Unit Description

Contemporary Workplace Project is the capstone unit for the Master of Information Systems. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate advanced research, analytical, and professional skills through the investigation of a complex, real-world problem relevant to the student’s discipline. Working in groups, students conduct research projects that leads to theoretical or conceptual contributions, such as developing frameworks, models, best-practice guidelines, or evidence-based recommendations .The unit integrates academic knowledge, research skills, and professional in sight to prepare students for leadership, consultancy, or further research roles.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Formulate a coherent research problem in formed by literature and theory.
2. Critically evaluate literature to identify knowledge gaps and theoretical implications.
3. Design and implement an appropriate research methodology.
4. Analyze and present findings that contribute to theoretical or conceptual understanding.
5. Work collaboratively with team members and communicate research processes and outcomes in a professional scholarly manner

Assessment Summary

Assessment Component    Description               Weighting

Progress ReportX4 (Weeks 5–12)

On going reporting of project progress and feedback sessions

20%

Research Proposal            Formal research proposal outlining problem, rationale,

Theoretical frame work and plan

Final Report                         Full research report presenting literature synthesis,

Methods, findings, and theoretical contribution

35%

45%

Total                                                          100%

Constructive Alignment: Learning Objectives and Assessments
 

Assessment1: Progress Report X4 (Weeks 5–12)–20% Purpose

Progress Report censure continuous engagement, accountability, and reflective learning throughout the capstone project. They allow groups to demonstrate progress, discuss challenges, and receive iterative feedback to refine their research direction.

Structure

There are four progress reports in total, each worth 5 marks, submitted and discussed bi-weekly between Week 5 and Week12. Each group completes a Progress Report Form before the meeting, summarizing progress, milestones achieved, challenges encountered, and the plan for upcoming work.

Submission and Attendance Requirements

• Reports are completed in groups.
• At least two students must attend the scheduled meeting (for non-solo groups).
• If only one student attends, only that student receives a mark.
• Similar to other groups, solo groups are required to show progress in-class.
• Group members must provide their names, student IDs and sign their attendance during sessions.

Progress Report Form Template

Check Black board for a downloadable form.

Each report should include:

1. Project Overview–A brief recap of research objectives and current focus.
2. Progress Summary–Tasks completed since last report (e.g., literature analysis, data collection, model development).
3. Challenges and Mitigation–Key issues faced and how they were addressed.
4. Next Steps–Planned activities leading up to the next report.
5. Supervisor Feedback–Comments and advice provided during the meeting.

Assessment Criteria

Criterion                                        Description           Marks

Progress Achieved                      Evidence of consistent progress on research milestones  2

Reflection and Problem Solving

Insightful reflection on challenges and strategies                 1

Planning                                          Clear and realistic short-term goals                                              1

Professional Conduct                Engagement, attendance, and collaboration                           1

Total per Meeting 5 marks

Assessment 2: Research Proposal (35%) Purpose

The Research Proposal demonstrates the student group’s ability to define a research problem, establish a theoretical foundation, and propose a rigorous research plan. It sets the direction for the final research project, ensuring clarity of purpose, relevance, and feasibility.

Structure and Detailed Task Descriptions

1. Research Context

a. Research Title:- Provide a clear and informative title that reflects the scope and focus of your study. The title should encapsulate the key themes, variables, or phenomena under investigation.

b. Introduction:-Introduce the research area and its broader significance. Explain why the topic is important for industry or academia and how it aligns with current trends or challenges in the field.

c. Problem Background:-Summaries existing conditions, trends, or issues that form the basis of the problem. Use Credible evidence and references to establish the context and demonstrate the problem’s Relevance.

d. Problem Statement:- Articulate the specific research problem or gap in existing knowledge. A strong problem statement is precise, researchable, and shows the need for new understanding or insight. It should directly lead to the research objectives. This is typically a single statement.

