FIT4005 - Research methods in information technology - 2018

This unit exposes students to research across the range of IT disciplines, preparing them to conduct research in their home discipline. It provides broad coverage of the issues, concepts, methods and techniques associated with Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems and Information Management. It introduces students to major research philosophies and paradigms, the principles of research design, research ethics, and research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to IT research generally and to their sub-discipline specifically. It covers oral and written communication skills.

Skills developed and knowledge acquired from this unit will prepare students to conduct and communicate their own research, as well as to be knowledgeable and critical interpreters of others' research.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. review and critique research literature, research design and reported findings in a sub-discipline of IT;
2. communicate research findings, orally and in writing, in research and industry settings;
3. explain the ethical and professional issues that may arise in IT research and demonstrate them in practice;
4. identify, explain and critique major research philosophies and paradigms;
5. evaluate, select and justify research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to particular research designs, projects and disciplines;
6. analyse and describe the technical, professional and socio-economic contexts that motivate research, and the implications of research outcomes;
7. design and carry out a rigorous and ethical research project and produce a report explaining the project, its design and interpretation of the results.
8. apply research skills to operate effectively as a member of a research project team.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two 2-hour workshops
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

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