Research is a vital component of any study, business or organisation that intends to continuously develop, ensuring that it always stays fresh, relevant and competitive. In the academic field, it is extremely essential for students to employ the right methods that will help them produce quality research results.

On 4 June 2009, Limkokwing University invited a leading expert in qualitative research, Prof. Richard Buttny (Ph.D, Univ. of Massachussetts) to deliver a talk on ‘Intercultural Communication, Discourse Analysis and New Perspective in Qualitative Research’. The target audience for this talk was the Limkokwing Communication Research Metholody students.

A professor at the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Syracuse University, U.S.A, he has been credited with many noted publications and seminar papers, mostly focused on communications. His focus of interest explores the ways that conversation and social interaction work in context to jointly create social realities. With his communication skills, Prof. Richard also studied various topics ranging from account, racial discourse, rhetoric violence and more.

Delivered at the Screening Room 2, Limkokwing Library, the talk proved appropriate for the ambiance and surrounding on the University, characterized by the montage of cultures from all over the world. For the students, Limkokwing’s plurality equipped them with an experience that made it so much easier to understand concepts of the talk. The lecture was beneficial to the students, each knowing that one day he or she would enter working life and likely will still mix and work with people from different cultures.

The topic of qualitative research, on the other hand, contributed more useful academic information to the students. Not many realised the importance of knowing the right methods for research but Prof. Richard managed to deliver his message very well, using his knowledge and experience of years in teaching. Despite being a heavy topic, students displayed their interest by asking questions and communicating with the lecturer during the talk. Prof. Richard also managed to conduct some exercises in practising qualitative research throughout the lecture, to ensure the students’ minds remained focused and alert.

It was a day full of discussion and brain teasing and at the end of the session, the students gained better great insight about intercultural communication and qualitative research. No more wandering in the dark, thanks to Limkokwing University and Prof. Richard Buttny.