Örebro University School of Business

Course Syllabus

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall
- further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
- develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

TThe student should after completing the course
- have knowledge about central concepts of science and its main philosophical directions
- have ability to reflect upon the interlink between the major philosophical paradigms and Information Systems (IS) research
- have knowledge and skills in using qualitative research methods within IS
- have knowledge about ethical aspects of conducting research within IS
- have knowledge about communicating scientific research among the relevant stakeholders and IS research community

Philosophy of Science:
- Science and its philosophical directions (knowledge, process and theories)
- Theorizing Information Technology (IT) artifacts
- Major philosophical paradigms in IS research (e.g. positivism, interpretivism, critical)


Qualitative Research Methods:
- Overview of the qualitative methods in IS research
- Major research strategies in IS (e.g. Case study, Design science, Action research, Ethnography)
- Data collection, including conducting literature review
- Data Analysis
- Ethics in IS research
- Communicating research progress and findings

Lectures and seminars. Participation in seminars is mandatory.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

FINAL GRADE
The final grade will be translated into the ECTS grading scale.
In order to receive the grade Pass, the student must be awarded 'Pass' in Philosophy of Science and minimum 'Pass' in Qualitative Research Methods. In order to receive the grade Pass with Distinction, the student must be awarded 'Pass' in Philosophy of Science and 'Pass with Distinction' in Qualitative Research Methods.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Informatics, Basic Course, 30 Credits; 30 Credits at the intermediate (B) course level within Informatics; and successful completion of at least 15 Credits at the advanced (C) course level within Informatics, alternatively Computer Engineering, 30 Credits, Basic Course; Computer Engineering, 30 Credits, Intermediate Course; and successful completion of at least 15 Credits at the advanced (C) course level within computer engineering. In addition, successful completion of the course "English B/English 6" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School or equivalent is required.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Remaining tasks should be completed as soon as possible according to the teachers instructions.


Reading List and Other Teaching Materials

Required Reading

Additional course material will be made available during the course, approximately 150 pages. /Litteratur tillkommer om ca 150 sidor. Tillhandahålles av institutionen.

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