MIS773 Research Seminar in Information Systems
Department of Management Information Systems
College of Business - University of Nevada Las Vegas
Spring 2014
General Information
Instructor:
Phone:
Course URL:
Class time:
Office hours:
Dr. Jerry Cha-Jan Chang
BEH 323
Office:
895-3287
jchang@unlv.nevada.edu
E-Mail:
www.unlv.edu/faculty/jchang/teaching.html
Thursdays 7:00 -- 9:45 pm at BEH 239
Thursdays 5:00 -- 6:50 pm, other times, by appointment
Course Description
Survey a range of historic and current research in IS to understand current problems of interest to the field of
Management Information Systems and methods used to address them. Prerequisite: MBA730.
The Scope - Computer data analysis for IS managers
Information system executives are required to justify technology investment in terms of its impact on the
individual and organization. Scientific approaches to problem formulation, problem solving, decision
rationalization, and outcome assessment are replacing hunches and guesswork.
Students in this course will learn research questions and research methods in management information systems.
They will learn when and how to use state of the art computer software to perform data analysis and propose
solutions for problems of information systems research and practice.
MIS faculty research projects will be presented to help students understand the range of research opportunities.
Each student will write a term paper that is based on literature review of a specific IS topic; this literature review
could be used as the base for potential thesis project.
Required Text Book
No textbook assigned. Course materials will be provided on X\class: (old L:) drive weekly as needed.
Recommended texts
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SPSS Survival Manual, by Julie Pallant. http://www.amazon.com/SPSS-Survival-Manualebook/dp/B005FHEQFS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330618089&sr=8-2
Proposals that Work: A Guide for Planning Dissertations and Grant Proposals, (5th Ed.) by Locke,
Spirduso, and Silverman (Sage Publications).
Research in Information Systems: a handbook for research supervisors and their students, edited by
David Avison and Jan Pries-Heje (Elsevier).
Business Research Methods by Cooper and Schindler (McGraw Hill Irwin)
Multivariate Data Analysis by Hair, Anderson, Tatham, and Back (Prentice Hall).
Multivariate Analysis of Variance by Bray and Maxwell (Sage Publications).
Research for Decision Making by Davis and Cosenza (Kent Publishing).
Business Research Methods by Emory and Cooper (Irwin).
Cognitive objectives
After completing this course, students should be able to:
1. Explain in non-technical language the importance of data analysis to MIS research and practice
2. Explain in non-technical language findings of a research project to an executive audience
3. Explain important current MIS research questions
4. Explain important steps in designing a research project
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Explain principles of multivariate data analysis and when to use it
Explain the role of computer software in research and data analysis
Describe some of the most frequently used data analysis techniques
Describe examples of some of the most frequently used data analysis techniques such as factor analysis
Compare and contrast reliability and validity of research instruments
Explain common method variance and its impact on validity testing
Demonstrate the use of some of the most widely used validity techniques
Demonstrate the use of computer software for MIS research
Compare and contrast positive, interpretive, and action research
Compare and contrast exploratory research and confirmatory research
Apply creative methods to problems in professional work
Compare and contrast methods taught in class
Describe ethics in writing and publication
Describe important components of a research proposal
Explain important steps in developing successful project proposals
Select advisors and ideas for a research thesis
Explain important steps for successful completion of a research project
Prepare a proposal for a research project
Study hints
Different people study and learn differently. I would expect this course will help you think analytically about
problems of IT research and practice and prepare you to explain complex ideas simply and accurately. You will
not need to memorize any material in this course. However, to be successful, you should:
1. Ask questions when you don’t understand the material
2. Treat the in-class exercises as a learning experience
3. Jointly work on the assignments
4. Take notes during class and soon after class review your notes and:
a. Translate material into your own words
b. Find and correct errors; ask me, no later than next class, to clarify issues
c. Summarize key ideas if not done by me in class
d. Link material to previously learned material covered in class
e. Link material to your work and life experience
5. To turn class material and discussion into your own words will take time. This is active learning and is
more important than passively reading the text or handouts.
6. Apply what you learn in class; work in teams to develop problems and use computer software to find
solutions to those problems.
7. Make sure your findings make intuitive sense in the context of the original problem.
Policies and procedures
Attendance - I don’t take attendance. If you miss a class, make sure you get the information that you missed from
your classmates or from me prior to the next class. Notify me at least one class prior to anticipated absences due
to religious holidays.
Audio/Visual Recording - Electronic recording of lectures is prohibited unless receiving prior approval from me.
