Research Methods in Information Systems

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

Permission to undertake subject must be obtained from the MIS academic coordinator

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Research is a systematic process of answering questions to acquire new knowledge. Research in information systems questions how professional practice is conducted and contributes to the development of better practices. The subject provides students with coverage of how research is conducted within information systems, and how to critically assess published research. Topics covered include the nature of research, the scientific method, theory and research, research paradigms: positivist, interpretivist and critical research approaches, quantitative and qualitative data, measurement and quantitative data analysis techniques, qualitative data analysis techniques, research approaches in organisational information systems and interaction design: literature review and conceptual study, survey, experiment, case study, ethnography, cultural probes, design science.

Upon completion of this subject students should:

• Be familiar with the main research methods used in IS research
• Understand the main concepts underlying the selection of a research method for different types of research questions and stages of research
• Develop an appreciation of the importance of both rigour and relevance in IS research

• A 1500 word individual critical literature review, due early semester (30%)

• A 1500 word individual research methods evaluation assignment, due mid semester (30%)

• A 1500 word individual research design assignment, due at the end of semester (30%)

Participation in seminar activities and contributions to online discussion throughout the semester (10%)

ILO 1, 2 and 3 are addressed in all assessment components.

Neuman, W.L. 2006 Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, Allyn and Bacon

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to undertake literature search and critical analysis of literature.
• Ability to plan and implement a complex research project.
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning.
• Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship.

This is a core subject in the BIS(Honours) course. Postgraduate coursework students, who are interested in undertaking a minor research project as part of their degree, must obtain permission from the MIS Academic coordinator to undertake this subject, prior to enrolment in ISYS90044 Minor Research Project in IS. Enrolments in ISYS90044 will be subject to supervisor availability.