On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Dr. Seemi Waheed delivered a workshop on “Research Method: Research Processes, Style and Form” for the participants of 44^th Mid-Career Management Course at National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Lahore. Dr. Seemi Waheed is a former Director General, National Institute of Management, Lahore, who is presently a Professor at University of Management and Technology, Lahore.

The workshop was divided into two parts. In the first part, the Guest Speaker presented her thoughts on the topic, whereas the second part was meant for practice. Dr. Seemi Waheed began the workshop by elaborating the structure of a Policy Paper (PP). She explained various ‘elements’ of a PP, such as problem statement or research puzzle, research design, key assumptions, methodology, and methods. She also explained the methods of data collection and analysis. Then she explained in detail the nature of Social Sciences research. Following this, she practically demonstrated as to how to do actual research, such as how to develop a problem statement, how to conduct literature review, how to design the research, and how to analyze data. She also explained qualitative and quantitative research techniques and the nature of differences between the two. Dr. Seemi Waheed also spoke about the referencing. Next, she discussed how to select a research problem and state a puzzle. The significance of literature review was also discussed by the Guest Speaker.

After Dr. Seemi Waheed finished her talk, she asked the participants to proceed to their respective syndicate rooms. Each syndicate was given an exercise which required them to formulate a problem statement, research questions, and devise a tentative methodology. The syndicates were asked to reassemble in the class room after 45 minutes. As the syndicates reassembled, each syndicate was asked to present its research topic, problem statement, research questions, and the methodology. The Guest Speaker gave her feedback on participants’ work.