Methodology and Communication in IT Management (Autumn 2020)

Abstract

The course focuses on methodology and its practical application in relation to IT management. Through four seminars, students will be able to learn about and experiment with evidence-based decision-making, as well as evaluate which methods are most suitable under specific circumstances. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be introduced from an organizational perspective. Throughout the course, students will work with the course's methods in relation to generating and analyzing organizational knowledge within the field of IT management, and will additionally work on presenting the results. The course also provides the necessary methodological tools for writing academic assignments.

Description

The first seminar introduces evidence-based decision making and the fundamental elements of qualitative research, data gathering and analysis, as well as an introduction to organizational ethnography and situated design methods. The second seminar continues with qualitative methods and in particular with case study as a research method. Interview techniques and methods are presented and students will delve into how to report and explain results, as well as digital qualitative methods. The third seminar focuses on quantitative and statistical methods and data visualization. During the fourth seminar students will be presented with the nuances of action research also through workshops and discussions.

Formal prerequisites

Only students admitted to the Master in IT Leadership and Management can participate in this course. 

Prior to the course, a basic knowledge of the analysis tool R (or similar platform for basic statistical analysis and data visualization) is expected. Therefore, it is recommended that participants, before starting the course, follow a basic introduction, which can be found at the following link: http://tryr.codeschool.com/

Intended learning outcomes

After the course, the student should be able to:

Learning activities

The course is delivered as a combination of self-study, group work and weekend seminars.

There are two weekend seminars that last from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon. During the seminars, activities range from class teaching to group exercises and presentations.

In the exercises, participants will work on the formulation of research questions, as well as operationalization of research questions with the use of methodological tools such as interview guides, questionnaires and statistical analysis. In addition, the expected results will be discussed through a reflection on how they can be communicated to the rest of the organization.

Mandatory activities

 No mandatory activities are required. 

The student will receive the grade NA (not approved) at the ordinary exam, if the mandatory activities are not approved and the student will use an exam attempt.

Course literature

The course literature will be published in the course page in LearnIT one month before the course starts. 

Student Activity Budget

Estimated distribution of learning activities for the typical student

• Lectures: 40%
• Exercises: 20%
• Assignments: 20%
• Project work, supervision included: 10%
• Exam with preparation: 10%

Ordinary exam

Exam type:
C: Submission of written work, External (7-point scale)
Exam variation:
C11: Submission of written work

Time and date