Informatics, Thesis, Second Cycle, 30 credits

Learning outcomes

1. Be able to analyse current research relevant to a particular research question
2. Be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the field of study, i.e., identify a research gap and a contribution
3. Be able to choose and argue for relevant scientific methods given a scientific problem
4. Be able to apply relevant scientific methods for the chosen scientific problem
5. Be able to analyse and summarise results from the study
6. Be able to develop a scientific document
7. Be able to review a scientific document
8. Be able to respond to review comments in a scientific way
9. Have an ability to give a clear and well-balanced oral presentation of a scientific investigation.

Content

1. Identifying a scientific problem, formulate research questions and describe the anticipated contribution. During this module the students conduct a literature review and formulate the problem, research questions and anticipated contribution. The students also participate in a seminar where they present and discuss their ideas to the other groups. (Addresses goal 1 and 2)
2. Planning the study. During this module the students choose a relevant scientific method, formulate questions, choose a framework for analysis, and plan for how to perform the study. The students also participate in a seminar where they present and discuss their ideas with the other groups. (Addresses goal 3).
3. Conducting of the study. The students collect, analyse and summarize the data. The students also participate in a seminar where they present and discuss their ideas with the other groups. (Addresses goal 4 and 5).
4. Writing, presenting and defending a scientific study. This part concerns writing a well-structured scientific document based on the research conducted in the previous parts of the course. The students also orally present and defend their scientific study. (Addresses goal 6, 8 and 9)
5. Critically assess other students' scientific work. During a seminar the students critically assess other students' scientific documents. (Addresses goal 7).

Examinations and grades

Examination, 30 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

For an approved final grade on the course, an approved result is required for all examinations. The letter grades A-E are weighted into a final grade based on the examinations of the entire course.

Modes of assessment

Examination, 30 credits (Code: A001)
Written and oral examination: Prepering, presenting, defending and critically assessing a scientific study. (Addresses goals 1-9)

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

Informatics, Basic Course 30 Credits, 30 Credits at intermediate course level within Informatics and successful completion of at least 15 Credits at advanced course level within Informatics. Alternatively Business Administration, Basic Course, 30 Credits, Business Administration, Intermediate Course, 30 Credits and successful completion of at least 15 Credits at advanced course level within Business Administration. Alternatively 30 Credits within G1N in Computer Science and 45 Credits within G1F in Computer Science.

In addition, successful completion of Informatics, Qualitative Methods in Information Systems Research, Second Cycle, 7.5 Credits or Informatics, Quantitative Methods in Information Systems Research, Second Cycle, 7.5 Credits.

The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English B" or "English 6" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is offered in English and therefore all examinations will be conducted in English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Lee, Allen S. (1995)
Reviewing a Manuscript for Publication
Journal of Operations Management, (13)1, 6 pages, [Report]

Peat, Jennifer; Elliot, Elizabeth; Baur, Louise & Victoria Keena (2002) (Possibly replaced)
Scientific Writing : Easy When You Know How
BMJ Books, ISBN/ISSN: 0-7279-1625-4, 292 pages

Sorensen, Carsten Working Paper No. 121
This is not an article: Just Some Thoughts on How to Write One
Department of Information Systems, The London School of Economics and Political Science, 16 pages, [Report]

Webster, Jane and Watson, Richard T. 2002.
ANALYZING THE PAST TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE: WRITING A LITERATURE REVIEW
MIS Quarterly, (26: 2)