Introduction of MIS degree. To enable MIS students to undertake substantial industry-based research at an advanced level to deepen their understanding of critical IS/IM issues as part of their degree programme.

C1. To gain detailed knowledge and in-depth understanding of a topic of interest to the student which is not formally taught, but would be regarded as relevant to and enhancing the student's studies.

C2. Develop an ability to analyse, synthesise and construct arguments using a range of sources.

C3. To develop skills at critiquing and evaluating other ideas, opinions and argument.

C4. To develop problem analytical and solving skills in a real world context.

C5. To be able to relate relevant theory to organisational practice.

A1. Willingness to present ideas for scrutiny to a supervisor or professional contact in an organisation.

A2. Demonstrate a willingness and ability to accept criticism of ideas.

A3. To appreciate the nature and demands of independent research.

A4. To appreciate the nature and impacts of organisational problems.

Contingent on the nature of the project.

S1. To learn self-reliance and time management skills in order to gain greater independence as a learner.

S2. To learn to work effectively in a close, cooperative relationship with a supervisor and professionals in an organisational context.

S3. To learn to work effectively as part of an organisational problem solving team and/or in an organisational context.

S4. To demonstrate and ability to communicate effectively with professionals in an organisational context.

This is a research project unit, and as such, is aimed at students who wish to pursue a particular topic of research in one of the fields of business intelligence, information systems development, information technology management, knowledge management, library and information services, and electronic recordkeeping & archiving. The aim of this industry research is to enable students to have the opportunity to carry out a thorough investigation of a substantial area of interest in a real life setting to a sophisticated level. The research is done under supervision, and provides an opportunity for a student to pursue a topic of interest that has not been formally covered in other coursework units, or to build more in-depth knowledge in an area with which they already have some familiarity but desire more knowledge and expertise.

Amongst others, suitable candidate areas for investigation would include:

• An investigation of a topic through interacting with and conducting interviews with professionals in industry.
• An analysis of an existing problem or opportunity in industry, with recommendations for the amelioration of that problem or of ways to exploit that opportunity.
• Single or multiple case studies in industry considering issues of interest, best practice, applications of current theory, and so on.

To be discussed and decided upon during consultations between student and supervisor.

On campus

Weekly meetings with supervisor to set goals for self-guided investigation and learning, to report on findings, difficulties encountered, and to seek advice and help on matters of concern.

Site visits and placements.

Weekly meetings and discussion with supervisor (C1, C2, C3, A1, A2, S2)

Self guided investigation & learning (C1, C2, C3, A3, S1)

Site visits and placements (C4, C5, A4, S3, S4)

The types of assessment will be contingent on the precise nature of the research work undertaken. Some proportion of the total mark may be allocated by organisations participating in this project. At the commencement of the research, deliverables must be identified and agreed upon, and clear expectations set in terms of required assessment and allocated marks for this unit. A contract should be negotiated between the student and the supervisor on the deliverables and assessment in this unit. Possible deliverables would include:

• An extensive research report of the intervention in industry, outcomes, learning and reflections on the process and content of the organisational study.
• An extensive review of the relevant literature together with the application of major theories and ideas to a practical real world setting, with reflection on the outcomes and possible modifications to theory.
• An extensive report on the results of the research, with recommendations for industry, together with a presentation to the host organisation and/or faculty members.
• An analysis of industry trends or practices as a result of interviews in multiple organisations.

Through writing this research paper, review, or report and possibly presenting the major findings or outcomes, students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a chosen topic (C1, C2, C3, C5, A1, A2, A3, A4). They should also demonstrate an ability to analyse and critique the relevant literature in the field, and synthesise arguments from a range of sources, and offer suggestions for solutions to problems encountered (C2, C3, C4, A1, A2, A3, A4). By completing the assessment tasks, they will have demonstrated their self-reliance and independence as learners, ability to organise a project, and their ability to work and communicate effectively in organisational contexts (S1, S2, S3, S4).

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There is an expectation that students will meet weekly with their supervisors for approximately 1 hour to set goals and report on achievements and difficulties.

Students are expected to spend approximately 24 hours per week for 13 weeks on research and related activities, dividing their time between self-initiated work, industry based activities and meetings with supervisors.

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1 supervisor, who devotes approximately 1.5 hours of their time per week to supervising the student.

• Software Title:
• Vendor:
• Version:
• OS: MS Windows XP ( ) and/or LINUX ( )
• License Details: (A valid software license certificate/s or Vendor permission must be available upon request if the software is to be installed for teaching)
• Are we currently licensed: Yes ( ) or No ( ) (If unsure, please check with your local IT support )
• If (Yes), who is the contact person for this software?:
• If (No), will the software license be arranged by: Staff member requesting the software ( ) or Technical Services* ( ) ? *If the latter is selected, please discuss your requirement/s with myself ASAP, prior to finalising your request, as there could be financial or resourcing implications.
• Is the software to be installed and accessed from a: Client/Workstation ( ), or Server ( ) ?
• Type of license: Site License ( ), Freeware ( ), FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) ( ), Shareware ( ), Lab based ( ) # of Licenses needed ____
• In what week will you commence using the software in class? Semester 1 (Week ___ ) and/or Semester 2 (Week ___ ):
• Nominated Staff For Acceptance Testing Software: (Name) (Phone) (Email)
• Additional Information: Special Requirements, Software Configuration/Installation Requirements, etc:

A library impact statement has been completed, and is separately forwarded.

SIMS (100%)

N/A for p/g units

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Must have completed Part A of the Master of Information Systems. Entry into this unit requires approval by Head of School or nominee.