MASTER S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Computing

Electronics and Communication Systems Mathematics for Information Technology Work Informatics

http://www.it.utu.fi/mastersprogram/

GENERAL INFORMATION Program description

This program covers many fields in the broad area of information technology, including theoretical, technical and applied subjects. Their common factor is connection to the modern computer and communication technologies. The strength of the program is its versatility, enabling the students to tailor the studies according to their personal interests.

General program structure

The unit used for measuring academic work is a study point (abbreviated sp), conforming to ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). In Finnish the study point is called opintopiste (op). According to the national legislation, and corresponding to the European ‘Bologna’ agreement, the MSc de-gree (in Finnish filosofian maisteri) consists of 120 study points, corresponding to two years of full-time studies. The content of studies varies between tracks. Moreover, a personal study plan will be prepared for every student in order to determine the exact content of his/her studies, depending on the previous education.

If the student holds a polytechnic degree from AMK institutions in Finland, 0-60 study points of additional studies are required. These adadditional studies are NOT included in Master of Science -degree (120 sp). Required additional studies are decided when the personal study plan is created. Additional studies are Bachelor's level studies. The main language of instruction at the Bachelor's level at the Faculty is Finnish and therefore knowledge of Finnish is required for the student not holding a university degree.

Nordic Master School in Innovative ICT

Master’s Degree Programme in Information Technology is part of Nordic Master School in Innova-tive ICT. NMS iICT is one of the pilot projects awarded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and based on joint development of existing Master Programmes (120 sp) at the partner universities, which are Åbo Akademi University, University of Turku, Turku School of Economics, The Royal In-stitute of Technology (Sweden) and Technical University of Denmark (Denmark). NMS iICT fo-cuses on combining world-leading Nordic ICT –related education with basic skills and tools in inno-vation and entrepreneurship.

The student of Master’s Degree Programme in Information Technology can decide her-/himself whether or not s/he wants to participate in Nordic Master School. In order to become a NMS stu-dent, Innovation and Entrepreneurship -module is an obligatory part of studies. The module is de-signed especially for students with technical background, taking into consideration their specific needs and interest for I&E studies. These studies are part of optional studies and form a minor subject (25 sp). Innovation and Entrepreneurship –module is described at the end of this section. In addition to I&E studies, the student can choose to carry out part of her/his major studies in one of the partner universities. Every university offers Core Competence -modules (30 sp), which are based on their special field of know-how. The student can choose one or two of these Core Com-petence –modules according to her/his personal study plan. Mobility is not a compulsory part of studies, but highly recommended.

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TRACKS

Computing Track

The discipline of computing includes the analysis, design, efficiency, implementation and applica-tion of computaapplica-tional processes that describe and transform informaapplica-tion. In practice, computing involves a large set of subjects, ranging from formal, theoretic issues to practical, application-oriented aspects. This study track is divided into the following two fields:

Computer Science belongs to the core of information technology. It builds upon principal fields like models of computation, logic, data structures, algorithms, and programming. On the other hand, it is also a practical study field, with applications in areas like optimization, artificial intelli-gence, computer networks, data analysis and management, information retrieval, digital media, etc. The selection of courses in computer science is wide, and topics of project assignments often come from research or industry.

Software Engineering concentrates on modern programming techniques, architectures, and paradigms. Its goal is to promote good programming practices and high quality in large-scale soft-ware development. Important topics are also development environments, modern application pro-gramming interfaces, user interfaces, operating systems, and distributed applications. Software engineering uses tools of computer science, such as efficient algorithms and data structures. On the other hand, software production can be seen as part of information system development. Requirements for the Computing track

A. Advanced-level studies in the major subject (40 sp)

Advanced-level courses, exercise projects and seminars, specified in the student’s personal study plan.

B. Language, intermediate level and optional studies (40 sp) 1. Language studies (0-5 sp)

All foreign students (whose native language is not Finnish) have to pass Finnish language courses worth at least 5 sp. Courses are arranged by the Language Centre of the university (see the Language Centre study guide, or web-site http://kielikeskus.utu.fi/).

