collect and analyse relevant data, according to a recognised conceptual framework, in order to address the identified research question

Summary This course provides students with an opportunity to develop their research skills and to present a substantial piece of original work based on academic approaches applied within the field of digital innovation. Conditions Prerequisite: If taken as part of a BSc degree, the following course must be passed before this course may be attempted. • EITHER IS2062 Information systems development and management AND IS2138 Information and communications technologies: principles and perspectives • OR IS2182 Innovating digital systems and services • OR IS2184 Information systems management Aims and objectives The aim of this course is to: • integrate the various courses studied in the BSc Management and Digital Innovation and the Graduate Diploma in Management and Digital Innovation. • develop a deeper level of understanding of a particular digital innovation topic of special interest through independent study. Learning outcomes At the end of the course and having completed the essential reading and activities students should be able to: • identify the broad outline of the field of information systems and identify a number of key research areas within the constraints of the unit • select a study topic within the field of information systems and relate it to broader themes and debates within the field • locate and review materials within the specific areas of interest, going beyond standard textbooks and including academic research literature • design a research project, assess the resources and skills required to undertake it and prepare a plan Please consult the current EMFSS Programme Regulations for further information on the availability of a course, where it can be placed on your programme’s structure, and other important details. IS3159 Research project in digital innovation Page 2 of 2 • select a research approach and a conceptual framework appropriate to the chosen topic, together with relevant research techniques • undertake a project, select data sources, collect data and undertake an analysis • write a research report in an appropriate style and which conveys the essential detail of work undertaken, the research findings and conclusions • monitor and assess progress and modify plans as required. Essential reading For full details, please refer to the reading list. You should refer to parts of one or both of the following texts: Robson, C. and McCartan, K, Real World Research. (John Wiley, 2016) fourth edition [ISBN 978- 1118745236] Bryman, A. & Bell, E. Business Research Methods, (Oxford: OUP, 2018) fifth edition [ISBN 978- 0198809876] Assessment Students taking this paper are required to submit a project report and other supporting documentation as detailed in the subject guide. Syllabus This course consists of an individual project undertaken by the student. The course is intended to consolidate material that is learnt within the programme, and to allow students to develop and apply knowledge in a particular area of digital innovation. The scope of the project can range from a theoretical investigation of some aspect of digital systems, to more practical analysis work or study of innovation and digital systems in use. However, it must remain focused on the core topics of digital innovations and information systems and the application and use of digital technologies within social and organisational contexts. In all cases a student will be expected to: • explore relevant and up to date academic research literature following guidance and recommendations in the subject guide • explore literature relevant to the required skills for project management, research writing and research methods • identify and explicitly formulate a relevant research question • collect and analyse relevant data, according to a recognised conceptual framework, in order to address the identified research question • complete and submit an evaluation form. This provides an account of the development of the main elements of students’ work, as well as a critical reflection on what has been achieved and what lessons have been learned • submit a final project report of between 8000 and 10000 words on which their assessment will be principally based. The project report and the evaluation form must be submitted both as hardcopy and online in an electronic format and will be screened by plagiarism detection software.