2. Aim, Scope & Methods

1. Research Objectives:- State 2-3 objectives that clearly express what their search seeks to achieve. Objectives Should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound(SMART).They typically include analysis, synthesis, and recommendation outcomes.
2. Research Question :- Develop a central research question (must be a single question).A good research question at your level of study:

• Is clear, focused, and complex (not answerable with a simple yes/no).
• Addresses a knowledge gap or unresolved disuse in the field.
• Enables investigation through conceptual or empirical inquiry. Example: 

What factors influence the effective adoption of AI-based decision support systems in healthcare organizations?

  c. Project Scope:- Define the boundaries of the research —what will be covered and what will not. The scope should reflect available time, resources, and access to data or literature.

c. Research Methods

Describe and justify the research methodology to be used. Include:

• Research approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
• Data collection methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, document analysis).
• Data analysis techniques (e.g., thematic analysis, statistical modeling, content analysis).
• Ethical considerations, including participant confidentiality and consent (if applicable).Explain why these methods are appropriate for addressing the research question.

Note: Given time constraints, your expected to use a systematic literature reviews approach in your research.

See:

Okoli, C. and Schabram,K., 2015.A guide to conducting a systematic literature review of information systems research.

3. Research Plan

1. Preliminary Findings Provide an early conceptualization of your expected framework, model, or theoretical direction. This may include initial themes emerging from literature or pilot studies.
2.  Project Timeline:- Present a realistic project schedule (use Gantt chart) showing stages of literature review, data collection, analysis, and writing. Essentially, your entire project from A to Z. Dates must be realistic. 
3. Conclusion:- Summaries the proposal by restating its purpose, contribution, and feasibility. Highlight how the proposed study will add to existing knowledge or practice.

5. References

List all sources cited using the Adapted Harvard referencing style. Ensure citations are current, credible, and relevant to the topic area. All cited references must be included in the reference list, and all listed references must have been cited. Page and paragraph numbers must be included in citations, and URLS to references must be included in reference list. Only open- source material scan be used. No fake referencing. Provide 10 to 15 references.

Assessment 3: Final Report(45%) Purpose

The Final Report presents the complete research study. It should demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct independent, rigorous, and critical research that results in a theoretical, conceptual, or practical contribution to the field. Students are expected to develop new knowledge in the form of a framework, model, best-practice, guidelines, or recommendations derived from their research.

Structure and Detailed Task Descriptions

1. Research Context

   a. Abstract Provide a concise(100–150 word) summary of the study ,including background, objectives, methodology, key findings, and contribution. Written last but placed first.

   b. Introduction Present the research problem, its significance, and objectives. Clearly define the research scope and explain the anticipated contribution to theory or practice. Research question must be stated here.

2. Research Methods

Describe the methodology used in the research, including data sources, analysis techniques, and validation methods. Importantly, provide details on the systematic review steps in this section.

3. Literature Review

Conduct a comprehensive and critical synthesis of academic and professional literature.

A strong literature review:

• Identifies, compares, and critiques existing work, models, and empirical studies.
• Highlights conceptual gaps that your research addresses.
• Positions your contribution in relation to established knowledge.

Avoids imply summarizing articles; focus on analysis and synthesis, rather than authors.

4. Research Findings

a. Results

Present analyzed findings logically and clearly (e.g., themes, patterns).Provide tables, figures, or diagrams where appropriate.

b.Discussion

Interpret the results in the context of your research question and literature. Discuss their implications for theory, practice, or policy. Describe the new framework, model, best- practice or guidelines developed as an outcome of the study. Explain how it builds on or extends existing knowledge. Use self-developed visual aids (e.g., conceptual diagrams) where appropriate.

c. Conclusion

Summarize the major findings, highlight contributions to the field, and suggest directions for future research.

5. References

List all sources cited using the Adapted Harvard referencing style. Ensure citations are current, credible, and relevant to the topic area. All cited references must be included in the reference list, and all listed references must have been cited. Page and paragraph numbers must be included in citations, and URLS to references must be included in reference list. Only open-source material scan be used. No fake referencing. Provide 15 to 20 references.

Note: although you may reuse some materials from your research proposal in your final report (e.g. in the introduction section), reused information must extensively rephrased (except for title, problem statement, research question and objectives).Simply copying and pasting your own work is Self-Plagiarism which classify as academic misconduct.