Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 3: Yenepoya Research Centre for Finance and Entrepreneurship Development (YEN-REFINED) and the Department of MBA, YIASCM, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), successfully organized a two-day national level workshop on ‘Exploring advanced research designs and gen AI in academic research’ on May 30 and 31. The workshop was conducted under the guidance of Dr Murugan Pattusamy, assistant professor, School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad – Institute of Eminence, Hyderabad, and served as a transformative learning experience for aspiring researchers in the domains of Commerce and Management.
The comprehensive sessions facilitated by Dr Murugan Pattusamy, covered pivotal topics, including the intensive longitudinal design, dynamic sem, multilevel designs, experimental designs and model development. Alongside these academic and technical insights, Dr Murugan’s calm presence, humility and simplicity inspired the participants. Without even intending to, he passed on a deeper message, that being a good researcher also means being grounded, approachable, and full of integrity. Through him, the participants learned that great scholarship and great human values go hand in hand. The interactive, hands-on training ensured participants gained practical insights and clarity in applying these advanced research designs and model development, while the sessions also left a lasting impression on the participants’ ethical and professional outlook.
The workshop concluded with a valedictory session on May. The session commenced with a prayer led by Ansar Ali, Student of MBA, YIASCM and hosted by Mural Henrita Cutinha, junior research fellow, YEN-REFINED, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). The valedictory event was graced by distinguished dignitaries. Dr Vinitha Ramanath Pai, professor, Department of Biochemistry, director – Centre for Ph.D Programs, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, served as the chief guest, Dr Murugan Pattusamy, assistant professor, School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad – Institute of Eminence, Hyderabad, was the guest of honour and the resource person for the workshop.
The ceremony was presided by Prof Narayan Sukumara, vice principal of YIASCM, along with other dignitaries including Prof Niyaz Panakaje, coordinator of YEN-REFINED & MBA, YIASCM, Dr Shakira Irfana, associate professor, YEN-REFINED, YIASCM and Rovina Sharon Soans, assistant professor, Department of MBA, YIASCM followed by a welcome address by Dr Madhura K, assistant professor, YEN-REFINED, YIASCM.
Prof Niyaz Panakaje, workshop convenor, shared a briefing on the overall success of the two-day national workshop, emphasizing its transformative impact on budding and seasoned researchers alike. He noted how the sessions bridged theoretical knowledge with practical application, especially in the context of generative AI Prof Niyaz Panakaje assured that YEN-REFINED would continue to organize such meaningful and forward-looking initiatives to strengthen the research ecosystem.
The chief guest, Dr Vinitha Ramanath Pai, congratulated YEN-REFINED & Department of MBA, YIASCM for their efforts in organizing this impactful workshop. Dr Vinitha drew a compelling analogy by comparing research methodology to vegetables which is essential but often ignored in favor of easier options. Through the story of Dr Barry Marshall, who famously drank a bacterial solution to prove his hypothesis, she highlighted the importance of courage in research. Stressing the 3 C's - Curiosity, Courage, and Consistency. She urged scholars to embrace failure, stay rooted in reality, and pursue truth over convenience. “Researchers are the truth speakers in a world full of opinions and challenges”, she concluded, encouraging participants to conduct impactful work that can transform communities and influence policies.
The guest of honour and resource person, Dr Murugan Pattusamy, expressed his gratitude to Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) for inviting him to lead the two-day national level workshop. In his address, he cautioned against shortcuts in research and over-reliance on AI tools, noting that online sessions with short attention spans do little to build real expertise. He urged researchers to identify a niche area, master it thoroughly, and remain committed to continuous learning. Highlighting the irreplaceable role of human educators, he stressed that the survival of faculty in academia hinges on reading, a habit that is fast diminishing in today’s digital age.
Narayan Sukumara, vice principal at YIASCM, delivered the presidential remarks. He emphasized the need for cautious use of AI tools in academia. Highlighting the progressive and exploratory nature of research, he encouraged scholars to implement and test their own ideas rather than overly relying on technology. Speaking on generative AI’s ability to identify patterns across vast datasets, he reminded participants that true research lies in applying one’s intellectual ability, not just machine output.
The support and guidance of Prof Jeevan Raj, principal, YIASCM and Prof Shareena P, dean of Commerce and Management of YIASCM & Vice Principal was greatly acknowledged as their encouragement and support played a key role in the successful organization of the workshop.
As the programme drew to a close, a token of appreciation in the form of mementos and certificates were presented to the chief guest and the guest of honour. Dr Rekha G N and Ms Sahana assistant professors of the Department of MBA, YIASCM took over the distribution of certificates to 106 participants. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Shakira Irfana, associate professor of YEN-REFINED, YIASCM.
The event was coordinated by Prof Niyaz Panakaje, along with faculty members Dr Shakira Irfana, associate professor of YEN-REFINED, YIASCM, Rovina Soans, Dr Rekha and Sahana, assistant professors, Department of MBA, YIASCM, Dr Madhura K, Dr S M Riha Parvin, assistant professors at YEN-REFINED, full time research scholars and research interns at YEN-REFINED, YIASCM who were instrumental in managing the event’s arrangements. The organisers expressed their gratitude to the IT team, maintenance and the support staff for their assistance and commitment to excellence, under the leadership of the admin manager of YIASCM, Calvin D’Souza. YEN-REFINED appreciated Mohammad Thaha Hussain, graphic designer, for his creative support in designing the workshop materials.
The workshop concluded with the National Anthem, marking the end of a successful and enriching two-day national level workshop. Participants left with enhanced skills and a renewed commitment in advancing their research careers, expressing their gratitude to the dedicated efforts of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University).
As part of YEN-REFINED’s ongoing efforts at YIASCM, a series of workshops are being conducted to build a strong ecosystem that nurtures research excellence. These workshops are thoughtfully designed to equip early-career researchers with essential knowledge and hands-on skills to enhance their research capabilities. By offering in-depth resources and meaningful guidance, the initiative plays a key role in strengthening academic rigor and fostering high-quality scholarly work.