Promoting research methodology programme: a development success mantra

Research enhances the curiosity of an individual to learn new things that give the researcher a sense of achievement. It is the process of systematically collecting, analysing, and interpreting data which helps to advance knowledge, solve problems, improve practices, and inform policies. For instance, research serves as a means for scientists to conduct experiments on new drugs, historians to write biographies of famous figures, marketers to ascertain customer demands, and students to achieve various objectives within their respective fields of study. Hence, it is evident that conducting research is obvious in all aspects of life.

Research and development (R&D) play a crucial role in stimulating economic growth by fostering innovation, the creation of new ideas, and advancement. Such developments are difficult to achieve unless academic researchers include epistemological and systematic education in their academic programme. The author uses the term "research methodology programme" to refer to a programme that teaches the various stages and procedures of scientific research, familiarises students with research tools and techniques so that they can conduct independent research based on their learning. Bangladesh is the world's eighth most populous country, with 1.2 billion young people and many more on the way. The population should be better educated on research methodology so that they can produce good research that contributes to economic development and keeps up with Industry 4.0.   

The increased number of higher education institutions in Bangladesh-from 27,710 in 2013 to 36,710 by 2021-demonstrates that the country has significantly improved access to higher education. There are approximately 165 universities, several research institutes, and networks that provide a range of degrees, programmes and research support in areas such as Business Administration, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Social Sciences, agriculture, health, development, policy formation and the environment as well as opportunities for interactions among researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners.

Despite progress in the research education sector, Bangladesh still faces some challenges. First and foremost is the quantity and quality of research output produced by the country's higher education institutes as reflected by the low ranking of Bangladeshi universities in global and regional assessments. The higher education system also faces issues such as a lack of innovation, research culture, and collaboration; outdated curricula and teaching methods; skill gaps among graduates; and insufficient funding and governance. 

Second, while there are numerous universities and institutes throughout the country, not all of them have adequate infrastructure such as modern classrooms, library and laboratory, internet access, and so on. As a result, it becomes difficult for instructors to provide students with standard research related lessons. In addition, Bangladesh's education funding allocation is the lowest in South Asia in 15 years falling behind Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. (World Bank).

Third, the cost of research education can be a barrier for many students, as tuition fees can be quite high, especially in private universities. This can limit the opportunities available to students from low-income families, who have to struggle to afford the fees. Furthermore, many qualified researchers are unable to conduct research due to a lack of funds and logistic support to carry out the necessary research activities, resulting in brain drain.

With the goal to overcome these challenges, several potential reforms are proposed as follows:

Bangladesh needs qualified instructors for the research methodology programme in order to expedite its nationwide implementation. This can be achieved by hiring more trainers with sound research backgrounds such as a good PhD, research publications and quantitative and/or qualitative data processing expertise. Instructors of research methodology programme should be sufficiently knowledgeable and paid properly so that they can teach updated and effective lessons with motivation.

Developing a curriculum that incorporates the most essential aspects of research methodology is also crucial. In other words, research methodology curriculum should be holistic -- follow the logical sequence of research flow. The curriculum should be designed to familiarise recipients with modern research tools, techniques, and methodologies to develop their scientific knowledge and skill.

Universities or institutes that offer research methodology programme should have adequate infrastructural facilities such as computers or laptops, internet connectivity, software tools, online resources such as data bases, libraries, and access to literature etc. All of these are required to provide high quality and hands-on research training. The government should mandate higher education institutions to establish adequate infrastructure facilities for conducting research methodology programmes and if required, offer financial assistance to support this endeavour. Furthermore, research methodology programmes should not only target Dhaka residents but also those in rural areas to support a balanced educational expansion.

A number of Bangladeshi academic institutions have internal quality assurance cells (IQAC) that would benefit from increased engagement to enhance research methodology programmes. In addition, the tuition fees for the programme should be set at a level that allows students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds to afford the cost. Universities and relevant authorities should also provide promising researchers with funds for data collection,  purchase of articles, books, and software tools etc., so they can conduct research in a variety of developing fields of Bangladesh.

Recently, the Government of Bangladesh has established the Bangabandhu Science and Technology Fellowship Trust and Prime Minister Fellowship to encourage and promote young researchers and academicians to pursue research studies. However, such trust fellowships are extremely scarce for our country's millions of young researchers. Therefore, our government should increase the number of fellowship and trust programmes to foster an environment conducive to research.

It is also crucial that when researchers conduct research on any development agenda and make useful suggestions and recommendations, these should be well accepted, and put into action. A number of developed and developing nations implement the recommendations derived from empirical studies in order to ensure their sustained progress. As a step toward advancing our economy, it is vital that Bangladeshi researchers also receive recognition for their research contributions through the implementation of their suggested policies.

The growth of a modern society is highly dependent on the calibre of research education. Any nation can foster prosperity by encouraging research and education. Globally, research education influences society and serves as a catalyst for change and growth. Once we have a competitive advantage in research education, we will be able to reap the benefits of Industry 4.0 and realise our dream of developing a smart country.

Dr. Sheikh Ashiqurrahman Prince is a Professor at the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM).
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