Medan— The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FEB USU), held a Thesis and Dissertation Writing Workshop for students of the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Accounting on Saturday, October 24, at the Prof. Dr. Suhadji Hadibroto Auditorium, FEB USU. The workshop aimed to strengthen students’ academic competencies in designing and producing high-quality, systematic research that contributes to the advancement of accounting knowledge.

The event commenced with opening remarks by the Dean of FEB USU, Dr. Abdillah Arif Nasution, who attended the workshop. The session featured Assoc. Prof. Hidayatul Ihsan, S.E., Ak., MSc., Ph.D., CA, a lecturer at Politeknik Negeri Padang, as the speaker. Prof. Dr. Fahmi Natigor Nasution, S.E., M.Acc., Ak., CA., CMA, Head of the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Accounting at FEB USU, delivered the opening speech. The workshop was moderated by Yeti Meliany Lubis, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA, a lecturer in the Accounting Study Program at FEB USU.

In his presentation, entitled “From Research Problems to Scholarly Contribution: Designing High-Quality Qualitative Research in Accounting,” the speaker explored key aspects of qualitative research development. The topics included research paradigms, identifying research phenomena and research gaps, formulating research questions, designing rigorous research, selecting informants, and applying appropriate data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques.

Participants also gained insights into establishing research credibility through systematic data collection and analysis, the use of relevant data sources, and the development of findings that offer theoretical and practical contributions. The presentation further highlighted the importance of distinguishing between research novelty, research gaps, and scholarly contributions to ensure that research goes beyond describing phenomena and provides deeper insights into accounting-related issues.

Through research clinic sessions and discussions, participants had opportunities to evaluate their research designs, identify the strengths and weaknesses of their proposals, and formulate potential improvements. This interactive approach was intended to help students develop more focused theses and dissertations with sound methodological foundations and greater relevance to contemporary accounting practices and issues.

The workshop supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by strengthening academic capacity, enhancing research skills, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning in higher education. It also contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by encouraging knowledge development, innovation, and research that can inform improved practices and decision-making. Furthermore, strengthening relevant and responsible accounting research supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, particularly through the development of studies addressing transparency, accountability, and institutional governance.

Through this initiative, FEB USU reaffirms its commitment to improving the quality of postgraduate education and preparing graduates to produce high-quality, ethical research that contributes meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge and society.