Informatics, Qualitative Methods in Information Systems Research, Second Cycle, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

1. Have the ability to provide an overview of qualitative research strategies, based on current practices in the field of information systems.
2. Have the ability to develop a qualitative research design, including data collection and data analysis, based on one of the research strategies presented in the course.
3. Have the ability to critically reflect on a research design, including data collection and data analysis, based on one of the research strategies presented in the course.
4. Have the ability to discuss ethical aspects of conducting qualitative information systems research.

Content

The course contains the following modules:
1. Overview of the qualitative research strategies (e.g. case study, design science) in information systems research. During this module the students investigate major research strategies used in information systems. This is done to create an overview of the strategies most significant characteristics, steps, and what kind of limitations these strategies have. (Addresses goal 1).
2. Data collection techniques. During this module the students investigate different data collection techniques, such as interviews, focus groups, observations, retrieval of documents. The purpose is to develop an ability to select and tailor data collection techniques based on a research problem and a selected research strategy. (Addresses goal 2)
3. Data analysis. This module focuses on techniques to analyse collected data in order to draw conclusions. For example, how a theoretical framework can be used to drive the analysis. The purpose is to develop an ability to select and tailor data analysis techniques based on a research problem and a selected research strategy. (Addresses goal 3)
4. Ethics in information systems research. During this module the students discuss ethical aspects of information systems research, in order to identify research practices that a problematic from an ethical point of view. Furthermore, this module addresses good research conduct and researchers' integrity. (Addresses goal 4).

Examinations and grades

Overview of Research Strategies, 1.5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Design of Research Strategy, 3 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Review of Research Design, 3 credits (Code: A003)
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

Overview of Research Strategies, 1.5 credits (Code: A001)
Group oral presentation on major research strategies used in the field of information systems. The student has to give an account for the characteristics of the research strategies, the major steps included, and when the strategy is suitable to use (Assesses goal 1)

Design of Research Strategy, 3 credits (Code: A002)
Group assignment in two parts: a) written assignment to design a research strategy for a given research question, b) oral presentation of the designed research strategy. (Assesses goal 2 and 4)

Review of Research Design, 3 credits (Code: A003)
An individual written report where the student review and critically reflect on another group's research design (Assesses goal 3 and 4)

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.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

Myers, Michael David & David E. Avison (2002)
Qualitative Research in Information Systems: A Reader
Sage, 312 pages

Oates, Briony J. (2006)
Researching Information Systems and Computing
SAGE, ISBN/ISSN: 978-14129-02-24-3, 360 pages

Recker, Jan (2012)
Scientific Research in Information Systems: A Beginner's Guide
Springer Science & Business Media, 164 pages

Silverman, David (2015)
Interpreting Qualitative Data
Sage, 520 pages

Vetenskapsrådet (2011)
Good research practice
Vetenskapsrådets rapportserie 3:2011 [Report]

Additional Reading

Karlsson, Fredrik, Åström, Joakim & Martin Karlsson (2015)
Information security culture - State-of-the-art review between 2000 and 2013
40 sidor, Information & Computer Security (23:3), pp. 246-285 [Article in periodical]

Myers, Michael David (1997)
Qualitative Research in Information Systems
2 sidor, MIS Quarterly (21:2), pp. 241-242 [Article in periodical]

Webster, Jane & Richard T. Watson (2002)
Analyzing the past to prepare for the future: Writing a literature review
MIS Quarterly 26 (2), 11 pages, [Article in periodical]