Outline:

1. Intro: tool anxiety
   • Many students believe “real research” requires expensive or complex software.
   • Reassure: tools matter less than clarity of design and correct analysis.
2. Option 1 – Spreadsheet tools (Excel, Google Sheets)
   • What you can do: descriptive stats, simple tests, charts.
   • When this is enough for BBA/MBA theses.
3. Option 2 – SPSS
   • Strengths: user‑friendly menus for common procedures.
   • Good fit for many social‑science theses; institutional licenses.
4. Option 3 – Stata/R and other advanced tools
   • When you genuinely need them (panel data, complex models).
   • Learning curve vs. benefits.
5. How to choose the right tool for your project
   • Criteria: thesis requirements, your time, support available at your university.
   • Encourage starting where support and examples exist.
6. Practical learning path
   • Suggest a staged path: Excel basics → SPSS core → optional move to Stata/R.
   • Mention the importance of understanding concepts, not just clicking buttons.

Soft pitch: SATC’s practical approach

SATC training emphasizes understanding methods and using accessible tools (including Excel/SPSS), with guidance on when more advanced software is truly necessary.