Under the RUSA 2.0 scheme, a five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “SPSS Essentials for Statistical Analysis” jointly organized by Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) and Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), Guntur, concluded successfully.
A five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “SPSS Essentials for Statistical Analysis” commenced today (10.08.2026) at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, under the aegis of Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE), in collaboration with Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), Guntur under RUSA 2.0. The FDP is scheduled from 10th to 14th August 2026.
The FDP is designed for faculty members and scholars to strengthen their practical knowledge and skills in statistical analysis using SPSS. The programme seeks to enhance the capacity of faculty members and research scholars in handling quantitative data, applying appropriate statistical techniques, interpreting research findings and presenting evidence-based conclusions. Such capacity-building initiatives are particularly important in strengthening the quality of research and promoting a culture of data-driven academic decision-making in higher education institutions.
The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has been giving significant emphasis to strengthening the academic and research ecosystem in the State through faculty development, curriculum reforms, research orientation, skill development and technology-enabled learning initiatives.
The present FDP is part of this broader effort to equip faculty members and research scholars with contemporary tools and methodologies required for quality teaching, research and academic planning. Statistical analysis is an essential component of research across disciplines, including social sciences, management, education, commerce, life sciences, engineering and other emerging areas. Developing proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS can substantially improve the ability of researchers to analyze data systematically and draw meaningful conclusions.
The programme also reflects APSCHE’s commitment in promoting research-oriented higher education and continuous professional development of the faculty, thereby contributing to improve academic standards across universities and colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
Addressing the inaugural session, Prof. K. Madhu Murthy, Chairman, APSCHE, emphasised the need for higher education institutions to move towards a stronger research and evidence-based academic culture. The Chairman highlighted that quality research is fundamental to the development of universities and that faculty members and research scholars should be equipped not only with subject knowledge but also with appropriate research methodologies and analytical skills.
Prof. Madhu Murthy stressed that data has become an important resource for academic research, institutional planning and policy formulation. In this context, familiarity with statistical tools and techniques can enable researchers to handle research data more effectively, identify meaningful patterns and arrive at scientifically sound conclusions.
The Chairman further underscored the importance of continuous faculty development in the rapidly changing higher education environment. The Chairman advised that the faculty members need to upgrade their knowledge and skills regularly to respond to emerging academic requirements and to guide students and research scholars effectively.
He encouraged the participants to make maximum use of the FDP and translate the knowledge gained during the programme into their teaching, research and institutional practices. He also emphasised the need for universities and colleges to create a supportive environment for research, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development.
The inaugural programme included a briefing on the FDP by Dr. M. Pradeep, Academic Cell, APSCHE, followed by the address of the APSCHE Chairman. Dr. Kota Neela Mani Kanta, Associate Professor, Department of Tourism and Management, Vikrama Simhapuri University, addressed the participants as the Resource Person.
The Chief Guest Prof. H. Purushotham, Secretary to Government, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Government of Andhra Pradesh emphasised the importance of SPSS in strengthening research, networking, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He highlighted how data-driven analysis supports informed decision-making, collaborative research, and innovative solutions. Drawing from his personal experiences, he explained how entrepreneurial thinking, perseverance, adaptability, and effective use of knowledge can transform research ideas into practical and socially valuable outcomes.
The FDP is expected to provide participants with practical exposure to statistical analysis and enable them to apply analytical methods in their ongoing research and academic activities. By promoting proficiency in research tools and methodologies, APSCHE aims to contribute to the development of a stronger and more productive research ecosystem in the State.
The programme also reinforces APSCHE’s larger objective of empowering faculty, strengthening research capabilities and enhancing the quality of higher education in Andhra Pradesh through systematic capacity-building initiatives.
The five-day programme will continue from 10th to 14th August 2026 at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, providing participating scholars and faculty members an opportunity for intensive learning and professional development.
