Entry requirements

90 credits in information systems or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

In terms of knowledge and understanding, after completed course the student should be able to:

- describe the historical development of IT and digitalization,

- describe central concepts and theories related to digital practice, resources, and digital agency,

- explain the concept of model in relation to digital practice,

- explain basic theoretical concepts of research,

- explain quantitative research methods,

- explain and motivate the structure of a research study as well as what characterizes a research study,

- explain what characterizes project-based work and project communication.

In terms of skills and abilities, after completed course the student should be able to:

- use central concepts and theories to discuss digital practice and digital agency,

- apply methods and models to describe digital practice,

- apply quantitative research methods,

- plan, structure and carry out a research study relating to digital practice,

- plan, structure and carry out a project relating to digital practice in a group.

In terms of judgement and approach, after completed course the student should be able to:

- analyse and evaluate digital practices,

- critically evaluate research studies,

- identify and evaluate ethical issues associated with research on digital practices,

- reflect on project work and project management in digital practice.

Content

The first course in the program aims to introduce students to digital practices and the changes in work that digitalization has brought about now and in the future. With increasing digitalization, IT employees of the future will need broader knowledge and experience regarding how to work in interdisciplinary, distributed, data-intensive and dynamic environments and create new digital practices. The course begins with an overview of the historical development of IT, including different computer generations, communication technologies, use models, as well as new trends. Furthermore, key concepts such as data, information, knowledge, action, and communication, are dealt with in the context of digital practices. The course introduces various theoretical models for studying digital practice, such as digital agency, technology adoption models, diffusion and disruption models, and IS success models. Digital methods, knowledge modeling, and quality dimensions such as security, usability, and utility effects, are dealt with within the framework of these. The topics are approached through seminars and case studies.

The course also introduces students to basic project management and group work in the context of digital practice. Both research and practical work in the field of information systems usually involve project-based group work, so the course aims to build a common foundation and methodology for international students with varied backgrounds. Reflection on project management and leadership takes place in supervised seminars.

As the first course in the program, the course also introduces the student to research philosophy and theory, including basic concepts such as epistemology, ontology, and methodology, as well as research methodology and research ethics. The student is also introduced to scientific writing. Integrated research methodology is used within the courses in the program; in this course, the student will become acquainted with quantitative methods. The course contains an introduction to statistical modeling and probability, descriptive statistics and properties of data, probability, sampling, statistical inference, and design of statistical surveys and methodology.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, and supervision.

Assessment

Seminars, written exam, and assignments. Compulsory attendance is required for some elements.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator or a decision by the department's working group for study matters.