Research Orientation Handbook for Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems

Research integration is a key component of the MSc CIS program. After completion of the foundation and core courses, MSc CIS students need to synthesize what they have learned. For their research integration, students can select one of the following routes: thesis, project, or essay. COMP 600 is zero-credit course that is designed to provide an orientation as well as a head start for completing the research integration.

In COMP 600, students will work with their supervisor to develop a research plan where they define the research question and eventual hypothesis, identify needed resources, outline the literature review, identify research deliverables, elaborate research schedule, and submit research ethics application if needed. This course serves as both an orientation to research as well as an opportunity to complete the initial tasks of the research before starting the next courses of the thesis (COMP 676), project (COMP 697), or essay (COMP 696). For more information about each of the routes, check the Thesis Handbook, Project Handbook, and Essay Handbook.

Step 1. Mini-Proposal

Research work formally begins after the student has completed their foundation and core courses. However, the student is encouraged to begin the process of identifying a research focus area, a research topic, and a prospective supervisor when they enter the program. A research topic may be based on the research topic identified in COMP 695 or can come from the student’s workplace or personal interest, interactions with the SCIS faculty members, and/or the research topics list. The student may also propose a new research topic not listed in the suggested topics and contact the faculty members listed in the program faculty profiles.

Before enrolling in COMP 600, the student should identify a supervisor and submit a mini-proposal using the MSc CIS Mini-Proposal Template (see Appendix A).

If a prospective supervisor does not agree to act as the supervisor, the student must either modify the mini-proposal in accordance with the prospective supervisor’s recommendations for resubmission, submit the mini-proposal to another potential supervisor, or write a new mini-proposal.

If the student cannot find a prospective supervisor, they should submit the mini-proposal to the program director. The program director will review the mini-proposal and will assist the student in finding a supervisor.

Notes:

1. The effort expended in writing the mini-proposal (literature review, interactions with the program director, and the presentation of the mini-proposal to prospective supervisors) are not factors that impact the acceptance or rejection of the mini-proposal.
2. The mini-proposal (and each step in the research process) is the individual student’s responsibility, and the onus is on the student to demonstrate that the proposed investigation is worthy of being deemed master’s level research.
3. After the supervisor approves the mini-proposal, its content, such as methods, tasks, or goals, is still changeable. Anything in the mini-proposal can be changed if both the supervisor and the student mutually agree during the period of the research.

Step 2. Registration

Along with evidence that the student has completed all the credits necessary to take COMP 600, the student should submit the mini-proposal along with approval from their supervisor to the program director before final registration in the course can be approved.

Step 3. Research Plan

The structure of the research work to be completed during COMP 600 is subject to agreement between the student and their supervisor. The nature and amount of research work (research scoping, literature review etc.) to be completed at this stage may vary depending on the route (thesis, project, or essay) and on the research planning agreed upon between the student and the supervisor. In general, the following research aspects need to be addressed before registering in the second research course.

I. Research Scoping

The purpose of the research scoping is to clearly identify and define research questions or issues that have been introduced in the mini-proposal. The student should clearly identify the research problem or issue to be examined and define any research hypothesis that will be subject to validation following the results analysis. This activity is often the most difficult part for the student to complete. Thus, it is important that the student work closely with the supervisor to refine the research question.

II. Research Initialization

The student, with the help of the supervisor, should explore the viability of the research and identify the research methodology, resources, and support required to complete the research successfully. The student may also discuss the ethics policies and eventually apply for ethics approval if it applies to their research work. The student needs also to review the Graduate Handbook, Graduate Policies and Procedures, as well as the Student Academic Misconduct Policy.

III. Literature Review

The aim of COMP 600 is to provide a head start opportunity for completing the initial tasks of the research. In addition to the research planning, the literature review is in the core of the initial tasks as it allows the student to do the research scoping and grasp different aspects of the research question. The amount of literature to be reviewed at this stage may vary depending on the route (thesis, project, or essay). The student is advised to review the literature on related work as completely as possible. Also, for their research plan and literature review report, the student must adopt one of the following writing styles: APA or IEEE.

