Systems Research   [Archived Catalog]
2018-2019 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Spring Addendum
   

RES 1160 - Systems Research


This is a Level 2 research course, introducing methodologies which are consistent with systemic approaches to understanding organizations.  It is designed with reference to the primary text, A Guide to Systems Research, which is itself designed around an eight-part model reflective of participatory action research.  The goal is to understand how systems change and evolve within the context of their environments.  As a Level 2 research course, a research proposal and IRB application are usually expected, in order to complete a small research study utilizing the chosen methodology.  It is also acceptable to propose a theoretical model of an existing or future system, using the concepts introduced in the course. 

Students embarking on this course have identified a possible research question and application that can benefit from a systemic research approach.  Working closely with the instructor, they design a systems-based research methodology for your chosen application, define the situation and describe why a systems approach is appropriate, and clearly identify the structure of systems research methods that you will use.  Students must also consider: How will you model the system? How will you include other people and use qualitative and quantitative methods to develop the model? 

Based on the chosen application, student and instructor will agree upon the appropriate reading material to support the proposal and final research report. (Ph.D. program only) Prerequisite(s): Completion of RES 1015 . 3 credit(s)