Description:

First introductory session: October, 12th, 9:00 am in room R09 R04 H19

Course materials are provided in the Moodle course.

Advanced Topics in Information Systems 1 (ATIS1) is designed to be the first encounter with Information Systems (IS) research literature. The scientific discipline of IS deals with technical as well as behavioural issues surrounding the development, use, management, and impact of computer-based information systems, i.e. socio-technical systems comprising technology, organisations, and people. It is the English-speaking world's counterpart to "Wirtschaftsinformatik".

This research-focused unit introduces core research strategies and methods employed in IS research and demonstrates their use in selected IS research contributions. The course aims at developing the ability to critically read, think about, analyze, interpret, and evaluate research literature. It has the character of both an initial introductory lecture and a subsequent research seminar.

ATIS1 is designed as a highly interactive course with students preparing, presenting, and discussing readings earlier assigned in class. In each session a research method will be addressed through a critical discussion of one or more research papers. The discussion will be led by a class member. For each session, students are required to prepare the assigned readings and submit a write-up, typically after reading one or more book chapters and a journal or conference paper and by answering questions in writing.

On completion of this unit, students will:

1. understand selected research approaches, strategies and methods (e.g. design research, survey, experiments)
2. be aware of underlying issues in the philosophy of science
3. be able to read critically, think about, and analyze an IS journal paper and, to a certain extent, interpret and evaluate research contributions
4. have knowledge of selected issues in IS research not covered elsewhere in the curriculum (and be aware of key outlets for IS research such as journals, conferences, and workshops)

The course is based on the proposition that active participation enhances the learning experience. This pedagogical approach requires all students to commit to in-depth preparation before classes and to making active contributions during them.

All students should be prepared to contribute to all class discussions, in particular by:

1. applying concepts introduced by the reading materials
2. integrating colleagues' comments
3. proposing and justifying a contradictory opinion
4. comparing previously discussed case studies
5. asking pertinent questions
6. sharing personal experiences relevant to the discussions

Course language

The course language is English.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on a final written exam (in English).

Initial session

Please note that a first introductory session will takes place on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at 9:00 am in room R09 R04 H19.  The final course schedule will be determined in this meeting.

Textbook

Oates, B. (2006): Researching Information Systems and Computing, Sage, London, UK

Prerequisites

Students should have successfully completed a term paper (Seminararbeit). Subsequent attendance of "Advanced Topics in Information Systems 2" (ATIS2) is recommended but not required.

Target audience

This course is designed for students in their final year and ideal for those students intending to write a research-oriented M.Sc. thesis.