The Center for Research and Community Engagement Development (P4M), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), organizes a Webinar and Mentoring Session titled “Qualitative Research in Practice: From Field Insights to Academic Writing” on Friday, 17 October 2025. The event takes place virtually via Zoom Meeting and is attended by lecturers and researchers from various disciplines.

Prof. Tri Mulyaningsih, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic and Research Affairs of FEB UNS, explains that the faculty continues to develop the research clinic model, which is now delivered in an online format. The model integrates direct review and feedback sessions from experts to enhance academic writing skills across different research areas.

Prof. Tri emphasizes that the research clinic serves as a learning platform that bridges early-stage researchers with experienced mentors to improve the quality and impact of academic publications. “Through this mentoring mechanism, researchers can receive structured feedback, refine their manuscripts, and build confidence in publishing in reputable journals,” she states.

Chair of P4M, Dila Maghrifani, S.E., B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., expresses her appreciation to all participants and speakers. She highlights the importance of collaboration and continuous learning to strengthen the research culture within FEB UNS.

The main session features Dian Ekowati, S.E., M.Si., M.AppCom(OrgCh)., Ph.D., Head of the Human Capital and Organization Studies Research Group. In her presentation, Dian explains the fundamental differences between qualitative and quantitative research while addressing common misconceptions surrounding qualitative approaches. “Qualitative research is not a weak or subjective approach. On the contrary, it enables us to understand human and organizational dynamics in a more profound and contextual way,” she explains.

Dian further elaborates on the stages of qualitative research, from formulating research questions and collecting data to conducting analysis using techniques such as coding and thematic analysis. She underlines the importance of accuracy, transparency, and ethical considerations throughout the research process.

She also shares her experience in guiding students and researchers to formulate focused and exploratory research questions, noting that well-crafted questions are essential in producing meaningful and contributive research.

In the closing session, the committee announces a follow-up mentoring program, where participants will have the opportunity to review and refine their research manuscripts with assigned mentors. Three papers are scheduled for review in this session, covering topics such as women’s leadership in higher education, digital behavior among millennials, and virtual leadership in global teams.

FEB UNS continues to strengthen qualitative research capacity among academics and promote the improvement of scientific publications that contribute to knowledge advancement and societal development.

Through this activity, FEB UNS supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by reinforcing research capacity and a productive academic culture.