Undergraduate, Postgraduate - UnitFIT4005 - IT research methods

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Level	Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Information Technology
Offered	Clayton First semester 2012 (Day) South Africa First semester 2012 (Day) Caulfield Second semester 2012 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to a variety of issues, concepts, methods and techniques associated with IT research. Skills developed and knowledge acquired from this unit will prepare students to conduct their own research, as well as to be knowledgeable consumers of others research.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit students will have -
A knowledge and understanding of:

• basic research concepts, major philosophical foundations (theory, framework, paradigm, scientific method and methodologies in general);
• research methods and techniques relevant to IT research;
• key issues in IT research;
• methods of argument analysis;
• how to design research;
• how to evaluate research and peer review procedures;
• the process of reviewing research literature on a specific topic;
• ethical research practices.

Developed attitudes that enable them to:

• have confidence in themselves as informed consumers of published research, able to critically evaluate the relative quality and merits of reported research findings;
• have confidence in their ability to undertake independent research and to complete a thesis;
• have an awareness of the ethical issues that arise in the design and implementation of research.

Developed the skills to:

• match research tools and methods with research needs;
• write effective research papers;
• evaluate research ideas and designs;
• collect and analyse relevant data.

Demonstrated the communication skills necessary to:

• communicate research ideas effectively in oral and written form;
• assess research ideas and designs.

Assessment

In-semester assessment (assignments and class tests): 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Geoff Webb

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs laboratories/wk

Prerequisites

Students must be enrolled in an FIT Honours degree, Masters degree or Research degree. Foundation knowledge in computer science, business information systems or information technology and systems fundamentals is assumed.

Prohibitions

ITW4001, IMS5036, IMS4036, BUS5000, CSE4910, GCO4010, CSE4650

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit4005/