Some aspects of methodology for research in information systems

Abstract

A prerequisite for conducting sound academic research in information systems is to understand the research process – how to identify a suitable research problem, how to create a theoretical conjecture and hypotheses, how to collect data and how to test and analyse them. An appreciation of these issues is essential before any professional research may be conducted either for general academic publication or for a higher degree. This paper discusses, in general terms, the nature of academic research and how the scientific method is used in practice. It identifies three major categories of research and explains the steps which the research needs to follow if a claim is to be made that a significant addition has been made to the collection of knowledge. Easy to follow flow charts showing the necessary stages in the research process are supplied.