IN9900 – Selected Theoretical Topics in Information Systems Development
Course description
Course content
The objective of this course is to provide a theoretical foundation for research in information systems. The course introduces core theories and current research streams in the field of information systems. It provides an understanding of the micro and macro perspectives on the utilization of information systems, and the mutual relationship between information systems and organizational and social structure and behaviour. This includes:
- The role of theory in Information Systems research.
- The concept of IT artefacts as the core of the Information Systems discipline.
- Examples of influential theories in Information Systems research and their ontological, epistemological and methodological assumptions and implications.
- Theories on IT and organizational change, innovation and strategy.
- Theories on global issues in Information Systems.
- Critical perspectives in Information Systems.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you:
- have an understanding of the core theories in contemporary information systems research;
- have an understanding of how you can identify a theoretical perspective relevant to the study of your empirical case in your PhD;
- are knowledgeable of different research designs and approaches within the information systems field, and their rationale;
- can characterize and compare various traditions of information systems research and position yourself related to relevant research areas;
- can discuss the relationship between central theoretical approaches and research methodology, ontology, and epistemology;
- can report and document your own research as scientific articles and know about procedures for review in some relevant major journals.
Admission to the course
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through?Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must?apply for a position as a visiting student?within a given deadline.
Recommended previous knowledge
This course assumes a basic understanding of information systems concepts and perspectives such as socio-technical approaches, IT in organizations, the importance of context, user participation etc.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with INF9200 – Selected Theoretical Topics in Information Systems Development (continued).
- 10 credits overlap with IN460.
Teaching
Lectures?and seminars with discussion of literature.
Examination
Individual essay. Possibly oral examination.
It will also be counted as one of?your three?attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: INF9200 – Selected Theoretical Topics in Information Systems Development (continued)
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.