Computer Science (COMP) 695
Research Methods in Information Systems

Overview | Course Objectives | Learning Outcomes | Outline | Evaluation | Course Materials | Special Course Features | Special Note | Course Fees | Course Availability

Overview

COMP 695 provides an update and consolidation of methods and tools used in CIS for finding and collecting information, assessing information sources, and presenting information in various ways. Focus is on providing an intensive practice in the research methodology of CIS, introducing or reviewing and applying some project management tools, and some optimization techniques and tools for increasing their cost/time-effectiveness, and giving students an opportunity to consolidate previous domain-specific knowledge from research point of view. Integrating this with more information about, and practice in use of, various general problem domains and problem-solving strategies, the students are prepared for selecting the topics and method they will use for the final major task of integrating their total graduate studies experience, in the form of capstone research essay or research project.

In contrast to COMP 601, where many tasks were done using somewhat "barebones" or "primitive" tools appropriate for programming and basic information processing, COMP 695 introduces and uses techniques and tools most appropriate for the project analysis, design, development, and management levels of CIS practice.

Some main outcomes of the course will be that the student can select and use appropriate strategies, tools, and techniques to perform such problem solving, and research and development related tasks as:

1. diagram and track a project
2. diagram a software system (in UML, for example)
3. evaluate and select suitable components for implementation of a software system
4. implement a software system from a (UML) diagram, given suitable components
5. search for and collect online information
6. assess online information sources for probable reliability, timeliness, etc.
7. present information in a variety of forms, including, tables, charts, graphs and networks
8. use some standard mathematical techniques and tools for data reduction, prediction, and presentation of numeric information
9. publish information in a variety of forms, including summaries, full technical reports, and multimedia presentations
10. select a suitable problem-solving strategy for a problem, or a class of problems
11. identify and describe well-known solution techniques for some problems, or categories of problem
12. select and apply appropriate modelling and simulation tools for analysis, synthesis and performance tuning of systems
13. select appropriate tools for solution of a problem
14. build, or prototype, appropriate tools for solution of a problem by combining already available tools with "glueware"
15. select and use appropriate electronic communications systems, and systems for collaborative team work

Course Objectives

Learners are exposed to:

• an update and consolidation of methods and tools used in CIS for finding and collecting information
• methods and tools for assessing information sources
• ways for presenting information in various ways, including technical reports and presentations

It also (re-)introduces and applies some project management tools that students are then recommended to use for the final "integrative" phase of their program, , and some optimization techniques and tools for increasing their cost/time-effectiveness.

Learning Outcomes

After completing COMP 695, the students will be able to apply appropriate methods and tools to find right information from appropriate sources and be able to compile it in appropriate format(s). Students will be able to use appropriate methods and tools to critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the content, examine validity and credibility of the source of information, and be able to assess it in the light of the purpose for which the information is being gathered. Students will then be able to synthesize and present the information in ways that are useful for the purpose the information has been collected. Students will be able to undertake these tasks with the use of various project management tools and techniques, while optimizing the efforts in terms of time and cost-effectiveness.

Outline

1. Unit 0: Introduction to the Course and the Web Document
2. Unit 1: Relationship of CIS to CS, MIS, and Other Areas of Information Systems and Information Technology
3. Unit 2: CS, CIS, and MIS Professional Online Digital Resources (e.g., ACM and IEEE)
4. Unit 3: Project Management Techniques, Tools, and Resources
5. Unit 4: Internet and Web Searching Techniques, Tools, and Rresources
6. Unit 5: Information Source Assessment Techniques, Tools, and Resources, and "Information Literacy"
7. Unit 6: Modelling, Simulation, and Optimization Techniques, Tools, and Resources
8. Unit 7: Probability, Descriptive Statistics, and Other Mathematical Techniques, Tools, and Resources
9. Unit 8: Higher-Level Programming Techniques, Tools, and Resources (e.g., component- and package-level programming
10. Unit 9: General Problem-Solving Techniques, Tools, and Resources
11. Unit 10: Information and Resources Specific to the Student's Main Area of Interest

Evaluation

To pass this course, students must achieve an average grade of at least 60% on the assignments and students must achieve a grade at least 60% on the final examination.

To receive credits towards the Master of Science in IS, for Foundation/Core courses, students must achieve a course composite grade of at least B- (70%)

TME 1		15%
TME 2		15%
TME 3		15%
TME 4		15%
Examination		30%
Collaboration		10%
Total		100%

Course Materials:

The course materials will be available in electronic format and include:

1. Study Guide
2. Link database to required and recommended online readings and downloadable software tools
3. Templates for some reports and presentations

Special Course Features

COMP 695 is offered by computer mediated communications (CMC) mode, and can be completed at the student's workplace or home. It is a required course in the M.Sc. in IS program.

Special Note

Students registered in this course will NOT be allowed to take an extension due to the nature of the course activities.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice.
Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.


Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
(780) 675-6111, (800) 788-9041
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