Undergraduate Research and Methodology

Ronan FitzpatrickSchool 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 FitzpatrickSchool 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?