This introductory course highlights a selection of contemporary central topics in information systems research. It is designed to familiarize doctorate students with the main research streams and contributing scholars of IS research, to introduce the common research approaches, and to provide a safe environment for stepping into lifelong research endeavor.

In addition to reviewing a rich subset of the IS research literature, the course seeks to prepare the foundations that will assist the participants in developing and writing their thesis. Each annual round of the course covers a new selection of topics that are prevalent in the IS research discourse.

The course surveys a broad literature base to provide students with a grasp of the main issues in the IS discipline while developing a deeper understanding of its development and conceptual turns. The course emphasizes breadth and is geared toward the socio-technical aspects of information technologies in an organizational context. Specifically, participants will have an opportunity to examine the main strands of IS research and their interrelationships in the overall context of the discipline and management studies. 

The course is designed as a sequence of 6 distinct three-hour meetings, each covering a central topic in information systems research. The meetings are designed in a research seminar format that includes guided discussions, mini-workshops, and teacher and student class presentations. In addition to a critical and appreciative review of existing work, the seminar emphasizes constructive discussion aiming toward helping students to design state of the art research that builds on and extends the related current body of knowledge.  

Considering the underlying objective, the readings, class preparation and class participation are essential. In preparation for each seminar, each student will review the assigned articles, and subsequently should prepare and upload to CANVAS a “conversation starter” that discusses and integrates the readings as well as offers personal insights and suggested topics for further discussion in the seminar. Upload or post your conversation starter to the designated Assignment section in Canvas at least 48 hours prior to the class (Wednesday at noon).

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Identify and discuss the main research streams in IS research
• Identify the key scholars in IS research and discuss their contribution to the body of knowledge
• Identify and discuss key disciplinary controversies and debates
• Discuss the development of the IS research discipline and its community of scholars
• Apply IS research theory to own thesis project
• Position own thesis project in the context of the IS body of knowledge

Evaluation

A Pass/Fail grade will be based on participation and timely submission of all six up to 2 pages conversation starters.    

Retake exam: students who do not fulfill the passing requirements may submit up to 12-page literature review theory development paper that is based on all the required readings. The paper is due 30 days after the last class.