Approval will be granted only for self-study purposes.
Exam and Quiz - Except for documented emergencies, no late or makeup exams and quizzes will be given. Exams
will be based on material from articles, handouts, and class discussions.
Assignment - Late assignments will be discounted 10% from the maximum number of points per school day.
Telephone - Points will be deducted from your grade each time your mobile phone rings during class or each time
you talk on a telephone during class.
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Performance Assessment
Student performance evaluation is based on class participation, short papers, two data analysis reports, one
midterm exam, and a term paper:
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Class Participation – 15 points
Class participation involves participation during lectures and class discussions. Here are some additional
pointers regarding participation:
If you almost never speak out in class or miss several classes, you will receive a participation grade
of 5 or lower. If you rarely say anything inspired, your participation grade will be in the 5-10 range
(depending on how “occasionally” and how well prepared you are). “Inspiration” - the path to a “15”
participation grade – involves such actions as:
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applying conceptual material from the readings or the lectures
doing outside reading and applying it in the discussion
integrating comments from previous students
reaching back to something said previously in the discussion that is pertinent to the discussion at
the moment
taking substantive issue with a classmate’s analysis
pulling together material from several places in the cases and readings
drawing parallels from previous cases and readings
tying in briefly an experience you have had that is relevant to the discussion
generally demonstrating that you have carefully read the assigned readings
not dominating class discussion
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Short paper – 10 points
Preparing for class is important. Therefore, you are required to thoroughly read the assigned materials and
submit a short report (a few paragraphs but no more than one page) on the readings before each class sessions
that have reading assignments. Each relevant report is worth 1 point up to total of 10 points. The short reports
are due by mid-night Wednesday. Late submissions will not receive any credit. The content of the reports
should include at least two of the following:
a. What is the main theme of each reading?
b. What do you agree or disagree with each reading?
c. What would you do differently with each reading?
d. What questions do you like to discuss from each reading?
e. What other research would you propose based on each of the reading?
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Data analysis reports – two reports, 15 points each
Management information systems questions will be discussed and analyzed using survey data. You will learn
data analysis by example and by doing. You are encouraged to work with others to discuss and explore
research questions, but also develop your independence for thinking and analysis. Develop your critical
thinking skills and learn to learn; you will not be able to learn everything in a course or in a degree program.
Information technology changes rapidly and self-training is often the only option. This course includes
tutorials that demonstrate the application of a frequently used computer tool for data modeling and analysis.
You will have the option of using any software tool that will perform modeling and analysis discussed in this
course. You will be given assignments that require you to (1) demonstrate the application of a data modeling
and analysis tool and (2) interpret results in the context of a research question using survey data. The data
analysis methods covered in the reports include: descriptive statistics, data manipulations, means comparison,
hypothesis testing, correlations, multiple regression, factor analysis, reliability analysis, and statistical
inferences.
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
Term paper – 30 points
The term paper is for each of you to develop a research proposal. The purpose of this term paper is to
carefully read, synthesize, and present related literature on a specific topic and to define potential research
questions. Your term paper must include the following: (1) identify general problem domain; (2) provide a
comprehensive review of the literature for that problem domain; (3) define potential research question(s) in
that domain that you plan to investigate; (4) describe possible method(s) to be used in that project, and (5)
expected resources required to complete the project. The orientation of the research proposal can be either
practitioner or academic. A practitioner research proposal is for a research project that you believe the
research results would be helpful to your organization and you need to secure resources from your
organization to carry it out. The purpose of an academic research proposal is to help students develop their
Master’s thesis proposal. You should survey research interests and research projects of MIS faculty and
discuss with them research ideas to help you with your literature review task. The deadline for submission is
the week of presentations. You are encouraged to turn in drafts of your term paper for feedback.
Academic Misconduct – Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community;
all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility and
professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Academic
Misconduct Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students enrolling
in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UNLV’s function as an
educational institution.
An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the words or ideas of another, from the
Internet or any source, without proper citation of the sources. See the Student Academic Misconduct Policy
(approved December 9, 2005) located at: http://studentconduct.unlv.edu/misconduct/policy.html.
Copyright – The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to
follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of
copyright and fair use laws. The university will neither protect nor defend you nor assume any
responsibility for employee or student violations of fair use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject
you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under University
policies. Additional information can be found at: http://www.unlv.edu/provost/copyright.
Disability Resource Center (DRC) – The UNLV Disability Resource Center (SSC-A 143, http://drc.unlv.edu/,
702-895-0866) provides resources for students with disabilities. If you feel that you have a disability, please make
an appointment with a Disabilities Specialist at the DRC to discuss what options may be available to you.
