TJTJ7706 Theory and Research in Information Systems (4 op)

Course Description
This course focuses on theory building and its application within information systems (IS) research, the nature of the theory, and how to apply a specific approach for theory building in IS. Students will start by a pre-course assignment to familiarize themselves with the engaged scholarship approach to building theories. We continue by reviewing and discussing key literature on selected topics to understand the theory building in general. This is followed by a critical examination and evaluation of specific topics in IS research and theory building, and we look at deductive, inductive, and abductive theory building through three exemplars: variance, process, and design theories. Furthermore, we study key issues of framing and positioning your theory, such as, theoretical precision and generalization. The course offers a broad understanding of theory building in management and business studies, and specifically in IS, and how to apply this knowledge for a doctoral research project. The course applies flipped class and workshop format to advance the learning-by-doing approach to study theory building.

Goals of the Course
This course is designed to introduce doctoral students to theory building in management and business studies in general but how to apply this knowledge in IS research and its application for a doctoral research project. In addition, students need to understand the nature of theories and current research issues and themes in theory building.

Learning Outcomes
1. The student will have a good knowledge and understanding of theory building and its application within IS research.
2. The student will gain competence in critiquing theory building research articles published in some of the leading academic IS and related outlets.
3. The student will have a good knowledge and understanding of ontological and epistemological issues related to IS research and can apply these to their own doctoral research projects.
4. The student will gain competence in critical thinking, and analysis and synthesis of academic sources.

Course Advice
Prerequisites: Students should have completed the qualitative, quantitative research, design science research methods courses (TJTJ7701-3 or similar) and (or be in the process of completing) a general philosophy of science course before enrolling in this course.
The course will use an in-class workshop format. It is organized as a series of workshops that involve active student participation.
Please also refer to the additional handouts about the University's policy on plagiarism. This course will use turnitin.com, a software application, to assess your written work. The outcome of this assessment will be considered for your final grade in the course.
Generative artificial intelligence (such as ChatGPT, etc.) tool use should follow the University of Jyväskylä policy . The use is generally permitted, but the student should generate the final text and insights offered in the course assessment. For details, see the university policy document.