Qualitative Research Methods in Information Systems

IS493

Half/ full unit

Half

Dr S V Scott, Room NAB 3.12

Compulsory for MSc Information Systems and Organisations (Research).

The course will introduce students to concepts and techniques associated with designing and conducting and/or evaluating empirical research of predominantly qualitative character.

The course deals with case study and ethnographic research in the fields of Information Systems and Organization Studies and focuses on issues of research design, data collection and interpretation methods.

Case study design involves the consideration of conditions (research questions, available research, theory formation in the field studied, data access and availability) on the basis of which decisions concerning research design are made. Single and multiple case study research designs are considered in the course and the advantages and limitations of these alternative designs are examined. Furthermore ethnography is considered as an alternative option of research design due to its holistic, intensive and longitudinal participation in the institutional settings within which it takes place.

The course primarily focuses on data collection and interpretation methods in the fields of Information Systems and Organizations Studies. Observations, interview methods and techniques, archival and documentary data, experiments are considered and issues of validity, reliability cross-checking and triangulation of data obtained through different data collection techniques are examined.

Michaelmas term

Lectures

10 x 2 hours

Michaelmas term

Classes

9 x 1 hour

Research question exercise (3000 words) due 4.00 p.m., Wednesday, week 7, Michaelmas term. This exercise is un-assessed, but compulsory. It provides an opportunity for feedback and contributes to the development of the assessed research design report coursework for IS493.

Research design essay (6000 words) due 4.00 p.m., Thursday, week 8, Lent Term. This essay presents a hypothetical qualitative research design, i.e. a plan for a scholarly study. This exercise encourages students to explore the conceptual and practical consequences associated with designing a research question (including fieldwork design). This essay is assessed.

• Eisenhardt, K. (1989), Building Theories from Case Study Research, Academy of Management Review, 14/4: 532-550;
• Golden-Biddle, K and K. D. Locke, (1997) Composing Qualitative Research Thousand Oaks, Sage;
• Harvey, L. and  M. D. Myers, (1995/2002), Scholarship and Research: The Contribution of Ethnography to Bridging the Gap, Information Technology and People, 8/3: 13-27;
• Kunda, G. (2006) Engineering Culture: Control and Commitment in a High-Tech Corporation, 2^nd Ed. Philadelphia, PA, Temple University press;
• Miles, M. and Huberman, M. (1994), Qualitative Data Analysis, London: Sage;
• Myers, M. D. and D. Avison,  (eds.) (2002), Qualitative Research in Information Systems, London: Sage;
• Orlikowski, W. and J.  Baroudi,  (1991), Studying Information Technology in Organizations: Research Approaches and Assumptions, Information Systems Research, 2/1: 1-28;
• Silverman, D. (2005) Doing Qualitative Research, Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage;
• Yin, R. (2003), Case Study Research: Design and Methods, London: Sage.

A 6000 word essay submitted week 8, Lent Term