Preparing Postgraduate Students for Industry without neglecting scholarly development: Using Project- Based Learning and Design Science Research to develop a Software Artefact

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2195_CSEIT16.27

Authors: Eduan Kotzé, Roelien Goede

Abstract: Degree programs in information technology should serve the needs of two diverse stakeholders. The ever changing information technology industry requires students who are ready to contribute to the organisation. Universities, on the other hand, require information technology students, who have a sound scholarly background, to enrol for postgraduate studies in information systems, computer science and other related disciplines. The aim of this paper is to provide guidelines for an instructional design of a Projects module in a fourth year graduate programme that will prepare students for both industry and academic environment. The instructional design is based on the principles of project-based learning since the nature of the information technology industry work is project based. In order to ensure students’ scholarly development they implement design science research methodology when they develop a software artefact. The software artefact development aids in their preparation for industry while their implementation of especially the knowledge management aspect of design science research assists their scholarly development. The paper provides guidelines for the instructional design of such a project module and provides a brief illustration. The illustration is a report on a student project done using the proposed instructional design.

Keywords: Project-based learning; Design science research; Project module; Information technology education