Theoretical Foundations of Information Systems

On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• describe the theoretical foundations of contemporary information systems (IS) research
• discuss the relationship between key theoretical approaches and research methodology, ontology, and epistemology
• evaluate the appropriateness and usability of these approaches in relation to his/her own research interests in information systems
• discuss the relationship and impact of theories in relation to his/her dissertation topic
• compare, appraise and critique theoretical/conceptual frameworks on the relationship between information technology (IT) and organization
• characterize and compare various traditions of information systems research

The objective of this course is to provide a theoretical foundation for research in information systems. The course will introduce students to the major influential theories and current research streams in the field of information systems. The course will provide participants with understanding of the micro and macro perspectives on the utilization of information technology and information systems, and the mutual relationship between information systems and organizational and social structure and behaviour.

• The role of theory in IS research
• The concept of IT/IS artefacts as the core of the IS discipline
• Examples of influential theories in IS research and their ontological, epistemological and methodological assumptions and implications
• Theories on IT and organizational change, innovation and strategy
• Theories on global issues in IS

• Lectures (intensive two- week period)
• Each session has compulsory readings and readings for discussion assigned. Students will be assigned specific papers to read and discuss with the class.
• Interactive seminar after each lecture
• Individual study of the literature and reflection
• Writing term paper
• Supervision and feedback by the teachers on term papers

The students will be evaluated based on a term paper in which they introduce one or more selected theoretical approaches and reflect on these related to their dissertation research.

The term paper will be graded as pass or fail, where pass is equivalent to a grade B or better. In addition to the examination, students will be asked to read and present papers during the lecture sessions. This participation is compulsory and will be taken into consideration in the finalization of the grade.