1. Student

The research work completed for the integration part of the MSc CIS program is the student’s own and original work, so the student is responsible for all aspects their research work from the planning to the execution as well as management of the work team, which includes supervisors and any other collaborators. The student is also responsible for the research deliverables (reports, programming code, etc.). The responsibilities of the student include

• reviewing and understanding this handbook, the Graduate Handbook, Graduate policies and procedures, as well as the Student Academic Misconduct Policy.
• reviewing and understanding registration and other requirements that apply to their program route for completion of the Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems program.
• becoming familiar with the policies, procedures, and regulations of their graduate studies.
• assessing their own financial needs during the tenure of the graduate program.
• identifying a topic, problem, or issue that will meet the program mission as the basis of the research integration route.
• discussing the research topic, problems, or issues with the supervisor.
• completing the research work, in accordance with the approved proposal and in accordance with the AU ethics policies and the AU Research Integrity Policy.
• adhering to all deadlines and policies regarding registration, withdrawal, work submission, and deadlines established with the supervisor and by the committee.
• self-evaluating progress and productivity throughout the program.
• regularly communicating research progress to the supervisor.
• becoming familiar with the policies regarding research ethics.
• meeting with the supervisor when requested and reporting regularly on progress and results.
• keeping abreast of current literature in the field.
• allowing adequate time for the supervisor or committee to provide comments on written material.
• keeping the supervisor informed on how they can contact you and informing them of any significant changes that may affect the progress of the research.
• keeping a systematic record of research work and results and being prepared to answer questions with respect to progress.
• ensuring both the draft and the final report conform to AU policies and guidelines.

2. Supervisor

The supervisor is charged with the responsibility of mentoring the student throughout the completion of the research work. The supervisor should be an AU faculty member who is a knowledgeable and experienced authority in the research area of the student’s interest. The supervisor is responsible for providing direction and support within reasonable limits in maximizing the possibility that a conscientious and hard-working student will succeed. The supervisor will also be responsible for assembling the supervisory and review committee. The responsibilities of the supervisor are to

• guide the student to identify research topics and develop their research work.
• help the student ensure that their research conforms to the guidance in Ethics Policies, Guidelines, and Permissions.
• provide advice and expertise to the student with their research.
• undertake regular consultations with the student during completion of their research.
• review and provide timely and constructive feedback on the research work.
• consult with other committee members.
• inform the student of conferences and assist the student in preparing an abstract for the conference.
• inform the student of awards/scholarships/research funding in their area of research and assist the student in submitting a strong application.
• determine when the student is ready to proceed to examination.
• lead and arrange for the examination.
• assess completion of the competencies as described in the program learning outcomes.
• communicate the success or failure of the student to the program director.
• circulate copies of the draft reports to the review committee for review and comments.
• produce a written assessment of the student after the final research work has been submitted.

The supervisor may be selected in one of the following ways:

• Faculty members may request that specific graduate students be assigned to them based on mutual research and academic interests.
• Graduate students may request that they be assigned to a specific faculty member.
• The program director may assign students to individual faculty members to ensure that an equitable distribution of work is maintained within the program.

Note that potential supervisors are not obligated to accept a mini-proposal that has been submitted to them for consideration. The reasons for refusing to accept a mini-proposal or to take on the role of supervisor are varied; for example, the supervisor may have limited expertise in the area, the mini-proposal may be weak, or the supervisor may be supervising many students.

3. Committee Members

Academic standards established by the university require that graduate research quality and impartial assessment be guaranteed. So, different committees are used for the review and examination of graduate students’ research work in order to ensure both the quality of the research work as well as the impartial assessment.

