This unit introduces students to IT research. Specifically, it introduces major research methods that are used by IT researchers including experiments, surveys, case studies, and design science. It also addresses the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Students will learn how to effectively communicate research. Skills developed and knowledge acquired from this unit will prepare students to conduct their own research, as well as to be knowledgeable consumers of others' research.
2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs studios/tutorials/wk
The workload commitment for on campus students for this unit is 12 hours per week. This includes:
Students must be enrolled in an FIT Masters Honours degree. Students enrolled in a postgraduate coursework degree must have permission from the chief examiner and course director.
David Arnott
Joze Kuzic
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to understand:
In-semester assessment (assignments and class tests): 100%
| Assessment Task | Value | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 - Literature review and presentation | 30% (Report 25%, Presentation 5%) | Week 7 - 7 September 2011 |
| Assignment 2 - Development and analysis of statistical tests | 30% | Week 10 - 5 October 2011 |
| Class Test 1 | 20% | Week 5 - 24 August 2011 |
| Class Test 2 | 20% | Week 12 - 19 October 2011 |
Monash is committed to excellence in education and regularly seeks feedback from students, employers and staff. One of the key formal ways students have to provide feedback is through SETU, Student Evaluation of Teacher and Unit. The University's student evaluation policy requires that every unit is evaluated each year. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the surveys. The feedback is anonymous and provides the Faculty with evidence of aspects that students are satisfied and areas for improvement.
For more information on Monash's educational strategy, and on student evaluations, see:
http://www.monash.edu.au/about/monash-directions/directions.html
http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/quality/student-evaluation-policy.html
If you wish to view how previous students rated this unit, please go to
https://emuapps.monash.edu.au/unitevaluations/index.jsp
Students may be required to use Web browsers, text processing, spread
sheets and slide presentation packages to complete their assignments.
These should be available for use in University computer labs.
| Week | Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No formal assessment or activities are undertaken in week 0 | |
| 1 | The Nature of Research | |
| 2 | Literature Analysis | |
| 3 | Experiments | |
| 4 | Surveys | |
| 5 | Communication of Research | Class Test 1 due 24 August 2011 |
| 6 | Analysis of Quantitative Data 1 | |
| 7 | Analysis of Quantitative Data 2 | Assignment 1: Literature Review and Presentations due 7 September 2011 |
| 8 | Analysis of Quantitative Data 3 | |
| 9 | Analysis of Quantitative Data 4 | |
| 10 | Case Studies | Assignment 2: Development and analysis of statistical tests due 5 Octoberr 2011 |
| 11 | Analysis of Qualitative Data | |
| 12 | Design Science Research | Class Test 2 due 19 October 2011 |
| SWOT VAC | No formal assessment is undertaken in SWOT VAC | |
| Examination period | LINK to Assessment Policy: http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/ academic/education/assessment/ assessment-in-coursework-policy.html |
*Unit Schedule details will be maintained and communicated to you via your MUSO (Blackboard or Moodle) learning system.
The review report will be assessed by:
The presentation will be assessed by:
Detailed marking guides for both the presentation and the written report are available on the unit Moodle site.
Each of the 3 tasks in this assignment will be awarded up to 10 marks based on the ability to correctly perform the analysis/test, and interpret the findings (what do the findings indicate?)
Quality of answers to questions (demonstrates an understanding of learning material).
Quality of answers to questions (demonstrates an understanding of learning material).
It is a University requirement (http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/conduct/plagiarism-procedures.html) for students to submit an assignment coversheet for each assessment item. Faculty Assignment coversheets can be found at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/forms/. Please check with your Lecturer on the submission method for your assignment coversheet (e.g. attach a file to the online assignment submission, hand-in a hard copy, or use an online quiz).
Submission must be made by the due date otherwise penalties will be enforced.
You must negotiate any extensions formally with your campus unit leader via the in-semester special consideration process: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/equity/special-consideration.html.
All assignments should use APA style for referencing.
Monash has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University's academic standards, and to provide advice on how they might uphold them.
You can find Monash's Education Policies at:
http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/academic/education/index.html
Key educational policies include:
The University provides many different kinds of support services for you. Contact your tutor if you need advice and see the range of services available at www.monash.edu.au/students The Monash University Library provides a range of services and resources that enable you to save time and be more effective in your learning and research. Go to http://www.lib.monash.edu.au or the library tab in my.monash portal for more information. Students who have a disability or medical condition are welcome to contact the Disability Liaison Unit to discuss academic support services. Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) visit all Victorian campuses on a regular basis