Entry requirements

90 credits in computer science/information systems or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

Regarding knowledge and understanding the student is, after successfully completed this course, expected to be able to:

- Systematically analyse the resources needed to achieve research goals

- Describe main structures in research reports based on central concepts from research methodology

Regarding skills and abilities the student is, after successfully completed this course, expected to be able to:

- connect requirements and data to the expected results of a research project

- identify limitations and benefits of chosen research methodologies

Regarding judgement and approach the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:

- Discuss ethical issues associated to research projects.

Content

This course will focus on practical use of research methodologies for information systems. Designing and enquiry, methods for data collection, data analysis and reporting will be taught and practiced. By working with assignments regarding experimental design, surveys, evaluations, case studies, and fieldwork students learn to apply current research methods and to critically examine existing reports.

The focus is on the following parts:

- Read and critically evaluate reports

- Systematically approach research problems and examine results

- Understand the basic ideas and underlying assumptions behind research reports.

In their future careers the students often will meet tasks where information systems have to be investigated in order to support development or to improve competitiveness in the organisations. This course prepares students to work with information systems in a systematical way based on actual research methodologies.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and work with assignments.

Assessment

The examination will be through lectures, seminars, projects and written exam. Compulsory attendance is required for certain modules.