Research Project in Digital Innovation
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop their research skills and to present a substantial piece of original work based on academic approaches applied within the field of digital
innovation.
This course consists of an individual project undertaken by the student. The course is intended to consolidate material that is learnt within the programme, and to allow students to develop and apply knowledge in a particular area of digital innovation.
The scope of the project can range from a theoretical investigation of some aspect of digital systems, to more practical analysis work or study of innovation and digital systems in use. However, it must remain focused on the core topics of digital innovations and information systems and the application and use of digital technologies within social and organisational contexts.
In all cases a student will be expected to:
- explore relevant and up to date academic research literature following guidance and recommendations in the subject guide
- explore literature relevant to the required skills for project management, research writing and research methods
- identify and explicitly formulate a relevant research question
- collect and analyse relevant data, according to a recognised conceptual framework, in order to address the identified research question
- complete and submit an evaluation form. This provides an account of the development of the main elements of students’ work, as well as a critical reflection on what has been achieved and what lessons have been learned
- submit a final project report of between 8000 and 10000 words on which their assessment will be principally based.
At the end of the course and having completed the essential reading and activities students should be able to:
- identify the broad outline of the field of information systems and identify a number of key research areas within the constraints of the unit
- select a study topic within the field of information systems and relate it to broader themes and debates within the field
- locate and review materials within the specific areas of interest, going beyond standard textbooks and including academic research literature
- design a research project, assess the resources and skills required to undertake it and prepare a plan
For full details, please refer to the reading list.
You should refer to parts of one or both of the following texts:
- Robson, C. and McCartan, K, Real World Research. (John Wiley, 2016) fourth edition [ISBN 978-
1118745236] - Bryman, A. & Bell, E. Business Research Methods, (Oxford: OUP, 2018) fifth edition [ISBN 978-
0198809876]
