On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Dr. Fouzia Hadi Ali conducted a workshop on “Quantitative Tools for Decision Making and Data Analytics with SPSS” for the participants of 44^th Mid-Career Management Course at National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Lahore. Dr. Ali is a highly accomplished academic in the fields of business and commerce studies who is currently serving as Associate Professor at Hailey College of Commerce, University of the Punjab. Lahore. The workshop was divided into two parts. In the first part, the Guest Speaker explained several basic/key concepts used in quantitative research, whereas the second part was meant for practice. Her presentation covered the core principles of data analysis, emphasizing their significance for policy research and for informed decision-making and policy formulation.

Dr. Ali began by highlighting the significance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and its robust statistical capabilities. She then discussed types of variables in data analysis: Categorical Variables and Numerical Variables. Following this, Dr. Ali explained the importance of scales of measurement, noting that these play a critical role in data analysis by establishing the framework for how variables can be quantified and interpreted. They determine not only the nature of the data but also guide researchers in selecting appropriate statistical methods for analysis. There are two types of scales of measurement: Nominal Scales and Ordinal Scales. Dr. Ali then proceeded to discuss Descriptive Statistics, which she explained, play a vital role in data analysis by summarizing the main characteristics of a dataset. They help researchers to quickly grasp the essential features of the data, simplify complex information, and facilitate informed decision making.

After explaining such basics concepts in quantitative research, Dr. Ali gave practical tests to the class.