Paper
Outline for 158.799 Information Technology Research Project
Paper Number and Title: 158.799: Information
Technology Research Project
Credits Value: 30 Semester: S1 to S2 (S1/2)
Note that this course must be done
over two semesters, beginning in semester 1. This page is at http://brianwhitworth.com/pg/158799/
Campus:
Paper Coordinator: Dr. Brian Whitworth is the coordinator for
158.799:
Other Contributing Staff: During both semesters a Faculty Advisor in the Information Technology group will supervise the
conduct of the research project, and give research
support.
See the current list of proposed projects
though there may be other projects not on this list.
To help choose a faculty advisor see the list of IT/IS staff research interests
.
The list of
previous postgrad research may be useful to suggest topics.
Aim:
Information Technology Project (158.799) is a postgraduate
capstone paper for Information Technology students completing an honors degree
(e.g., BInfSc(Hons), BBS(Hons)) or a postgraduate diploma (e.g., PGDipInfSc,
PGDipBusAdmin). It also often a course requirement for Masters and PhD students
in their first year The principal outcome is that the student learns to carry
out research and produces an academic report that describes the results of a
research project in the student's area of interest. To consider this course,
see “Why do an IT
Research Project?”
Calendar
Prescription:
An in-depth study of information sciences
research, exploring both research methods and project execution. This paper
provides a practical approach to the principles and practices of academic
research.
Learning Outcomes: The principal outcomes are an academic report that describes the results of a practical project in the student's area of interest which generates research outcomes, and demonstrates the student’s knowledge of IT research:
1. Produce a research project report in the student's area of interest.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of research methods and practice
The link between the Research Methods and the
Research Project is that one teaches theory and the other teaches practice. The
paper is approximately one third Research Methods and two thirds Research
Project. In the first semester, teaching is split between both aspects, while
the second semester is mainly project work.
Prerequisite(s):
none
Corequisite(s): none
Restrictions:
no restrictions
Assessment: The assessment of this paper runs over an entire
year. The grade is determined partly by work throughout the
year, and partly by the academic quality of the final project report, as shown
in the table below. Research methods and project work both contribute to the
course, as the research method presented in the final project constitutes part
of the grade.
|
Assessment |
Allocation |
Graded Out Of |
|
Research Methods (30%) |
|
|
|
Research
assignments |
|
|
|
Research Assignment 1. Read a paper. |
5% |
10 |
|
Research Assignment 2. Data Collection |
5% |
10 |
|
Research Assignment 3. Research
Practice |
5% |
10 |
|
Total |
15% |
|
|
Final
project (assessment of research method) |
15% |
15 |
|
Project Work (70%) |
|
|
|
Project
progress |
|
|
|
Ch 1. Draft Introduction (& presentation) |
-5% if not done |
10 |
|
Ch 2. Draft Literature Review (&presentation) |
-5% if not done |
10 |
|
Ch 3.
Draft Proposed Method (&presentation) |
-5% if not done |
10 |
|
Project
Proposal
|
10% |
10 |
|
Total |
10% |
|
|
Final
Project
Report
|
|
|
|
Project Presentation (group assessed) |
10% |
10 |
|
Final
project (assessment of value,
literature |
50% |
30 |
|
Total |
60% |
|
|
TOTAL
|
100% |
|
All assignments submitted for
this course originate in computer form. Students must retain a copy
on their own computer of all material submitted, as backup in case something
happens to their submitted work.
By submitting any material to
this course for assessment, the student authorizes instructors to retain a copy
of that material for grading and teaching. Instructors may reference a part of
that material, or parts of it, given the student involved is anonymous, for the
purpose of instructing other students, and for their learning benefit.
Research
progress: Writing the project report occurs throughout the
semester in an iterative process. Printed versions of the Draft Chap 1. Introduction, Chap 2.
Literature Review, and Chap 3. Method are due at the dates given in the
timetable. Each working day late will reduce the points graded out of by 1.
To gain full marks students must also present to
get feedback from their peers. Students who submit a chapter but do not present
may expect only 50% of the available marks.
Project
proposal: The project proposal (Chap 1, 2, and 3) is
submitted as TWO printed copies, one to the course coordinator and one to the
supervisor for marking and feedback, using the standard A-F grading system.
Each working day late reduces the points graded out of by 10%.