Committee members must meet the eligibility criteria requirements and must not be in a position of conflict of interest (AU Policy), such as having been or being currently associated with the student, supervisor, or co-supervisor as a close friend or relative, or be in a commercial, business, or financial relationship. Responsibilities of committee members include

• providing advice and expertise to the student with their research.
• reviewing and providing timely and constructive feedback on the research work.
• consulting with other committee members.
• helping the student ensure that their research conforms to the guidance in Ethics Policies, Guidelines, and Permissions.
• undertaking regular consultations with the student during completion of their research.
• determining when the student is ready to proceed to examination.
• completing the review and assessment of work submitted by the student.
• conducting oral examination where applicable and participating in the adjudication decisions.
• producing a written assessment of the student after the final research work has been submitted.

4. Sponsor

Some research projects are done in collaboration with other partners (industrial, governmental, etc.) in the form of sponsorship. The sponsorship can take different forms, either through financial contribution, or providing access to resources and data for the project or providing other in-kind contribution. If the research involves a sponsor, the student must ensure that the proposal reflects the sponsor’s priorities and constraints. This can be achieved by involving the sponsor in the research development. All areas that involve the sponsor, their subordinates or superiors, or processes that may potentially be out of the ordinary for the normal workflow should be reviewed with the sponsor before the research project is approved to proceed. A qualified member from the sponsoring entity can serve as a co-supervisor or participate as member of the research committees. In addition to the general committee member responsibilities listed above, the sponsor’s responsibilities include

• providing access to resources, data, and equipment promised by the sponsoring entity for the normal completion of the research.
• facilitating the interaction between the student and the sponsoring entity.
• signing a Letter of Agreement that acts as an informal contract between the student and the sponsoring organization.
• fulfilling any commitment by the sponsoring entity needed for the development and implementation of the research as described in the Letter of Agreement.
• advising the student on any sponsor's expectations for the outcome of the research work.

5. Program Director

The program director does not vote unless there is a dispute between the supervisor and the reviewer. The responsibilities of the program director are to

• advise students on the choice of their program integration route.
• advise students on potential supervisors for their research topic.
• arbitrate disputes between the supervisor and other members of the review committee, as required.
• reassign existing or appoint new reviewers, as required.
• ensure both the supervisor and committee members meet the eligibility criteria requirements established by the faculty of graduate studies.
• approve completed assessment when recommended by the supervisor and the review committee, on behalf of the program faculty.
• authorize students to graduate when all program requirements have been satisfied.

6. Changing Supervisor or Committee Members

The student, the supervisor, a committee member, or the program director may initiate changes in the supervisory or the review committee at any time. The changes may be required for the following reasons:

• The student changes their research direction and requires a supervisor with interests more closely aligned to their research interests.
• The student has irreconcilable academic, intellectual, or personal differences with the supervisor or a committee member.
• The supervisor or the committee member is unable to reconcile their academic or personal differences with the student, and to continue would jeopardize the student’s chance of success.
• The supervisor is unable to work with the committee member, or vice versa.
• The supervisor or the committee member becomes ill or unavailable for a long period of time and therefore is unable to complete their functions successfully.
• The supervisor or the committee member is unable to effectively perform their duties.
• Other reasons known to the program director necessitate a change.

A change in the supervisor should have minimum impact on the student’s research. In all cases, the program director should be made aware of the need for any changes in the supervisory or review committee and will, where necessary, undertake an investigation. If the change is deemed necessary, then the program director will assign new members and reform the committee as required.

7. Eligibility Criteria for Supervisor or Committee Members

Academic standards established by the university require that members of a supervisory committee be sufficiently competent and experienced to serve at the required level. The following are the minimum criteria specified by the Master's Study Regulations.

As minimum criteria, a supervisor must normally

• be a full-time, continuing Athabasca University (AU) faculty or academic coordinator, having a tenured (or tenure-track) appointment;
• have experience co-supervising or serving on a supervisory committee;
• be an active researcher in an area relevant to the general area of the student’s research;
• hold a degree equivalent to or higher than that for which the student is a candidate; and
• demonstrate continuing scholarly or creative activity of an original nature as defined in item 3.7.3.b of the Athabasca University Faculty Association (AUFA) Collective Agreement.

