UCC Workshop Encourages Postgraduate Students to Build Strong Research Foundations

Postgraduate students have been encouraged to develop conceptual models before beginning their research projects to improve the quality, relevance, and credibility of their academic work.

The advice was given by Dr. Brandford Bervell, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC), during a two-day training workshop organised by the Centre for Educational Research, Evaluation and Development (CERED) at the University of Cape Coast's College of Education Studies.

Speaking on the theme “Structural Equation Model Using Smart PLS,” Dr. Bervell explained that conceptual models provide a clear framework for identifying research problems, defining relationships between variables, and guiding the entire research process.

He stressed that research without a conceptual model is unlikely to succeed because it forms the basis for developing research questions and aligning the study with its objectives and methodology.

According to Dr. Bervell, a well-developed conceptual model helps researchers produce focused and meaningful studies while clearly identifying their contribution to existing knowledge. He also guided participants through the key stages of developing conceptual models, including identifying variables, grouping them, developing factor trees, combining the factor trees, and formulating hypotheses.

The Provost of the College of Education Studies, Prof. Douglas Agyei, encouraged participants to take the workshop seriously and use the knowledge gained to address real-world challenges through quality research.

Meanwhile, Prof. Jacob Owusu Sarfo, Coordinator of CERED, said the workshop forms part of the Centre's efforts to strengthen the research capacity of postgraduate students by equipping them with practical skills in Structural Equation Modelling using Smart PLS.

The workshop aimed to prepare postgraduate students to undertake rigorous, impactful, and internationally competitive research.