Research Assignment 3. Research Participation:
The requirement is to be involved in a real research based activity. Research is COLLEGIAL, i.e. research means working
with others not working alone. Researchers present their work to others for
constructive criticism at conferences and through journals. They also try help
others by listening to and reviewing other's work and offering suggestions.
Even the best researchers gain from being reviewed, and from doing reviews.
Even beginner researchers should know that research is as much a social act as
an intellectual one. This requirement is satisfied firstly by
one 10 minute presentation at the CS/IS Research
Workshops (2%), Wed 3pm QA5, PLUS a presentation at the IIMS
Postgrad Conference in October (2%). PgDip students may
present a poster, but Masters or Phd
students are expected to present a paper.
It is up to the student to initiate these
participations. Otherwise it could also be by participating in
actual research, or by actually analyzing real data, e.g. that collected in
assignment 2.
DETAILS:
IIMS
Postgrad Conference, October 2009 – 3% for
participation
Paper Submissions
Due:
Reviews Due:
Submission
Camera Ready Version:
Final
Project presentation: Students make a 15 minute presentation (plus
5 minutes extra for questions), that offers a comprehensive summary of the
research project. The presentation is graded by a panel of Information Systems
staff, based on the content of the presentation, the presentation style, and
the response to questions. See ProjectDayTimetable for more information.
Final
Project Report: TWO printed copies of the final project
report, PLUS an electronic CD copy, are required at the due date given in the timetable,
given to the coordinator. See project report
for
more detail on the final report requirements. For guidance, a 157.799 Assessment
Report is provided.
Both the supervisor and an internal examiner
will mark the final project report for research method and academic quality.
Both will independently recommend a grade to the coordinator who will then
determine the final mark and grade. These criteria will be applied to determine
an overall grade:
·
A-level work: To achieve
an A grade the final project report must meet all of the criteria listed above.
If the report exceeds expectations in one or more areas, then an A+ should be
considered. "A" means excellence, not just achieve.
·
B-level work: Generally, competent
research that employs a sound methodology and analysis of the results to answer
clearly stated research questions. The study has no major flaw, but it has
problems in two or more of the criteria specified above.
·
C-level work: Generally, barely adequate
coverage of the literature, an acceptable methodology that was flawed in
execution and/or a straightforward discussion of the issues without displaying
much insight or originality. The study has at least one major flaw and fails to
meet a number of the criteria specified above.
·
D-level work: There are major problems in
the execution and presentation of the project. Generally, the result is a
superficial report that shows a general lack of understanding or application of
appropriate research methods.
Deadlines and Penalties: Assignments
must be done professionally and submitted on time. Being on time is
part of being professional. Plan to complete assignments with this in mind.
If you leave things until the last moment, you are predictably vulnerable to
the unexpected. All assignments due in class (see Timetable) are due at
the beginning of the stated class period. For assessments that involve specific events, like
project progress presentations and the final presentation, no “late” or “redo”
is possible, as part of the desired learning experience is that event. For the
final project, the time deadline for submission is very tight,
so each working day late will reduce the points graded out of by 10, and projects submitted more than two days late
will not be accepted, except under exceptional circumstances. Other
assignments lose 10% for each working day late, and will not be accepted at all
after five days (over one working week late).
Requirements to Pass the Paper: All of the course assessments must be attempted. Also
note that failure to complete any of these requirements will lead to a DNC
unless covered by the Aegrotat Regulations.
Learning
Programme and Schedule: This is not a "here is your
assignment, go off and do it" paper. Instead, the student in a sense
defines their own course, e.g. chooses the research topic and method. The
research project is an unstructured piece of academic work that is completed in
an independent manner. There are many independent decisions to be made by the
student, and sometimes there are no correct answers – though often there is
better and worse research. Good writing skills, the ability to think
analytically, and a high degree of self-discipline is required.
The coordinator will coordinate student progress
through the project. It is the student-selected Faculty Advisor
who is responsible for guiding the content of the project.
Unlike in any other paper, students will have the opportunity to work
one-on-one with a member of the Information Systems staff in a research
project. Although many aspects of the student/instructor relationship still
exist, students will also be in a partnership with the supervisor that
approaches the collegial relationship that is typical of the world of work, not
the world of school.
E-learning Category: Web supported through the syllabus and other
materials available at http://brianwhitworth.com/pg/158799/
Conditions for
Conditions for Impaired Performance: If you consider that
your performance in, or preparation for, an examination, or another compulsory
assessment element that occurs at a fixed time and place, has been seriously
impaired by illness, injury or a serious crisis, you may apply for an impaired
performance consideration. You must
apply on the form available from the Examinations Office, the Student Health
Service or the Student Counselling Service.
