Information Systems Research Proj Major

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

615-496 Information Systems Research Project; 615-498 Information Systems Research Project.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Students undertake an original investigation of a topic relevant to Information Systems (or cognate discipline). Specific research projects will depend on the availability of appropriate expertise, but may address a range of issues within Information Systems research. Under the supervision and guidance of an academic researcher, students are required to design and conduct a research investigation. This would typically involve a literature review, data collection and data analysis. The results will be reported as a thesis and in a public presentation. In most instances, it is expected that the results will also be submitted for publication in a conference or journal.

Students may enrol in a combination of research project subjects as indicated below (each of which may be available in the summer semester, semester one and semester two, depending on the availability of a supervisor) over their two years of full-time study or over their four years of part-time study, to ensure they have completed a total of 100 points for the major research project by the end of their course.

100 point Major Research Project:

• 615-617 Information Systems Research Project Major – 12.5 points
• 615-616 Information Systems Research Project Major – 25.0 points
• 615-615 Information Systems Research Project Major – 37.5 points
• 615-614 Information Systems Research Project Major – 50 points

On completion of this subject students should have:

- a comprehensive understanding of the process and practice of research in Information Systems;

- a sophisticated understanding of the Information Systems discipline;

- developed expertise in the area of their research project;

- completed a substantial piece of original research; and

- the necessary skills for further advanced research in Information Systems (e.g. in doctoral studies).

The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 100 point Research Project:

(i) a thesis of no more than 22,000 words submitted at the end of the research (worth 100% of the overall score) and (ii) two oral presentations; one presentation at the project proposal stage and another presentation with final report. Both presentations are hurdle requirements.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should have developed generic skills in:

- conducting independent research;

- analysing and synthesising technical research;

- conducting critical evaluation of research;

- communicating their research in scholarly reports and in public presentations; and

- time management and project management.