The aim of the programme is to provide you with the ability to independently plan and carry out advanced research and to present and disseminate research results both within and beyond the academic sphere.
The purpose of doctoral studies in information systems is, by definition, to provide education to researcher level within the field of study. This means that a considerable part of the doctoral studies is constituted by training in the conduct of research. In order to acquire good research skills, it is necessary that the doctoral student carries out, under supervision, various research tasks (preferably in project form). It is for this reason necessary that the doctoral student learns to define, describe, report, critically examine, discuss and defend the results of research, not only in writing but also orally, in different ways and for different target groups. It is important that the doctoral student also develops during the studies other skills that are significant for a future career as researcher. Examples of such skills are: participation in the assessment of manuscripts for scientific journals, and those submitted to or presented at scientific conferences and seminars, the organisation of conferences and seminars, writing research plans, applications for research funding and collaboration agreements, and contact with research funding bodies and organisations, not least in interaction with more practically oriented work.
The field of research: information systems
The field of research, information studies, explore the work of people to develop and modify IT-based information systems in operational use and in society, and the possible effects that arise in this connection on people, organisations and society. This comprises theory, perspectives, strategies and policies, models, methods, working methods used during digitalisation, and IT tools (digital resources) with respect to systems development. Various situations centred around development and change can be studied, such as planning/governance/co-ordination, analysis/inquiry/specification, procurement, structuring, design, introduction, evaluation, administration/further development, replacement and discontinuation of information systems, and interaction with other forms of operational development. IT-based information systems that are studied within the field of research may be part of larger infrastructure and shared resources. They may also be of a more independent nature or packaged in various ways, one example of which is in the form of services. The subject also investigates the preconditions of digitalisation and its results, such as in studies of the application and consequences of information systems that result from systems development, or as a necessary condition for change and the further development of systems.
Forms of work
Doctoral studies within information systems is based on a number of long-term research themes and in robust and relevant research projects included in these themes. Doctoral studies encompass a learning process, that includes research projects, advanced courses, seminar series, participation in international and Swedish conferences, and research collaboration. The principal task of doctoral studies is to write a thesis, in the form of scientific articles or a coherent scientific analysis in the form of a monograph.
Career opportunities after graduation
The aim of doctoral studies in information systems is to prepare for a professional career as an independent researcher or for advanced work in education, investigation, or development where research skills within information systems are important.