As minimum criteria, a committee member must normally

• be an active researcher in an area relevant to the student’s research,
• hold a degree equivalent to or higher than that for which the student is a candidate, and
• demonstrate continuing scholarly or creative activity of an original nature as defined in item 3.7.3.b of the AUFA Collective Agreement.

The research completed in the project should be the student’s original contribution to the investigated problem and research question. AI is a technology that can do tasks that usually require human thinking, so it the responsibility of the student to make sure their original contribution is not tampered by the inappropriate use of AI. The guidelines to consider are as follows:

• AI tools for assisted writing have become accessible and can be helpful for improving the language, grammar, and structure of the text. This type of use is permissible, but the student is responsible for the created content.
• Any use of AI tools beyond assisted proofreading is generally not permitted. If the use of an AI tool beyond assisted proofreading is necessary, it must be discussed with and approved by the supervisor. Such use must be declared, and the AI tool's name and version, the student–AI tool interactions (e.g., prompts and responses), and their corresponding supplemental input materials for the AI tool must be properly documented.
• Generative AI should not be used to create any content such as parts of project reports and proposals.
• Conducting interviews with GenAI tools in lieu of participants or using AI tools for generating datasets is not permissible. Some exceptions are the cases where the project involves such process as part of the conducted research, and AI usage is not tampering with any findings and conclusions that should be derived only from collected data.
• AI tools can be very helpful for conducting research and implementing solutions, but they also come with risks. So, the student should always keep the supervisory committee informed about the used AI tools and have such use documented in the project reports.
• Research that involves developing AI systems should be transparent about automated decisions made by the developed system. The automated decisions need to be documented and explained to the system’s users.

1. Guidelines for Using Human Subjects in Research

A student whose research work involves human subjects must follow the research ethics policies of AU. These policies may require that the student submit an application to the Research Ethics Board (REB) for approval. The student should discuss the research ethics policies and the role of the Research Ethics Board with the supervisor from the outset of the research.

2. Privacy of Information

To comply with the Protection of Privacy Act and to help prevent identity theft, you must redact personal information used in a final report or dissertation. Examples of such information include

• telephone numbers.
• home addresses.
• personal email addresses.
• signatures (in a scanned letter or sample questionnaire).

3. Confidentiality in Research

Students must adhere to corporate, government, or nonprofit organization confidentiality guidelines. They should become thoroughly cognizant of these guidelines before producing a research proposal that involves collaboration or sponsorship with these organizations. Potential research that requires students to restrict their investigative or reporting methods should be avoided, per the Publication of Research Policy.

Some organizations may require nondisclosure agreements, which restrict the use and/or dissemination of specific information that may provide outside organizations with an insight into an organization’s competitive advantage or corporate strategies.

Issues of confidentiality and nondisclosure must be thoroughly explored with collaborating the research sponsor. Nondisclosure agreements or restrictive practices that curb the ability of the student to complete and publish the research should be avoided.

Some examples of restrictive practices are as follows:

1. An organization reserves the right to restrict the type of data that is reported in the final version of the research report.
2. An organization limits distribution of the final version of the research report; therefore, other researchers’ ability to use the research findings is restricted.
3. An organization does not permit the student to describe important data or information in the research report.

4. Intellectual Property (IP)

The completion of a research work may result in the creation of new knowledge, processes, or tools. Ownership of such new knowledge, processes, or tools can often be complicated, especially if the outcome of the research has potential commercial applications. In most cases, the owner of the new knowledge, process, or tool is the originator of the idea (e.g., the student).

Some examples of IP are

• a completed computer program used for training,
• a written report and its supporting data,
• a set of evaluation instruments produced to gather data,
• a database used to collate and analyze data, and
• a video recording.

Note: Ideas are not considered intellectual property until they have been recorded in some medium that others can read, review, touch, and/or see.

Ownership of Intellectual Property

The issue of intellectual ownership becomes difficult when the person conducting a research study is either a paid employee or a paid contractor of the organization that the research is being completed for. In these situations, ownership of any intellectual property should be clarified before the research is undertaken.

