This course is suitable for information systems masters’ level students wishing to gain industry experience and carry out applied research on an information systems topic. Candidates will be required to analyse a broad range of published sources on the topic issue, apply tools and techniques from master’s level courses in information systems and related disciplines, gather original input through discussion or interviews with practitioners in the field (where feasible), and analyse data to derive conclusions and implications for practitioners. Where feasible a “host” organization will be identified that will assist with data collection and advice on the project direction.
The final report should be in a form close to publication standard, whether as a management report or as a practitioner-oriented research article.
The current course offering is for individuals or teams of candidates working together on projects.
 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of the requirements for this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify the most important literature relevant to the applied research issue;
2. Collect primary or secondary source data related to the applied research issue;
3. Implement a research methodology appropriate for the applied research issue;
4. Summarise evidence related to the applied research issue;
5. Justify findings and recommendations made about the applied research issue;
6. Construct a deliverable to communicate the evidence about the applied research issue.

Research-Led Teaching

As this course requires students to undertake applied research, it requires in-depth examination of research in information systems related to the chosen topic. Supervisors will guide this reading and suggest relevant material to students.

Field Trips

No field trips in this course. Travel to and from industry host will be funded by host or Research School of Management.

Additional Course Costs

No additional class costs expected in this course.

Examination Material or equipment

There are no examinations in this course.

Required Resources

No additional required resources in this courses but access to a modern computing device (tablet, laptop or desktop computer) is highly advisable.

Recommended Resources

The research briefings from the Center for Information Systems Research, Sloan School of Management, give examples of topics that are of interest to practitioners in information systems:

http://cisr.mit.edu/research/research-overview/

Articles that are written in a style that is accessible to practitioners can be found in MISQ Executive:

http://misqe.org/ojs2/index.php/misqe/index

References such as the following can be consulted:

Cooper, D.R. and Schindler, P.S. (2013) Business Research Methods (12e), McGraw-Hill Education.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor
2	Week 2 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor
3	Week 3 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor
4	Week 4 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor Project proposal due 5pm Friday Week 4
5	Week 5 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor
6	Week 6 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor
7	Week 7 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor
8	Week 8 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor Interim project report due 5pm Friday Week 8
9	Week 9 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor
10	Week 10 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor
11	Week 11 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor Presentation to industry host typically completed this week
12	Week 12 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisor Final project report due in end of semester examination period

Tutorial Registration

There are no separate tutorials in this course. The discussion of work will be done during the weekly supervision meeting.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Project Proposal	15 %	22/03/2019	05/04/2019	1
Interim Project Report	25 %	03/05/2019	17/05/2019	2
Presentation	10 %	24/05/2019	07/06/2019	4
Final Project Report	50 %	07/06/2019	04/07/2019	3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is expected in all supervision meetings but not assessed.

Examination(s)

There are no examinations for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Project Proposal

Details of Task

Individual assessment if an individual project, otherwise group assessment if a group project. This report should:

• Outline the significance of the topic to be investigated and the research questions.… 
• List at least six important items (research articles or industry reports) from the literature that will inform the research. A short summary of each item should be included in an appendix.
• Include a plan for the completion of the project, including planned sources of data and method of analysis.
• Include statements as to (a) whether ethical approval is required, or is in process; (b) whether a written agreement with a host organization is required, or is in process.

Grading criteria: (a) ability to identify and justify a research question that is relevant to practitioners; (b) ability to produce a realistic research plan; (c) ability to identify key reference literature.

Linked learning outcome: LO1 - Survey and analyse critically the most important literature relevant to the applied research issue

A template will be provided to give guidance about sections and content to include, as well as formatting.

Word Limit

Suggested length: 3-5 pages, excluding appendix.

Submission Date

Can be submitted up to one week before the specified due date.

Due Date of Assessment

5pm Friday Week 4. Mark and feedback will be returned within two weeks of submission.

Assessment Task 2

Interim Project Report

Details of Task

Individual assessment if an individual project, otherwise group assessment if a group project. The interim report should be largely consistent with the project proposal. It will include: an abstract, justification for the project, the research questions, relevant literature, data collection method and data. Preliminary analysis of data can be included.

Grading criteria: ability to: (a) frame the paper within the relevant literature; (b) justify the research questions; (c) design data collection; (d) present data collected.

Linked learning outcome: LO2 - Collect and analyse data related to the applied research issue, either from primary or secondary sources

A template will be provided to give guidance about sections and content to include, as well as formatting.

Word Limit

Suggested length: 10-15 pages.

Submission Date

Can be submitted up to one week before the specified due date.

Due Date of Assessment

5pm Friday Week 8. Mark and feedback will be returned within two weeks of submission.

Assessment Task 3

Presentation

Details of Task

Individual assessment for both individual and group projects. If a group project, students are marked individually.… This is an oral presentation performed in front of at least one supervisor.

The presentation will give the candidate the opportunity to communicate findings to an audience of interested students, academics and practitioners. Feedback can be obtained to allow the final report to be improved.

Grading criteria: (a) professionalism of presentation; (b) suitability for audience that include practitioners; (c) credibility of results; (d) ability to answer questions.

Linked learning outcome: LO4 - Give a verbal presentation of findings from the applied research project to an audience of academics and practitioners.

The presentation will be done as a team, with each team member presenting different sections of the material. Each team member will be given an individual mark in accordance with the above criteria.

Word Limit

Suggested time: 20 minutes plus 10 minutes for questions.

Submission Date

Will normally be completed during Week 11.

Due Date of Assessment

On or before 5pm Friday Week 11. Mark and feedback will be returned within two weeks of submission.

Assessment Task 4

Final Project Report

Details of Task

Individual assessment if an individual project, otherwise group assessment if a group project. The final report will follow the same format as the interim report, except that data analysis, discussion of findings and implications will also be included.

In addition to the report, you will also submit… via email:

• A two page summary developed to assist communication of the project outcomes.
• A one page (per group member) reflective piece that describes your course learning experience

Grading criteria: (a) professionalism in writing and presentation; (b) structure of report; (b) clarity in presenting findings; (c) credibility of findings; (d) contribution to practical knowledge.

Linked learning outcome: LO3 - Prepare a report of findings from applied research that is close to publication standard, either as an industry report or a practitioner-oriented journal article;

A template will be provided to give guidance about sections and content to include, as well as formatting.

Word Limit

Suggested length: 20-50 pages, excluding appendix (depending on team size).

Submission Date

Can be submitted up to one week before the specified due date.

Due Date of Assessment

5pm Friday, first week of exam period. Mark and feedback will be returned when final grades are released.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task details above.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students