Student Time Budget: Information Systems Project is a 30-credit
paper. That equates to 25 hours of work per week for a 15-week semester, or the
equivalent of over 8 weeks of full-time work (375 hours).
Textbook and
Other Resources: The required
Research Methods textbook is “Sekaran, Uma, 2003, “Research Methods for
Business”, 4th Ed, Wiley. You need this book to design a good method
for your research.
The writing format required is as described
in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th
edition). This "research writers Bible" offers practical information
about the structure of research articles, grammar and punctuation guidelines,
how to properly cite and reference outside sources, and much more. Students for
whom English is a second language will benefit from many of the language
guidelines specified in the APA Manual. The final written project report
must comply with APA style as described in the APA Manual.
See examples
of APA references
Students can also use the Research Roadmap to help
structure their research writing.
A useful article by Prof Gordon Hunter: Qualitative Research in Information Systems:
Consideration of Selected Theories
Resources: Generally, direct costs for postgraduate research
projects (e.g., specialised hardware or software, postage for surveys) are paid
for by the student. However, if you feel you have a special case, then a request
for funding should be submitted to the Head of Institute, via your supervisor
in the initial planning stage of the project. The Institute of Information and
Mathematical Sciences provides a variety of support services for all
postgraduate students (e.g., access to postgraduate computer labs) as well as
additional services for students completing a research project (e.g., a
photocopy card, access to interlibrary loan). These services are outlined in
the IIMS Postgraduate Study Handbook.
Timetable
Semester 1: Mondays, 1.00 - 1.50pm in IIMS Lab 1
Semester 2: Mondays, 1.00 - 1.50pm in IIMS Lab 1
at selected dates
This schedule is as complete as possible at time of publication. Research method and Research Project are taught on alternate weeks, following the Research Roadmap.
|
Ethical Approval: See http://humanethics.massey.ac.nz/massey/research/ethics/human-ethics/approval.cfm and complete a low risk approval
If after completing your want to go on to do a
master's thesis, see Master's Degree with Thesis Information Sheet
Plagiarism:
As part of every report print a cover sheet with name,
date, title, and the statement of academic integrity:
"I declare that
this research study is entirely the product of my own work and that it has not
been taken from the work of others. When the work and ideas of others have been
used in the study, the work has been properly cited in the text.", and
then sign and date it below. An electronic copy of your final report will be submitted to
turnitin.com to evaluate the report for plagiarised content.
Proposed
Feedback and Support for Student Learning: At certain
dates during the academic year draft chapters of the final report will be due,
and you will get feedback from meeting with your project advisor. You submit
two printed copies of both your proposal and final, plus a CD with an
electronic version in case further copies need to be printed. The student will
receive comments and suggestions from the coordinator and other class members
during their presentations. They are expected to integrate those into the
chapter for resubmission later in the semester and, of course, in the final report.
A "Report on Project Progress" is due
in August. The report allows both the supervisor and the student an opportunity
to assess the progress on the project at a critical time of its preparation. It
is, more or less, an "early warning system" to detect serious
problems in time so that appropriate corrective action can be taken.
Students are strongly encouraged to both attend
158.799 classes and to meet with their supervisor on a regular and consistent
basis, e.g. fortnightly.
Grievance Procedures: A student who claims that he/she has
sustained academic disadvantage as a result of the actions of a University
staff member should use the University Grievance Procedures. Students, whenever
practicable, should in the first instance approach the University staff member
concerned. If the grievance is unresolved with the staff member concerned, the
student should then contact the
Additional Information and Advice: 158.799
should be taken in the final year of your postgraduate enrolment. In your
postgraduate career, first take as many taught postgraduate papers as you can
to explore topics of interest to you and to acquire research resources
necessary to investigate them.
158.799 is a full-year (S1/2) paper. Typically,
in semester 1 you will produce final drafts of the first three chapters
(Introduction and Background, Literature Review and Research Methodology). In
semester 2 you will complete the project by carrying out the data collection
and writing up the results in chapters 4-5 (Results/Conclusions, Discussion,).
To take 158.799 as a first semester (S1) paper
you need some advance project preparation. Why? The development and execution
of a 30-credit research project requires more time than allowed in a 13-week
semester. It is suggested that you consult with your desired Advisor in
December or January to ensure you get the project you want.