If you are registered with the UNLV Disability Resource Center, bring your Academic Accommodation Plan
from the DRC to me during office hours so that we may work together to develop strategies for implementing the
accommodations to meet both your needs and the requirements of the course. Any information you provide is
private and will be treated as such. To maintain the confidentiality of your request, please do not approach me
before or after class to discuss your accommodation needs.
Religious Holidays Policy – Any student missing class quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work
because of observance of religious holidays shall be given an opportunity during that semester to make up missed
work. The make-up will apply to the religious holiday absence only. It shall be the responsibility of the student to
notify the instructor no later than the end of the first two weeks of classes, January 31, of his or her intention to
participate in religious holidays which do not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not
apply in the event that administering the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship
on the instructor or the university that could not have reasonably been avoided. For additional information, please
visit: http://catalog.unlv.edu/content.php?catoid=4&navoid=164.
Incomplete Grades - The grade of I – Incomplete – can be granted when a student has satisfactorily completed
all course work up to the withdrawal date of that semester/session but for reason(s) beyond the student’s control,
and acceptable to the instructor, cannot complete the last part of the course, and the instructor believes that the
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student can finish the course without repeating it. A student who receives an I is responsible for making up
whatever work was lacking at the end of the semester. If course requirements are not completed within the time
indicated, a grade of F will be recorded and the GPA will be adjusted accordingly. Students who are fulfilling an
Incomplete do not register for the course but make individual arrangements with the instructor who assigned the I
grade.
Tutoring – The Academic Success Center (ASC) provides tutoring and academic assistance for all UNLV
students taking UNLV courses. Students are encouraged to stop by the ASC to learn more about subjects offered,
tutoring times and other academic resources. The ASC is located across from the Student Services Complex
(SSC). Students may learn more about tutoring services by calling (702) 895-3177 or visiting the tutoring web site
at: http://academicsuccess.unlv.edu/tutoring/.
UNLV Writing Center – One-on-one or small group assistance with writing is available free of charge to UNLV
students at the Writing Center, located in CDC-3-301. Although walk-in consultations are sometimes available,
students with appointments will receive priority assistance. Appointments may be made in person or by calling
895-3908. The student’s Rebel ID Card, a copy of the assignment (if possible), and two copies of any writing to
be reviewed are requested for the consultation. More information can be found at: http://writingcenter.unlv.edu/
Rebelmail – By policy, faculty and staff should e-mail students’ Rebelmail accounts only. Rebelmail is UNLV’s
official e-mail system for students. It is one of the primary ways students receive official university
communication such as information about deadlines, major campus events, and announcements. All UNLV
students receive a Rebelmail account after they have been admitted to the university. Students’ e-mail prefixes are
listed on class rosters. The suffix is always @unlv.nevada.edu.
Grading Policy
Point distributions
Class participation
15%
Short papers
10%
Data analysis reports
30%
Midterm Exams
15%
Term paper
30%
Total
100%
Grading scales
Above 90%
A- to A
80 - 89.99%
B- to B+
70 - 79.99%
C- to C+
60 - 69.99%
D- to D+
Below 60%
F
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Tentative Course Schedule*
Week
Dates
Topics
Readings & Assignments
1
Jan. 23
Introduction, Statistics review
2
Jan. 30
Proposal development
3
Feb. 6
What is research
4
Feb. 13
Guest speaker (Prof. Reza Torkzadeh)
5
Feb. 20
Practitioner research
Week 5 readings
Term project topic due
6
Feb. 27
Academic research
Week 6 readings
7
Mar. 6
Understanding research
Week 7 readings
8
Mar. 13
Research methodologies
Week 8 readings, Report I due,
Assign Mid-term exam
9
Mar. 20
10
Mar. 27
11
Week 3 readings
Assign report I
Spring Break
Research in IS
Mid-term exam due, Week 10
readings, Assign report II
Apr. 3
Measurement research
Week 11 readings
Draft term paper due
12
Apr. 10
Empirical research
Week 12 readings
13
Apr. 17
Experimental research (Prof. Han-fen Hu)
Week 13 readings
14
Apr. 24
Case research (Prof. Sutirtha Chatterjee)
Week 14 readings
15
May. 1
Presentation and discussion of term papers
Report II due
16
May. 8
Presentation and discussion of term papers
Term paper due May 12 7:00 am
17
May. 15
No Final Exam
* Check for updates to course schedule on the course web site regularly!
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