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Regis University & National University of Ireland, Galway
School of Computer & Information SciencesSchool of Computer & Information Sciences
Syllabus
COURSE TITLE: Thesis Fundamentals
COURSE NUMBER: MCT 624
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Assists students in developing a thesis topic working under an approved research director.
PREREQUISITE COURSES:
MCT609/MCT 619, MCT610, MCT611, MCT613, MCT614, and MCT 615.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Synthesize the MScSED Thesis Process.
2. Critique research articles and discuss the scholarly research merits of each.
3. Critically evaluate a body of literature that leads to an IT research problem.
4. Construct a research problem (thesis statement) based on research literature review.
5. Defend a logical and sound argument related to thesis topic.
6. Evaluate the research method used to conduct a research study.
7. Explain thesis research study assertions, methodology, success criteria.
8. Synthesize your thesis research findings thus far to evaluate how each article relates to thesis
research problem or research question.
9. Describe the use ethical human subject research techniques for primary research (required for
Regis University advised students only).
10. Develop an effective project plan for the Thesis Process.
11. Explain how the literature addresses a research problem or research questions for thesis topic
area.
12. Apply graduate thesis writing style and guidelines.
COURSE MATERIALS:
Required Texts:
Locke, L., Silverman, S., & Spirduso, W. (2010). Reading and Understanding Research (3rd
edition). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.
Required Resources:
American Psychological Association (current edition). APA Publication Manual. Retrieved from
http://www.apastyle.org/.
Ellis, T. J., & Levy, Y. (2006). A Systems Approach to Conduct an Effective Literature Review
in Support of Information Systems Research. Nova Southeastern University. Informing
Science Journal Volume 9, 2006. Retrieved from
http://www.scs.ryerson.ca/aferworn/courses/CP8101/CLASSES/ConductingLiteratureRe
view.pdf.
Ellis, T. J., & Levy, Y. (2008). Framework of Problem-Based Research: A Guide for Novice
Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem. Nova Southeastern
University. Retrieved from http://www.inform.nu/Articles/Vol11/ISJv11p017033Ellis486.pdf.
Library Tutorials*:
NUIG Library Tutorials - Writing, Referencing & Avoiding Plagiarism (WRAP) which contains
resources from NUIG Library, IT Online programme, as well as other universities (e.g. Purdue's
OWL). See http://www.nuigalway.ie/wrap/.
Regis University Library Tutorials see
http://legacysite.regis.edu/library.asp?page=research.tutorials.
Technology Tools:
Minimum Technology Requirements: http://www.regis.edu/CPS/CPS-Student-Portal/College-forProfessional-Studies/Academic-Resources/Online-Learning/System-Requirements.aspx
Optional Materials:
None
PRE-ASSIGNMENT:
1. Locke et al, Part 1: The Nature and Uses of Research Reports
2. Review:
 -Regis University Library Tutorials
AND
 -NUIG Library Tutorials
RELATED STANDARDS
None
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Please note that this course is Pass/No Pass. Check with your facilitator if you need more
information.
Shared Course
Since this MCT 624 Thesis Fundamentals course is a shared course between Regis University (RU) and
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), each has a thesis process and related assignments that are
somewhat different between the universities. Therefore, you will be instructed by your facilitator for
specific required assignments for RU-advised students, or for NUIG-advised students.
Please check with your facilitator for additional required assignments.
Please note that the table below includes the discussion activities that are required and common amongst
the two universities. Your facilitator will provide points or percentages for all assignments.
Week
Title
Readings/Resources
Discussions
Introductions – due by Wednesday of
Week 1
Thesis Process – Steps 1 & 2 – Idea Paper Submit to Thesis Advisor
1
MScSED
Graduate Thesis
Process
Read: Locke et al.
(2010) Part 1: The
Nature and Uses of
Research Reports
Thesis Process – Step 3. Thesis Statement
(draft) - begin
Article Critiques Assignment 1 (two
articles provided) & Discussion
2
Identifying Your
Thesis Research
Problem
3
Telling the
Research Story
4
Working with
Your Thesis
Research
Problem
Article Critique Assignment 2 on Thesis
Topic (begin)
Article Critique Assignment 2 – selected
article on Thesis Topic -–Discussion
Ellis & Levy (2008).
See Required Resources
Thesis Process – Step 3. Thesis Statement
above.
(draft) - Submit to Thesis Advisor
Research References Exercise &
Discussion
Ellis & Levy (2006).
Peer Review of Thesis Statement
See Required Resources
(draft) & Discussion
above.
Annotated Bibliography versus
Literature Review Discussion
Locke, et al. (2010) Part Research Problem Discussion
2 Quantitative Research
Thesis Process – Step 3. Thesis Statement –
Review Ellis & Levy
Submit to Thesis Advisor
(2008) article from
Week 2.
Thesis Process - Step 4. Thesis Proposal
5
6
Investigating
Research
Methodologies
Design Science
Research Ethics
7
Project Plan
Locke et al. (2010) Part
3 Qualitative Research
Select one –
Design Science
Articles, eBook,
or white paper
from list provided
(see Week 6 ToDo List page)
Regis University
(RU)-advised students
ONLY -Human
Subject Research in
Qualitative Research
Studies (Responsible
Conduct of Research
Course (RCR)
module)
(draft) - Begin
Evaluate Research Articles - Quantitative
or Qualitative - Discussion
Thesis Process – Step 4 - Thesis Proposal
(draft) – Submit to Thesis Advisor
Design Science Critique & Discussion
Peer Reviews of Thesis Proposal Drafts
Logical Fallacies versus Sound Judgments
Exercise & Discussion
Project Plan – AND Submit Thesis
Proposal to Thesis Advisor
Literature Review - Begin
Course Reflections Discussion – facilitator
lead
Approved Thesis
Proposal
None
8
Course
Reflections
Peer Review of final Thesis Proposal –
Complete by Wednesday
Thesis Process – Step 4. (Final)
APPROVED Thesis Proposal – Due
Literature Review – Due
University Policies
Regis University (RU) Policies (links):
You will be asked to enter a valid Regis University UserID and password to access the following policies.
Academic Integrity
Attendance Participation
Confidential Proprietary Information Policy
Dayton Memorial Library
Diversity
Equal Access and Disability Services
Human Subjects Review (IRB)
Inclement Weather and Class Cancellation
Late or Incomplete Course Procedures
Learner Conduct
Writing Assistance
OTHER INFORMATION:
NOTE TO LEARNERS: On occasion, the course facilitator may, at his or her discretion, alter the
Learning Activities shown in this Syllabus. The alteration of Learning Activities may not, in any way,
change the Learner Outcomes or the grading scale for this course as contained in this syllabus. Examples
of circumstances that could justify alterations in Learning Activities could include number of learners in
the course; compelling current events; special facilitator experience or expertise; or unanticipated
disruptions to class session schedule.