Semarang, July 15, 2025 – The Master of Management Program successfully held an international public lecture titled “Research Philosophy and Design in Management Studies”, featuring renowned academic Dr. Uma Jogulu, an expert in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. The session was officially opened by Mirwan Surya Perdhana, S.E., M.M., Ph.D., and moderated by I Made Sukresna, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mirwan Surya Perdhana emphasized the importance of instilling a strong foundation in research philosophy for graduate students. “Research philosophy is the cornerstone of scientific thinking, shaping every step of the research process—from identifying the problem to drawing conclusions,” he noted.
Uma Jogulu: Meaningful Questions Are the Heart of Research
Dr. Uma Jogulu invited participants to reflect on the essence of formulating research questions. She emphasized that researchers must first understand ontology (the nature of reality) and epistemology (the nature of knowledge) before deciding on a methodological approach—whether quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.
“Why are you researching this topic? What is its theoretical and practical contribution? These are the fundamental questions researchers need to ask themselves from the start,” said Dr. Uma during her presentation.
She also shared highlights from her recent 2024 publications in leading journals such as Personnel Review, Australian Journal of Public Administration, and Career Development International. Her works explore contemporary issues such as forced flexibility in hybrid workplaces, gender inequality in academic careers, and social inclusion in informal caregiving.
Positivist vs. Interpretivist Paradigms: Which One Fits Best?
A key segment of the lecture involved contrasting two major research paradigms: positivism, which favors objective observation and hypothesis testing, and interpretivism, which values subjective understanding and multiple realities. According to Dr. Uma, choosing the right paradigm depends on the nature of the research question.
“Studies that aim to explore relationships between variables are best suited for quantitative, positivist approaches. Meanwhile, research that seeks to understand lived experiences will benefit from qualitative, interpretivist methods,” she explained.
Practical Steps for Designing a Research Proposal
In the final part of the session, participants were guided through practical steps in developing a research proposal—from crafting research questions, designing methodologies, navigating ethical approvals, to data collection and analysis. Dr. Uma provided valuable tips for ethical clearance processes, ensuring instrument validity, and overcoming common challenges in fieldwork.
The hybrid-format event was met with enthusiasm by students and faculty members alike. Moderator Dr. I Made Sukresna facilitated an engaging discussion, encouraging participants to voice their methodological dilemmas and receive expert advice.
This public lecture is expected to further equip young researchers in the Master of Management Program with the philosophical, practical, and academic rigor needed to design impactful and meaningful research.