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Research Methods in Information Systems (ISYS90031)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Assoc Prof Martin Gibbs
Email: martin.gibbs@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Aims
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.
Indicative Content
Topics covered will include qualitative and quantitative research methods commonly used in social science research such as those often used in the Information Systems discipline. Also, covered will be epistemology and theory, methodology and methods; how to conduct a literature review and identify research questions; how to design research that is both rigorous and relevant; research ethics; and writing techniques.
Intended learning outcomes
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- 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.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- 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.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Permission to undertake subject must be obtained from the MIS Academic Coordinator
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- One individual critical literature review (40%) of approximately 2000 words due mid-semester, requiring approximately 45-50 hours of work. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 3 are addressed in the critical literature review.
- One individual research methods evaluation and design assignment (50%) of approximately 2500 words due at the end of semester, requiring approximately 50-60 hours of work. ILOs 2 to 3 are addressed in the assignment.
- Participation in seminar activities and contributions to online discussion (10%) throughout the semester, requiring approximately 15-20 hours of work. ILOs 1 to 3 are addressed in seminar activities and online discussion.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Martin Gibbs Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours, comprising of one 3 hour seminar per week Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Assoc Prof Martin Gibbs
Email: martin.gibbs@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
200 hours
Additional delivery details
Students are expected to attend all seminars and actively participate. This requires reading relevant material before the seminar.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Neuman, W.L. 2011. Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, Allyn and Bacon
- Subject notes
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.
Learning and Teaching Methods
The subject is delivered in a 3 hour classes with each class containing a lecture and seminar discussion.
Indicative Key Learning Resources
At the beginning of the semester, the coordinator will propose a textbook on research methods and it will be made available through University Book Shop and library. The current suggested textbook is W. L. Neuman: Social Research Methods Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Pearson Education International. Students will also have access to lecture notes and lecture slides. The subject LMS site also contains links to recommended literature and other resources.
Careers/Industry Links
This subject covers topics essential for most careers as a social researcher. Understanding research methods is crucial for anyone who wants to pursue research as part of their future studies or careers. Research skills are also important for careers that involve critical thinking, investigation and problem solving such as systems and business analysis.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022