CS2079A Coursework (2007-08) Task 2: Literature review
Specification of task 2
You will write a literature review on a theme related to the module. You must choose one of the topics from the list given below. Each topic combines several themes from the module. Make sure that you read the marking scheme carefully to understand how to do well at this task.
Topic 1: IT acceptance
Review the organisational and individual factors that can affect acceptance of IT/IS. Possible themes include:
· IT effects on individual jobs
· Power to resist IT change
· Personality and gender and IT acceptance / use
· Cross cultural differences in IT acceptance / use
Topic 2: Organisational structure
Review the relationship between organisational structure and IS implementations. Possible themes include:
· how IS enables alternative organisational structures (such as virtual teams)
· how IS enables distribution of work across physical and cultural space
· does IS encourage centralisation or decentralisation of power?
· what impact does IS have on organisational effectiveness via its effect on structure?
· what is the impact on individual workers?
Topic 3: Job design
Review the effects of IS/IT on the design of jobs within organisations. Possible themes include:
· whether IT leads to skilling or deskilling
· effects of computerised performance monitoring (CPM)
· job characteristics of IT-based jobs and effects on motivation, stress etc.
· organisational power shifts as a result of IT implementation
Whichever topic you choose, your review must be based upon relevant, original, primary research literature (published in academic journals or conferences). Around five such research articles should be described and evaluated as part of your review.
Word limit, formatting and submission information
Reviews must be no longer than 2500 words (excluding tables, figures and references). It is important to note that if the word limit is exceeded, only the first 2500 words will be taken into account in marking.
Tasks must be formatted according to the ISC template (see ISC student handbook on u-Link); references must be Harvard format. All tasks must be submitted via u-Link in either Word or pdf format (other file types will not be accepted).
Guidance on preparing task 2
You will begin the task by searching for relevant articles from the literature. You may use articles which have been discussed in seminars where relevant and you can also use articles that have been referenced in lectures. You may refer to the paper you reviewed in task 1 but this will not count as one of the articles reviewed in terms of the marking scheme. You are also expected to locate additional material through the use of online library systems and academic search engines. The marking for task 2 will take into account how well you have been able to locate relevant literature.
The title of your review should make it clear which topic you are addressing. The review you write should be well structured. There should be an introduction which explains the context of the review (i.e. it is concerned with the interaction between technology and organisational behaviour) and gives an overview of the structure of the report. The main body of the review should draw upon the research papers you have chosen in order to develop an overall argument. Make sure that you cite (using the Harvard citation system) and summarise the relevant articles you have found, providing the appropriate amount of detail to support your case (note that you do not need to describe all articles at the same level of detail). Also make sure that all of your descriptions are accurate (otherwise you will fail the first learning outcome of the module). Make sure that at least one of your research descriptions describes the research method used in the paper (this is needed to pass the second learning outcome of the module). If possible try to avoid treating each separate article as a separate section. Instead try to integrate your discussion of different papers, for instance you might describe two similar papers in the same paragraph. The review should end with a conclusion based on all the work that you have reviewed. There should be a reference list in Harvard format that shows full details of all the papers that you have cited in the review. If you use figures or tables within your review these must be numbered, have a title and be referred to in the text.
Assessment of task 2
Reviews will be marked against the following Pass / Fail criteria:
1. the review analyses and accurately describes some research which addresses the relationship between information systems and organisational behaviour [Learning Outcome 1]
2. the review illustrates, in the context of the articles described, the use of at least one research approach commonly applied in the organisational context [Learning Outcome 2]
Your overall grade for the module will depend on the outcome of both task 1 and task 2. This is explained in more detail in the module marking scheme. Make sure that you read this carefully. If there is anything you don’t understand please ask the module team for advice. There will be ample opportunity to discuss the coursework in seminar classes.
Special note on correct citation style
Submitted work will automatically be deemed to have failed the learning outcomes if it is found to contain any of the following:
1. Direct quotes from any published source, presented without the appropriate use of quotation marks and adequate referencing
2. Paraphrased material from any published source presented without an appropriate citation and reference
3. Paraphrased material from more than three consecutive sentences in a published source
Points 1 and 2 are, of course, already explicitly prohibited by the University regulations on plagiarism (which also prohibit copying material from your fellow students or the internet).
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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