2. Intermediate level studies in the major subject (0-25 sp) are meant for students whose Bachelor’s studies do not fulfill the prerequisites for advanced studies in Computing. Since the intermediate level studies are mainly given in Finnish, these studies are based on litera-ture, on which an examination must be passed. The following topics must be covered, ei-ther in earlier Bachelor’s studies or as intermediate level studies:

• Object-oriented programming • Principles of computer science • Information systems modelling • Data structures and algorithms • Databases

3. Optional studies of the major/minor subjects (10-40 sp): Depending on the student’s spe-cialisation area, the rest of the 40 study points are negotiated when preparing the personal study plan for the student. Also practical training (max 6 sp) can be included in this section. C. Final work (40 sp)

1. Master’s Project (10 sp) 2. Master’s Thesis (30 sp)

The Masters project and thesis are typically related, and represent the practical and theoretical parts of the research task, respectively.

The descriptions of all advanced-level study units of computing, arranged by the IT department of the University of Turku, are presented in the context of the regular Master studies elsewhere in this book. Note especially that the listed courses are not usually given every year, but every second year or more irregularly, as specified for each course, separately. The actual lists of courses given in different semesters appear in the department’s web page (http://www.it.utu.fi/). In addition to these, all courses of TUCS (Turku Centre for Computer Science) are available for the students.

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The set of courses varies from year to year. The latest information can be found from the TUCS web site: http://www.tucs.fi/education/courses/.

Electronics and Communication Systems Track

This study area covers issues on circuit techniques, digital systems, communication algorithms and electronics productization, which are organised to two fields: Microelectronics and Communication and Computer Systems.

Microelectronics field focuses on miniaturisation methodologies in contemporary electronics. These include manufacturing technologies of integrated circuits, packaging of modern very large scale integrated systems, and physical design and integration of high-performance digital and ana-logue systems. The specialization areas are System Circuits and Electronics Productization.

Communication and Computer Systems field focuses on design and implementation techniques of future digital multimedia communication and processing systems. The topics include theory and simulation of communications algorithms, different communications concepts, functional and physical design methodologies for complex digital systems, and different reconfigurable implemen-tation techniques. The three specialization areas are Communication Systems, and Computer Sys-tems.

Requirements for the Electronics and Communication Systems track A. Advanced-level studies in the major subject (40 sp)

Advanced-level courses, exercise projects and seminars, specified in the student’s personal study plan.

2. Intermediate level studies in the major subject (0-25 sp) are meant for students whose Bachelor’s studies do not fulfill the prerequisites for advanced studies in Electronics and Communication Systems. Since the intermediate level studies are mainly given in Finnish, these studies are based on literature, on which an examination must be passed. The follow-ing topics must be covered, either in earlier Bachelor’s studies or as intermediate level studies:

• Communication systems

- Communication system theory - Digital signal processing basics - Communication protocols • Computer systems

- Hardware description languages - Digital circuit design basics - Computer architectures • System circuits

- Analog and Digital circuit design basics • Electronics manufacturing and productization

- Semiconductor physics - Digital circuit design basics

3. Optional studies of the major/minor subjects (10-40 sp): Depending on the student’s spe-cialisation area, the rest of the 40 study points are negotiated when preparing the personal study plan for the student. Also practical training (max 6 sp) can be included in this section.

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C. Final work (40 sp)

1. Master’s Project (10 sp) 2. Master’s Thesis (30 sp)

The Masters project and thesis are typically related, and represent the practical and theoretical parts of the research task, respectively.

The descriptions of all advanced-level study units of electronics and communication systems ar-ranged by the IT department of the University of Turku, are presented in the context of the regular Master studies elsewhere in this book and at the web site of the master’s degree programme. Note especially that the listed courses are not usually given every year, but every second year or more irregularly, as specified for each course, separately. The actual lists of courses given in different semesters appear in the department’s web page (http://www.it.utu.fi/eng/opetus/). In addition to these, all courses of TUCS (Turku Centre for Computer Science) are available for the students. The set of courses varies from year to year. The latest information can be found from the TUCS web site:

http://www.tucs.fi/education/courses/.

Mathematics for Information Technology Track

Mathematics is an old and broad discipline that contains a wide range of areas of specialization within it. The mathematics department of the University of Turku provides education in areas of mathematics that are relevant to computer science. The study track focuses on discrete mathemat-ics and theoretical computer science.

Discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science have long traditions at the University of Turku. Students of the track obtain a broad view in the theoretical foundations of computing and coding of information. Courses are offered in automata theory, combinatorics on words, decidability questions, alternative models of computation (including cellular automata, molecular computing and quantum computing), coding theory and graph theory. The selection of courses varies year to year. The department of mathematics also provides courses on analysis, algebra, and number theory as well as on applied topics.

Requirements for the Mathematics for Information Technology track A. Advanced-level studies in the major subject (50 sp)

Advanced-level courses and seminars, specified in the student’s personal study plan. B. Language, intermediate level and optional studies (40 sp)

1. Language studies (0-5 sp)

2. Intermediate level studies in the major subject (0-25 sp) are meant for students whose Bachelor’s studies do not fulfill the prerequisites for advanced studies in Mathematics. Since the intermediate level studies are mainly given in Finnish, these studies are based on literature, on which an examination must be passed.

3. Optional studies of the major/minor subjects (10-40 sp): Depending on the student’s spe-cialization area, the rest of the 40 study points are negotiated when preparing the personal study plan for the student.

C. Master’s Thesis (30 sp)

The descriptions of advanced-level study units of mathematics, arranged by the mathematics de-partment of the University of Turku, are presented in the context of the regular Master studies elsewhere in this book, at the bulletin boards of the department or at the department's web page (http://www.math.utu.fi/en/studying/

curriculum/). In addition, all courses of TUCS (Turku Centre for Computer Science) are available for the students. The set of courses varies from year to year. The latest information can be found from the TUCS web site: http://www.tucs.fi/education/courses/.

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Work Informatics Track

Work Informatics covers most of the Information Systems area having its focus in work-related as-pects. It reflects all three modalities of work: individual work, collective work and services; and the role of information technology in them. Knowledge in work organisations and changes in them re-ceive particular attention. The core competence is in understanding, analysing and improving the deployment of information technology, to appear during both use and development of information systems in organisations.

The future Masters have their core competence in theoretical and practical understanding of the relationship between IT and work. This gives them readiness to take a wide range of IT-related work roles. These information system experts act as mediators between the systematic world of information technology and the continuously changing environment of human work and activities. Requirements for the Work Informatics track

A. Advanced-level studies in the major subject (40 sp)

The Work Informatics courses, exercise projects and seminars specified in the student's personal study plan. The course themes include knowledge work, group work, organizational implementa-tion of IT, IS evaluaimplementa-tion and usability. Each course is 5 sp.

2. Intermediate level studies in the major subject (0-25 sp) are meant for students whose Bachelor’s studies do not fulfill the prerequisites for advanced studies in Information Sys-tems. Since the intermediate level studies are mainly given in Finnish, these studies are based on literature, on which an examination must be passed. The following topics must be covered, either in earlier Bachelor’s studies or as intermediate level studies:

• Object-oriented programming • Principles of computer science • Information systems modelling • Data structures and algorithms • Databases

3. Optional studies of the major/minor subjects (10-40 sp): Depending on the student’s spe-cialisation area, the rest of the 40 study points are negotiated when preparing the personal study plan for the student. Also practical training (max 6 sp) can be included in this section. The TUCS Information Systems community provides a wide range of advanced level IS courses.

C. Final work (40 sp)

1. Master’s Project (10 sp) 2. Master’s Thesis (30 sp).

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Course descriptions

TKO_5460 Master's Project in Information Systems (Work Informatics) 10 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Antti Tuomisto

Objectives: The goal of the Master’s project is to educate the student to analyse and evaluate the use of existing information systems used in private or public organisations. Content: Students enter the collaborating organisations in groups. Students are given in-troduction to WI project work methods, and after that the group performs the data gather-ing, analysis and evaluation phases, and produces a written document. Project ends with a presentation of the results to the customer organization. The collaborating organisations are supposed to get concrete benefit from the project.

Further information on teaching methods: The students are working in groups of two. The work is supervised by a project manager and the group reports their progress to the su-pervisors.

Modes of study: Project / practical work.

Further information on modes of study: Project Work Evaluation: 1-5

Previous studies: Compulsory previous studies: TKO_2028 Knowledge Work. Offering information: for JOO students

Study materials: Articles, literature and project material will be delivered during the course. TKO_5462 Master's Thesis 30 ECTS

Subject: Computer Science Persons in charge: Kai K. Kimppa

Objectives: The goal is that the student learns to do empirical and/or theoretical scientific research, including but not limited to formulation of and answering to research problems, relating the research to scientific literature and reporting the results in written form with an aim to provide both practical and research contributions.

