TJTSM55 Information Systems Theories (5 cr)

Content

This course focuses on Information Systems research and the nature of the discipline. We start by looking at the nature of the field as shown by IS journals, conferences, researchers and institutions. This is then followed by a critical examination and evaluation of contemporary IS research on a variety of topics. The idea is to give you a broad understanding of the IS field as a whole. Research in Information Systems (sometimes referred to as Management Information Systems) can be described as both inter-disciplinary and applied. It is inter-disciplinary in that a number of reference disciplines (e.g. Management Science, Computer Science, Organisation Theory, Psychology, Communications and Sociology) contribute some of the concepts, techniques, and research questions addressed by the field. Information Systems is applied in the sense that the focus is on the application of the basic concepts to the problem of analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of computer-based information systems in managerial and organisational settings. The constant introduction of new information technology and the continual discovery of new application areas ensures that IS research is dynamic, relevant and exciting. This course is designed to introduce students to IS research. Students need to understand the nature of IS as a discipline and current research issues and themes. A number of current research areas will be identified and representative papers examined.

Completion methods

Since this course is taught at graduate-level, it is organised as a seminar, and not as a series of lectures. This approach assumes that the lecturers and students can work together in a collaborative fashion. The role of the lecturers in this environment is to establish a framework and put together a set of materials for discussion, and to create the conditions suitable for learning. The underlying assumption is that we are all co-producers in learning. Running the course as a seminar means that all students are expected to participate and contribute equally to the discussion. It is assumed that students will have read and thought about the assigned materials before class and come prepared to contribute to the class discussion. The classes are intended to be a forum for critically reviewing and discussing the set readings; students are expected to participate fully in this process. The course will use a seminar format. Each paper will be assigned to a student team, who will lead the discussion. The students will be responsible for handing in a five-page summary and discussion questions at the start of class. The student will also have overall responsibility for facilitating the discussion of this article.

Assessment details

Pre-Class Online Quizes: 10% of the grade; Paper summary: 10%; Research Proposal: 10%; Essay Assignment: 20%; Final exam: 50%. It is essential in a seminar-based course such as this for both students and lecturers to participate equally. In order to facilitate this, a substantial part of the final grade will be awarded for class participation. This grade will be awarded based on leading the discussion of one article (paper summary), pre-class online quizes and if a student is not able to participate the seminar sessions, the student can compensate this by writing one 2,500 word essay. The purpose of the research proposals is to enable the student teams of 3-4 students to come up with a research topic for the essay assignment. The purpose of the assignments is to summarise a research topic which has been covered in class. The purpose of the final exam is to assess how well the students have understood the given material and how they can apply the theories and concepts.