Course code InfT5048

Credit points 3

Research methodology

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures12

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes12

Independent study hours57

Date of course confirmation18.10.2022

Responsible UnitInstitute of Computer Systems and Data Science

Course developers

author Datoru sistēmu un datu zinātnes institūts

Ivars Mozga

Dr. sc. ing.

author prof.

Irina Arhipova

Dr. sc. ing.

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to introduce students to the types of research: applied research and fundamental science. The course gives an idea of important features in scientific research, of the specifics of deductive and inductive solutions. Questions about the scientist's code of ethics, the education and science system in Latvia, scientific publications and databases of scientific materials in Latvia and abroad, and educational and scientific documents are considered.
The course is focused on questions about the analysis and compilation of scientific materials, as well as determining the problems of scientific research, methodology of solutions and preparation of research results.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

• students know and understand the types of research, the specifics of deductive and inductive solutions and which provide a basis for the research process for applied and fundamental science, as well as know about the application of IT in the interface of various related fields - practical works
• knows how to independently use theory, methods and problem-solving possibilities to carry out research activities in the assessment of IT processes - practical work, independent work
• students are able to independently formulate and critically analyze complex scientific and professional issues of the IT industry, perform risk assessment of IT processes, justify decisions and, if necessary, perform additional analysis. Able to integrate knowledge from various fields, contribute to the creation of new knowledge, development of research methods, demonstrate understanding and ethical responsibility for the possible impact of scientific results or professional activity on the environment and society - independent works

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Types of scientific research. Scientist's code of ethics – 2 h
2. Education and science system in Latvia – 2 h
3. Scientific expenses in Latvia and abroad – 2 h
4. Educational and scientific documents – 2 h
5. International cooperation in science – 2 h
6. Preparation of scientific work. The structure of the scientific work – 2 h
7. Methodological instructions for developing a master's thesis in the field of computer management, computer science and information technology - 2 h
8. Research process for applied and fundamental science – 2 h
9. Defining the problem, collecting data, proposing and testing the hypothesis – 2 h
10. Experiment planning – 2 h
11. Preparation of the annotation of a scientific article – 2 h
12. Presentation of the annotation of a scientific article – 2 h

Requirements for awarding credit points

To award credit points for the Research Methodology:
• it is necessary to complete all practical tasks;
• it is necessary to develop and defend independent work.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1. Practical work (individual task) - Analysis of scientific literature in available scientific databases and LLU FB, compilation and presentation of literature sources.
2. Practical work (individual assignment) - Preparation of the annotation and presentation of the scientific report.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The credit for the study course is obtained after practical and independent works developed and defended.

Compulsory reading

1. Vaishnavi V.K. and Kuechler W. Design science research methods and patterns: innovating information and communication technology. Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, 2008. P.226.
2. Mar S., CFSA, CISA Johannessen R., CIA, CCSA, CISA Coates S., CIA, CGAP, CISA Wegrzynowicz K., CIA Andreesen T., CISA, CRISC. GTAG 1: Information Technology Risk and Controls, 2nd Edition, The Institute of Internal Auditors, 2012. P. 33. Na
3. Mikkelsen B. Methods for development work and research. A new guide for practitioners. Sage Publications. New Delhi. Thousand Oaks. London, 2005. P.373.
4. Husse J. and Hussey R. Business research. A practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Macmillan Press ltd., 1997. P. 357.
5. Grey S. Risk analysis for IT projects. Chichester: Wiley, Wiley series in software engineering practice, 1995. P. 140.

Further reading

1. Jordan E., Silcock L. Beating IT Risks. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2005. P.278. 2. Graeser V., Willcocks L., Pisanias N. Developing the IT scorecard: a detailed route map to IT evaluation and performance measurement through the investment life-cycle. London: Business Intelligence, 1998. P.396. 3. Sekaran U. Research methods for business: a skill-building approach. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1992. P. 426. 4. Computer Science Journals [tiešsaiste]. [skatīts 25.03.2019.] Pieejams: http://dblp.uni-trier.de/db/journals

Notes

Compulsory study course for 1st year students of ITF Master's study program "Information Technologies".