Undergraduate Research and Methodology Ronan Fitzpatrick School of Computing, Dublin Institute of Technology. September 2008

Overview This module Learning outcomes Learning and teaching methods Research methodology

Research and report IS topics Prepare a systems project proposal Structure a product and user manual Prepare a professional presentation Explain the content of a range of business documents relating to systems acquisition, project reporting and staff acquisition. Learning Outcomes

Learning and teaching methods Lectures Self-study Tutorials Combination of discussion, case study, problem solving exercises, readings, seminars, and computer-based learning.

Conclusion Learning outcomes Learning and teaching methods

Questions?

Research Methodology Ronan Fitzpatrick School of Computing, Dublin Institute of Technology. September 2008

Research A process of enquiry

Methodology According to Avison and Fitzgerald (1988) Philosophy Model Techniques (methods) Scope Outputs Practice Product

Research methodology The body of rules and methods that support a process of enquiry Qualitative research Quantitative research

Qualitative research Developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena. Method Examples are Action research, Case study research and Ethnography. Data sources include Observation and Participant observation (fieldwork), Interviews and Questionnaires, Documents and texts, and the Researcher’s impressions and reactions.

Quantitative research Developed in the natural sciences to study natural phenomena Method examples include Survey methods Laboratory experiments Formal methods (e.g. econometrics) Numerical methods such as mathematical modeling.

Hypothesis Data gathering Data analysis

Literature review Definition A comprehensive study, critical analysis and authoritative presentation of the published research and practice in a domain of investigation.

Comprehensive study Focus The focus is Information Technology. Width Seminal sources. Information Technology topics (PESTLE). Depth Detail to suit target audience. (will the audience understand).

Prepare for explaining W6h Comprehensive study

Critical Analysis Critique Comment on what is good as well as what might be inappropriate. Argument Substantiate any alternative perspective or interpretation of the research material. Synthesis Propose an enhanced alternative.

Authoritative presentation Written presentation Highest standard (academic and professional) Structure and content Format - Language, vocabulary and style Illustration and appearance Citation and Bibliography. Repeatable Must be possible for researchers to revisit your sources Explain and clarify how your synthesis is an enhanced alternative.

Oral presentation Authoritative presentation

Overall impression Scholarly and Authoritative Based on seminal sources Dated/modern sources Depth & breadth Completeness of research Content balance Argument & critique - The ‘so what?’ factor Vocabulary – Evidence of having researched and understood the domain.

Tips of the masters Read – appropriate publications Listen – to seminar presenters Ask – questions of everybody Observe – in places that you can access Think – and form opinion Write – based on what you read, hear and observe Read what you write, enhance it, read it again and enhance it again – at least twice.

Other sources Undergraduate project manuals in Library Build on what you already know.

Where does this fit The first stage of your project.

Your Implementation Ordinary degree project Honours degree project See Project coordinator’s website for clarification of the requirements and differences.

Questions?