Content: In the Master’s thesis, the student must prove his/her ability to do scientific work, management of research methods, knowledge of the research field, and skill of scientific writing. The Master’s thesis and Master’s project may be attached.

Further information on teaching methods: Individual and supervised work. When the stu-dent applies for a thesis topic, (s)he is assigned a supervisor who will guide the work. The thesis is evaluated by the supervisor and another teacher. The final acceptance is decided by the department council. The student also has to pass a maturity examination, related to the thesis work.

Modes of study: In Finnish: Thesis / dissertation.

Further information on modes of study: Master’s Thesis project Study Materials: Report guidelines.

Evaluation: Approbatur/laudatur Previous studies minimum: 60 op

Further information on previous studies: Advanced level studies (major) and other studies approx. 60 sp altogether.

Offering information: for JOO students TKO_2067 CSCW 5 ECTS

Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Markku I. Nurminen. The course is produced in cooperation with Uni-versity of Oulu.

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- is familiar with the field of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work.

- conceives cooperative work as one of the three modalities of work on the side of in-dividual work and services.

- understands theoretical and methodological tools specific for CSCW.

- has knowledge about central issues and fundamental concepts of CSCW with an emphasis on Workplace Studies

Content: A group of applications, called CSCW, exists between traditional information sys-tems automating work routines and personal information processing. CSCW syssys-tems are aimed at supporting interpersonal communication, coordination and collaboration. The as-sociated field of research focuses on studying user support problems in collaborative work and the changing modes and practices of collaboration. One of the central problem areas in CSCW is to better understand technologically – both materially and digitally – mediated collaborative work. Furthermore, it foregrounds the question of how to integrate studies of work and CSCW application design in more meaningful ways.

Further information on teaching methods: Lectures and group work. Planned times for teaching: Period III

Modes of study: Seminar.

Further information on modes of study: Group work and seminar. Evaluation: 1-5

Further information on previous studies: Information Systems Offering information: for JOO students

Study materials: Readings based on a set of articles. TKO_5090 Current Issues in IS Research 5 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Objectives: The information systems group is engaged in research in a number of key ar-eas. To invite creative interaction, one area of research is studied in depth with interna-tional lecturers, focusing on issues they are currently studying.

Content: The course concentrates on selected current issues in IS research. Students get familiarized with these issues. Group assigments, seminars etc. are used to create broad discussions of the selected topics with theoretical and practical perspectives.

Further information on teaching methods: Lectures, group assignments. Modes of study: Written exam + exercise(s) + seminar.

Further information on modes of study: Exam, Group work, Term paper, Exercises, Semi-nar.

Evaluation: 1-5

Further information on recommended year of study: Period of Teaching: Not fixed. Further information on previous studies: Information Systems

Offering information: for JOO students

Study materials: Selected literature to be announced during the course. TKO_2066 e-Services 5 ECTS

Persons in charge: Markku I. Nurminen Objectives: After this course the student

- understands well the differences and similarities between products and services, - understands the provider/customer roles even when one or both of them are repre-sented by software,

- is able to analyse existing e-services, identify problems and suggest solutions to them.

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Content: Services and products. Service chains and systems. Service Science. Self-service. The role of IT in services. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). Categories of ser-vices. Activity models and IT support for the customer and provider

Further information on teaching methods: Lectures Modes of study: Exercise(s).

Further information on modes of study: Excercises and course work. Evaluation: 1-5

Further information on recommended year of study: Period IV (preferably). Further information on previous studies: Knowledge work recommended. Offering information: for JOO students

Study materials: Collection of readings. TKO_2027 Exercise project 5 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Computer Science: Jussi Salmi; Information Systems, Work Informat-ics: Antti Tuomisto

Objectives: The purpose of this exercise is to put into practice the knowledge acquired in the advanced courses.

Content: The project can be a programming exercise, a scientific essay, or other advanced work suitable for the chosen study area.

Further information on teaching methods: Computer Science:

The work can be performed in a group of 1-3 students. The supervisor approves the final document. The project should be completed in 6 months.

Information Systems, Work Informatics: Individual working and supervised project Modes of study: Project / practical work.

