Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is to critique the research methodology of a research thesis
or journal article or conference paper in order to develop awareness of best practice research
in your discipline. A research thesis can be obtained by perusing the Australasian Digital
Thesis Program. Journals articles and conference papers are generally available online
through the UC library catalogue. Your supervisors may be able to offer suggestions.
Task:
Your critique of the research strategy must answer the following questions. You must support
your answers with evidence from the thesis/article/paper and relevant literature.
Problem: What is the research problem addressed by the paper?
Theories: What theory/theories/framework/ model or development methodology have
been used in the research project?
How have theory/theories/framework, model or development methodology
been used to guide the research in the paper? e.g. theory is being tested,
theory is being developed, etc.?
Methods: What research design has been adopted in the paper?
What methods have the researcher(s) adopted to conduct the research
project?
Has the researcher(s) clearly explained and justified the chosen design and
methods?
Do you think that the researcher(s) has selected appropriate design and
methods to their problem?
Do you think the research in the paper is relevant to other researchers and/or
practitioners e.g. IS, ICT, IT or Software Engineering professionals? How
so?
Contribution
:
What is the contribution of the study (e.g. to theory (knowledge) or practice)?
How so?
Quality: Has research quality been discussed? Explain.
Ethics Are any ethical issues raised in the research strategy? What are they?
Have they been addressed or resolved by the researcher(s)? How so?
Academic Writing Guidance:
Some guidance on academic writing can be obtained from this link:
https://www.canberra.edu.au/current-students/canberra-students/student-support/study-skills
Submission Requirements:
Information Sciences Research Methodology PG (6797) 1000 words *
ICT and Engineering Research Methods (9826) 700 words *
* Note: You may go over the word limit with up to 100 words. Please do not exceed this.
Submission Instructions:
1. The assignment should be organised using the following guidelines:
The cover sheet must identify the student (name and number) and assignment.
Reference sources must be cited in the text and listed appropriately at the end in IEEE
referencing style.
The assignment must use 12-point font size minimum and at single line spacing
Appropriate section headings are needed as per the assignment marking scheme.
2. The assignment must be submitted via the Canvas Submission Link.
Extensions:
Requests for an extension, accompanied by supporting documentation, must be received by
the convenor in writing before the due date, else penalties apply for late submission without
an approved extension.
Penalties:
Academic misconduct such as cheating, and plagiarism may incur penalties ranging from a
reduced result to program exclusion.