IS-503 Research Methods in Information Systems
- ECTS Credits:
- 7.5
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Antonio Eduardo Diaz Andrade
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- Norwegian or English. More information at the start of the semester.
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Cyber Security, Master’s Programme
Teaching language
Norwegian or English. More information at the start of the semester.Recommended prerequisites
IS-423 Information Security Policy, Legal Aspects and Ethics
IS-424 Strategic Information Security Management
IS-425 Enterprise Systems and Security Architecture
IS-426 Teamwork and Communication
IKT447 Trust, Threats, Risk and Vulnerability
It is recommended that the course be taken at the same time as IS-504 Current Topics and Research Areas in Information System Security.
Course contents
The course includes the following main components:
-
How to write a master’s thesis
-
How to choose a topic, how the thesis is evaluated, and the role of theory and research method
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Research paradigms - the research process, how foundational philosophy of science determines characteristic and limitations of different research paradigms and how knowledge is generated and developed
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Research methods - description of different research methods used in information systems research. Topics covered include qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis, as well as action research and design research
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, the student should be able to
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explain differences between different research paradigms used in research on information systems (IS) and their implications for planning and conducting research studies
-
choose a suitable method for different research questions based on relevant knowledge of different research methods (quantitative, qualitative and design-oriented)
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prepare a research design for conducting scientific research at master's level, including development of research questions, design of data collection and analysis, and reporting
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apply research methods for the implementation of practical projects that meet the needs of different target groups
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describe established ethical norms and rules for good research
Examination requirements
Approved mandatory presentations and submissions, in addition to mandatory participation in lectures and discussions. More detailed information will be provided in Canvas at the start of the semester.
Teaching methods
A combination of lectures (together with IS-404), group work and project assignments. Attendance is mandatory in parts of this course; more detailed information will be provided in Canvas at the start of the semester. The course is partially integrated with the course IS-504 Current Topics and Research Areas in Information System Security, and it is therefore recommended to attend IS-504 simultaneously. Estimated workload is about 210 hours.
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.
Assessment methods and criteria
Portfolio assessment organised as project assignments. Further information about requirements for the folder is provided in Canvas. Graded assessment, A-F. There is no postponed examination in this course.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| IS-404 – Research Methods in Information Systems | 7.5 |