Research Methods in Information Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

3 hours of seminar discussion per week. Students are expected to attend all seminars and actively participate. This requires reading relevant material before the seminar. Students who miss two or more seminars will be required to show cause why they should not be failed in the subject.

Students should expect to devote 10-12 hours per week to a single semester unit, with up to 9 hours each week preparing for the class and completing assignments and 3 hours each week in class. Laboratory work forms part of the three hour session during the sessions dealing with quantitative research (weeks 8 - 12).

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 information systems: literature review and conceptual study, survey, experiment, case study, systems development, action research, and focus group.

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.

Written work totalling up to 6000 words due during the semester comprised of a critical literature review (20%), a research method comparison (20%), and a quantitative analysis assignment (20%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (40%).

Neuman, W.L. (2005). Social Research Methods - Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 6th ed. Pearson International. This is the current revised edition.

Miller, Steve. (1984) Experimental Design and Statistics (2nd Edition), Routlege.

Johnston, R. B. and Shanks, G. (2007). Research Methods in Information Systems: Selected Readings. Available at the University of Melbourne Book Room.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Apply the concepts of qualitative and quantitative research in laboratory and assessable tasks;
• Develop analytical skill through examination of quality research papers;
• Enhance their collaborative skills through group work and assessment.

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 get permission from the MIS Academic coordinator to undertake this subject, prior to enrolment in 615-690 Minor Research Project in IS. Enrolments in 615-690 will be subject to supervisor availability.