The course will focus on the research process in the information systems discipline. Three focus areas will be covered:

• Getting started with the research process
  • Identifying research problems
  • Motivating research objectives
  • Formulating research questions
• General methodological considerations
  • Philosophical underpinnings and paradigms
  • Literature review
  • Qualitative research
  • Quantitative research
  • Design science research
• From idea to proposal
  • Key elements of a research proposal
  • Alignment and logical-argumentative style
  • When (not) to use AI

By the end of this course students should be able to:

• Understand the research process: Identify the stages of the research process, from problem formulation to deriving answers.
• Comprehend philosophical underpinnings: Explain key philosophical perspectives (positivism, interpretivism, critical research) and their relevance in IS research.
• Differentiate research methods: Recognize and compare literature reviews, qualitative, quantitative, design science, and other research methods (e.g., mixed methods).
• Critically select research methods: Assess the suitability of different methods based on research questions and problems.
• Develop a basic research proposal: Formulate a research proposal, including method selection and justification.

Regular attendance is required, regardless if the class is thought online or on premise. 

Failure to attend can only be excused for valid reasons (e.g., legal obligations, illness, etc.).

Attendance sheets will be used to track attendance.

In order to pass this course an overall attendance of at least 80% is required.

The course consists of lectures and interactive parts. Topics will be presented and applied in cases excercises and discussions. Interactive teaching and learning methods (e.g., short quizzes, debriefing, scenario techniques, peer feedback) are used to engage participants in different ways. Participants will work in groups and individually on different assignments.

Individual assignments:

• Research idea outline and motivation -> 20 pts
• Peer feedback -> 10 pts
• Recall-quiz -> 10 pts
• Individual, written exam (closed book) -> 30 pts
• Complete research proposal -> 30 pts

Active participation in the course is expected.

Grading Scale:

     1: 90 – 100 points (excellent)

     2: 78 – 89,99 points (good)

     3: 65 – 77,99 points (satisfactory)

     4: 50 – 64,99 points (sufficient)

     5: 0 – 49,99 points (unsatisfactory)

• Standards of Academic Writing and Citation

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