The Research and Postgraduate Studies Office conducted a two-day Data Analysis workshop aimed at equipping Doctor of Philosophy students with data analysis skills they need as they carry out their research.
The workshop kicked off on the 4th and ended on the 5th of June, 2019 at the Gweru Main Campus and attracted students from as far as Zambia. In her opening remarks, Midlands State University Pro Vice-Chancellor – Research and Academic Affairs, Professor Doreen Moyo commended Professor Laurine Chikoko, Executive Dean – Research and Postgraduate Studies for organising the workshop. “I have observed that many PhD students are found wanting by thesis examiners when it comes to data analysis. Most of them fall by the wayside. You can be given a resubmit and I think it can be earth-shattering, so I hope you will learn as much as possible and apply that knowledge when it comes to your own thesis,” she said.
Professor Moyo further highlighted that each PhD candidate is expected to publish at least two papers in reputable journals and this is expected to contribute towards the achievement of the University`s 2019-2023 strategic plan to be ranked in the Times Higher Education World Universities rankings.
The workshop was facilitated by a motivational speaker and expert in Quantitative Research, Research Methodology, Data Analysis and Academic Research Papers Writing Skills, Professor Richard Chinomona from the University of Witwatersrand.
The workshop covered Measurement Model Assessment, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) theory and practical using AMOS, LISREL and SMART PLS statistical software packages.
The workshop ended with the presentation of certificates by the Executive Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies Professor Chikoko to all workshop participants.