Building on their knowledge of research methods and their interest in a particular aspect of information technology this assessment enables students to put this knowledge into practice. It will clearly illustrate whether a student is prepared to undertake a substantial research project (dissertation or thesis). It also provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in presenting and defending a proposal in a group setting.

Students will select an issue of interest and will discuss the general topic area with staff involved in the Research Methods paper (this must be done by Thursday 25 September). After selecting a particular research topic, students will determine the aims and objectives of their project. They will indicate its importance and relevance to information technology research and/or practice. A critical assessment of the contemporary research literature on the topic will then be carried out. An appropriate research question should then be identified, together with the proposed research methodology and its constituent methods. Full justification for the chosen methods and methodology must be provided.