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:

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. Interaction with host will be be via online means or face to face meetings as appropriate.

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. For locations of computing facilities on campus, please read https://services.anu.edu.au/information-technology/software-systems/information-commons.

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:

https://cisr.mit.edu/content/current-research

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

https://aisel.aisnet.org/misqe/

References such as the following can be consulted:

• Business research methods / Bajpai, Naval (eBook)

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Course Schedule

Contact hours for the course will take the form of periodic meetings between student and supervisor.

Support for Students

The University offers a number of support services for students. Information on these is available online from http://students.anu.edu.au/studentlife/

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 supervisorAssessment Task #1: 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 supervisorAssessment Task #2: 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 supervisorAssessment Task #3: Presentation to industry host typically completed this week
12	Week 12 supervision meeting	Prepare as instructed by supervisorAssessment Task #4: Final project report due in end of semester examination period

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

As 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%)	15 %	15/03/2024	28/03/2024	1,2
Interim Project Report (25%)	25 %	26/04/2024	10/05/2024	1,2,3,4
Presentation (10%)	10 %	17/05/2024	31/05/2024	6
Final Project Report (50%)	50 %	31/05/2024	27/06/2024	1,2,3,4,5,6

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

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

There are no formal scheduled classes for this course as it is work integrated learning based. You will have regular supervision meetings with your client and academic supervisors. Participation is expected in all supervision meetings but not assessed.

Examination(s)

There are no examinations for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Project Proposal (15%)

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:

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;

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.

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 (25%)

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:

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;

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.

Due Date of Assessment:

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

Assessment Task 3

Presentation (10%)

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.

Note: 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. The presentation is recorded for review purposes.

Linked learning outcome:

6. Construct a deliverable to communicate the evidence about the applied research issue.

Word Limit:

Suggested time: 20 minutes plus 10 minutes for questions.

Submission Date:

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

Assessment Task 4

Final Project Report (50%)

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.

Grading criteria:

(a) professionalism in writing and presentation;

(b) structure of report;

(c) clarity in presenting findings;

(d) credibility of findings;

(e) contribution to practical knowledge.

Linked learning outcome:

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.

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:

5pm Friday, first week of exam period. Mark and feedback will be returned when final grades are released. Can be submitted up to one week before the specified due date.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

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

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. 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.

All assessment extension requests must be submitted via the CBE Assessment Extension Request Form.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Please see the relevant assessment task details under the Assessment tab/section.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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 Access 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 all ANU students