Section outline

  • Welcome to Project Research Methods Class

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    Scientific Research attempts to get the truth of particular problems through systematic and rational methods. Business research employs scientific analysis to aid in wise decision making. This course addresses how research skills apply to the social sciences and business with a specific focus on Information Systems project research.

     

    The purpose of this course is to introduce and develop learners’ skills and knowledge on how to conduct research. It is meant to acquaint learners with types of scientific research relevant for anyone working in the field of Science and Information Technology. It will enable learners to develop capacity to conduct small, simple research projects while in and out of the university. Guidelines outlining the preparation and writing of a project proposal and report will be provided at the conclusion of the course.

    The class will be facilitated by Dr. Samali V. Mlay and Mr. Ismael Kato

  • Topic 1: Introduction to Project Research Methods

    • Introduction to Project Research methods File

      This introductory topic will cover;

      1. Research methods overview
      2. Why do we carry out research?
      3. The importance of research
      4. Qualities of a good researcher
      5. The limitations of research
      6. Definition of the basic terms
      7. Types of research
      8. Research Variables
      9. Research Planning and Management


  • Topic 2: Principles of Scientific Research

    • Principles of Scientific Research File

      This topic will introduce the learner to the elements or principles that guide scientific research. It will explain a number of principles such as Objectivity, Replicability, Validity, Reliability etc. 

      This course is meant to acquaint learners with how to be guided when conducting scientific research.

  • Topic 3: Values and Ethics in the Research Process

  • Topic 4: Developing a research Project

    • Developing a research Project File

      To cover;

      1. Identifying researchable areas
      2. Writing an introduction/background of the study
      3. Identifying and writing research problems
      4. Writing research purpose, objectives and questions;
      5. Writing the scope and the significance of the study.

    • Assignment One
      Opened: Wednesday, 7 February 2024, 12:00 AM
      Due: Tuesday, 5 March 2024, 12:00 AM

      Task

      Prepare an Introduction Section for a project of your choice. Your project of choice MUST be one geared towards developing a practical IT solution to the problem you will state (Applied Research). These projects can be further built on as your final year projects in Year III


    • Coursework I Queries Forum

      Hello, incase you have any queries related to Coursework I assignment, please post them here and we shall get back to you. Queries should be raised before the submission deadline (March 5, 2024, 3pm).

  • Topic 5: Conducting a literature review

    • Conducting a literature review File

      Every scientific research we conduct is guided and supported by literature. This topic will explain to the learners how to conduct literature review specifically using the APA referencing style. It will explain the following;

      1. Sources of literature
      2. Types of literature review
      3. Referencing using APA style
      4. References and Bibliography

      Learners are additionally, advised to read the APA Referencing Style

    • APA STYLE: SEVENTH EDITION Book

      These guidelines follow the 2020 7th edition of the American Psychological Association’s Publication Manual, which is widely used in the health and social sciences. They focus on documentation, but the manual addresses issues from abbreviations to layout and should be consulted for further information. In an APA-style paper, you’ll identify the author and year of each source any time you use it. That information directs readers to more detailed entries on a reference list at the paper’s end.

      Read the book and attempt the quiz at the end of it

  • Topic 6: IS Research Methodology

    A gentle introduction to DSR methods and its application in Information Systems Research.

    • Research Design File

      These slides will introduce you to research design used in Computer Science/ IS research projects - specifically focusing on Design Science Methodology

    • Design Science Assignment
      Opened: Monday, 18 March 2024, 12:00 AM
      Due: Monday, 25 March 2024, 12:00 AM
      Please summarise the following DSR paper that was sent to you in class:

      Sumarsono, S. et al. (2022). Development of a mobile health infrastructure for non-communicable diseases using design science research method: a case study. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing, 14 (9), 12563-12574.", Find file on this link: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/30545/1/Pranggono-DevelopmentMobileHealth%28VoR%29.pdf


    • Sampling in Research File

      These slides introduce learners to how sampling designs to employ during requirements/ data collection

    • Requirements elicitation/ Data Collection methods - Qualitative techniques File

      These slides give details of how to gather qualitative data or requirements.

    • Quantitative requirements/ data collection and other methodologies File

      To cover

      • Quantitative requirements/ data collection 
      • Other methodologies for design, development and testing of information systems

      It is partially derived from the knowledge you obtained from Systems analysis and design class.

  • Topic 7: Systems Analysis and Design

    • Systems Analysis and Design File

      This topic will take you through how to analyse and design information systems. It is derived from the knowledge you obtained from Systems analysis and design class.

  • Topic 8: Systems Development

    • Systems Development File

      This topic is derived from a number of courses you have done in the area of information systems development such as database development, programming, web application development, website development among others. It is intended to just give pointers of how to go about Chapter Five of your final year projects without going into details of how to develop systems (which has been or will be covered in different course units).

  • Topic 9_Validation, Evaluation and Recommendations

  • Topic 10_Finalising the Report

    • Finalising the Report File

      These slides give a guide of what to generally include in your proposal and report.

  • Topic 11

  • Topic 12