4904665: Research Methods in Information and Process Management Science

Description

The module "Research Methods in Information and Process Management Science" aims at deepening the students' skills in research design. It focuses on pivotal issues of conducting and structuring research activities as part of information and process management research.

Subjects dealt with in the module comprise (but are not limited to):

• Introduction into design science
• Design science vs. behavioural science
• Rigour vs. relevance
• Design science in information systems research
• The design science research process
• Reviewing the literature
• Design science examples
• Design science challenges
• Theorizing in design science
• Publishing design science

Learning Outcomes

Students successfully participating in the module will

• know how to explain the design science approach as related to 'traditional' approaches in research,
• be able to differentiate between major constructs and issues in information systems research, such as relevance, rigour, truth, and utility,
• know about the major contributions on design science published in information systems research,
• be able to structure the design science research process,
• be capable of conducting rigorous literature reviews as part of design science research,
• know about major evaluation methods,
• be aware of the role of theories in design science research, and
• know the major information systems outlets for publishing design science research.

Lectures Method

• Lecture
• Self-study
• Presentation by students

Admission Requirements

none

Literature

• Required Reading:
• Hevner, A. R., March, S. T., Park, J. and Ram, S. (2004). Design Science in Information Systems Research. MIS Quarterly, 28 (1), pp. 75-105.
• March, S. T. and Smith, G. F. (1995). Design and Natural Science Research on Information Technology. Decision Support Systems, 15 (4), pp. 251-266.
• Peffers, K.; Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., Chatterjee, S: A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research. Journal of Management Information Systems 24 (3), pp. 45-77.
• Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Gengler, C. E., Rossi, M., Hui, W., Virtanen, V. and Bragge, J. (2006). The Design Science Research Process: A Model for Producing and Presenting Information Systems Research. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology (DESRIST 2006), Claremont, pp. 83-106.
• vom Brocke, J., & Buddendick, C. (2006). Reusable Conceptual Models. Requirements Based on the Design Science Research Paradigm. Paper presented at the First International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology (DESRIST 06), Claremont, CA, USA.
• vom Brocke, J., Simons, A., Niehaves, B., Riemer, K., Plattfaut, R., & Cleven, A. (2009). Reconstructing the Giant: On the Importance of Rigour in Documenting the Literature Search Process. Paper presented at the 17th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS 2009), Verona, Italia, accepted for publication.