Minor Research Project in IS

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

This subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project. Students should discuss this with their supervisor but as a guide, students are expected to devote an average of 20 hours per week to this subject for 14 weeks.

This calculation does not include the time required to find and negotiate a project before semester starts, which can be a very time-consuming process. Candidates are therefore advised to start preparing for this subject well in advance of the semester. An early start will help ensure a successful outcome when the project is submitted at the end of week 14 of a semester (two weeks after the end of formal classes).

400 hours

Candidates must have completed the following or equivalent:

and permission from the course and subject coordinators.

In addition, no candidate will be allowed to enrol until a topic has been negotiated with a supervisor, a supervisor has agreed to supervise, and approved by the subject coordinator. This approval must be obtained in the week before the start of a semester at the very latest. To meet this deadline, candidates are strongly advised to start selecting and negotiating topics at least six weeks before a semester starts.

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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

Aims

An individual program of supervised research and study in a selected area of Information Systems. The subject will be supervised by a member of academic staff who is familiar with the research topic and chosen research method. Detailed requirements are to be negotiated with the supervisor and approved by the subject coordinator.

Indicative Content

The content focus of this subject depends on the topic chosen by the student and supervisor.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Developed expertise in the area of their research project
2. Completed a substantial piece of original research
3. Have developed skills for further advanced research in Information Systems (e.g. in doctoral studies)

The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 25-point Research Project.

Assessment:

1. A thesis of approximately 6,000-8,000 words submitted at the end of the research requiring approximately 300 hours of work, worth 90%.
2. Two oral presentations: one at the project-proposal stage. Tthis is a hurdle requirement and should be conducted in the presence of the research project supervisors and another presentation (worth 10%) with the final report. Supervisors will set mid-project milestones, such as a project proposal as a hurdle requirement to determine successful progress. Presentations and milestones will require approximately 100 hours of work.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-5 are addressed in the assessment of the presentations and thesis.

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

• Literature search and analysis
• Critical thinking
• Independent learning
• Writing of a minor research paper

Learning and Teaching Methods

Learning will take place through self-directed research supported by the guidance of a supervisor. The pattern of supervision meetings will be agreed for by student and supervision early in the study.

Indicative Key Learning Resources

The University of Melbourne Library provides extensive resources (books, journals, ejournals) for conducting research. Special resources may be required and these should be negotiated with the supervisor.

Careers/Industry Links

Students can choose to address issues of relevance to industry and to work with industry contacts as part of their project.