr. Gyaneshwar Singh Kushwaha and Dr. Pushpendra Yadav from MANIT, delivered lectures on various topics related to research methodology. Their contributions significantly enhanced the participants' learning experience, providing them with a well-rounded understanding of the research process and its practical applications.
