RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS

BUS5RIS

2015

Credit points: 15

This subject addresses La Trobe's Global Citizenship Essential. Global Citizenship is about learning to live in an interconnected world, including the social, environmental, political and economic challenges this brings. This subject addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affects the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems — now and in the future.

Subject outline

The subject begins by situating research methodology within an historical context such that the previously hard boundary between qualitative and quantitative methods is appreciated. The focus of the subject is on social and behavioural research as it relates to research in Business and Management Information Systems. The central role of the research question and its link to the development of a conceptual model, research objectives and methodology are given extensive coverage. A range of quantitative and qualitative methods are introduced. Students who complete this subject will understand the key principles of research design and the challenges it presents. They will possess the necessary skills to evaluate research in a commercial and academic settings.

School: La Trobe Business School

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Marc Olynyk

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: N/A

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: MGT4RMA, THS5RMA

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsResearch methods for students and professional: information management and systemsPrescribedWilliamson, K. (ed)CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY
ReadingsBusiness research methods: a managerial approachRecommendedVeal, A. J.2ND EDN, PEARSON EDUCATION: AUSTRALIA, 2005

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. The ability to critically evaluate published research in discussion and in written form.

Activities:
Critique of journal articles both in tutorials and in discussion and in written forms.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)

02. Understanding and applying quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Activities:
Active participation in lectures, tutorials, computer laboratory exercises.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)

03. Drafting an Information Systems research proposal fit for academic purposes and as could be applied in a business context.

Activities:
Active participation in lectures, tutorials, and in the preparation and presentation of an Inforamtion Systems research proposal
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)

Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Marc Olynyk

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
one 1-hour research methods and analysis techniques test2001, 02, 03
one 3,000-word research assignment6001, 02, 03
one 500-word qualitative research review1001, 02, 03
one 500-word quantitative research review1001, 02, 03