Clarifying Ownership

The method of clarifying ownership before a research study is completed could be as simple as a statement in the Letter of Agreement or as complicated as a legally binding research contract.

Research contracts often stipulate that intellectual property (which could be copyrighted) may be jointly owned, and the agency or company participating in the research effort has the authority to exploit the knowledge, processes, or tools for commercial gain.

AU and Intellectual Property

AU holds no claim on the intellectual property produced as a result of the research but may be willing to assist in the patent process. The university will only approve research work that protects the rights of the student to freely publish and defend the results of the research. For regulations and guidelines for intellectual property, refer to this resource.

Copyright and the University

Copyright is the right to copy, distribute, publish, and/or sell all or part of an academic, artistic, or commercial product. The author of an AU research product owns the rights to their product and should claim the copyright on the title page of the final report.

As a condition for the awarding of the degree, the student is required to sign a form giving the university permission to make the research report available for inspection, to copy and circulate the report for scholarly purposes, and to use the material and ideas in the report in the preparation of papers for publication.

At the request of the author and/or where circumstances warrant, a research report may be withheld from circulation for up to one year to allow such activities as patent protection or other legal steps to be completed.

Copyright Permissions

Copyright permission is required for

• a chapter or substantial excerpt from a book or journal.
• material copied from a website.
• screen captures from a website.
• charts and tables.
• images.
• audio or video clips.

For a more comprehensive description of copyrighted material and when permission should be sought, see the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) resource A Guide to Copyright.

Copyright permission is not required for

• anything you write or create.
• short passages or quotes.
• items in the public domain.
• links to websites.
• ideas.
• titles.

Note: Open access materials, such as items licensed under a GNU General Public License or a Creative Commons License, are usually less restrictive and can often be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, provided you acknowledge the source. Carefully review any such license or agreement attached to the works, as copyright requirements can vary. If in doubt, contact the rights holder of the work.

Expediting Copyright Permission Requests

• For materials from published books, journals, online journals, or e-books, submit your permission request to the publisher. Publisher contact information can be found using an online search or a print directory
• For materials taken from a website, submit your permission request to the website administrator
• For unpublished works, submit your request to the author
• For photographs, submit your request to the photographer
• For artistic works, submit your request to the museum or archive that houses it. You may need to obtain permission from the artist as well
• For video clips or audio clips, submit your request to the producer or distributor of the work

If you have difficulty locating a rights holder, contact a copyright collective or the Copyright Board of Canada.

Requesting Copyright Permission

If available, complete and submit the copyright permission form provided on the publisher’s website. Fill out the form as completely as possible; incomplete forms or missing information will delay your request. If you are submitting a copyright permission form online, remember to make and keep a copy for your files. If no online form is available, use the copyright permission letter in Appendix B as your template.

Pending Copyright Permission Requests

Before you can include the cited material in your research work, you must receive written consent from the rights holder via fax, mail, or email. Obtaining rights holder permission can be a lengthy process. Ensure that you allow sufficient time to complete your research with or without the material you want to reproduce. Following up on your initial request often helps to expedite a response from the rights holder. Keep in mind that many publishing houses may not respond to requests for several weeks.

Note: If you are adapting the rights holder’s material in any way, your permission request form must describe how you intend to modify the material.

If you are denied permission to reproduce the requested material, you may want to follow up with the rights holder by requesting further details, elaborating your intended use, or offering to provide a draft for review. If the denial is absolute, you must remove the item from your research work.

Inserting Copyright Acknowledgments

All copyright acknowledgement statements (i.e., credit lines) must appear on the first page where the reproduced material appears in your final report. If the rights holder has not provided such a statement, then include a complete bibliographic citation, plus the phrase “Reproduced with permission.”

Submitting Copyright Agreements

All written responses from copyright holders granting permission for the inclusion of their materials in your report must be submitted along with the final version of your report. Ensure that you make and keep copies of all permission agreements for your files.

The template for the mini-proposal is shown as follows:

Fill in the fields indicated with square brackets. Modify the body of the letter as needed to fit your situation.