Further information on modes of study: Information Systems, Work Informatics: Essay or Project Work.

Evaluation: 1-5

Evaluation criteria: Computer Science: Accepted / not accepted. Information Systems, Work Informatics: 0-5

Further information on recommended year of study: Computer Science:

Period of Teaching: Not fixed. Information Systems, Work Informatics: Periods I-IV. Further information on previous studies: Computer Science:

Programming skills, some specialization studies; to be decided by the supervisor. Information Systems, Work Informatics:

Advanced level courses in Information Systems. Offering information: for JOO students

TKO_5453 Information Systems Evaluation 6 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Kai K. Kimppa. The course is produced in cooperation with the Turku School of Economics and Business Administration.

Objectives: To get an understanding of Information Systems Evaluation Methods and how Information Systems Evaluation Projects are lead.

Content: Investments and role of information systems in different industries are increasing at accelerating pace. This has lead to a need of evaluating the real benefits of IS. This course focuses on evaluation of information systems from different perspectives; starting e.g. from usability of single software or web page to the evaluation of the effects of IS in organizations and in society. Topics like usability, utility, cost and benefits and evaluation process in itself are discussed. The goal is to understand different methods, theories and

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perspectives that can be used in information systems evaluation and also to understand different levels, like organizational and interorganizational, in which evaluation can be per-formed.

Further information on teaching methods: Lectures, Small Group Teaching, Group work, Personal Work.

Planned times for teaching: Period IV

Modes of study: Written exam + essay + exercise(s) + seminar. Evaluation: 1-5

Further information on previous studies: Bachelor level studies completed. Offering information: for JOO students

Study materials: W.H. DeLone and E.R. McLean, the DeLone and McLean Model of Infor-mation Systems Success: A Ten-Year Update. Other selected literature to be announced during the course.

TKO_5434 Information Technology and Ethics 5 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Kai K. Kimppa

Objectives: The student will understand what is ethical behaviour and what is not and how does that relate to a computer professional, their duties and rights. The student will also have a deeper understanding of a field of their interest in the topic area.

Content: The aim of the course is to provide the participant with an understanding on what the ethical questions raised by ICT are. It will cover ethical issues which information tech-nology professionals should be especially aware of. Information techtech-nology revolutionized the way in which we conduct many aspects of our lives. The tremendous technological ad-vancement in the area of computers and related devices created unforeseen social situa-tions that necessitate new ethical consideration. Important issues such as privacy, the digi-tal divide, free speech and ownership of the immaterial have new meanings in the informa-tion age. Possibilities provided by informainforma-tion technology also create new quesinforma-tions on what is ethical behaviour and what is not.

Further information on teaching methods: Lectures, Demonstrations, Independent work. Modes of study: Exercise(s) + seminar.

Further information on modes of study: Summary, Exercises, Term paper, Seminar. Evaluation: 1-5

Further information on recommended year of study: Every other year, periods I and II. Further information on previous studies: Bachelor level studies completed.

Study materials: Feldman, Fred, Introductory Ethics, Prentice-Hall, 1978. Johnson, Deb-orah G. Computer Ethics (3rd. edition), Prentice-Hall, 2001. Spinello, Richard, Ethical As-pects of Information Technology Prentice-Hall, 1995. Current articles and other literature will be delivered during the course.

TKO_2068 Knowledge Management 5 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Pekka Muukkonen

Objectives: After this course the student is able to differentiate the main ideals of knowl-edge management and analyze any given situation from the perspective of knowlknowl-edge utilization with the presented frameworks.

Content: The aim of the course is to investigate how knowledge can be effectively man-aged and utilized in organizations as a strategic resource. In this course we explore

knowledge from three different points of departure: individual, organizational and technical. Each perspective generates epistemologically a different set of concerns what comes to

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the representation, storage, sharing, transformation, application and protection of knowl-edge. Also the political and cultural aspects for fluent knowledge utilization and evolution are considered.

Further information on teaching methods: The course is designed to be an interactive class in seminar form. Each seminar session is preceded by an introduction lecture, which orien-tates to the current topic on interest. E-Learning environment is also utilized for the group and individual study.

Planned times for teaching: Period II

Modes of study: Written exam + essay + exercise(s). Evaluation: 1-5

Further information on previous studies: Basic knowledge of information systems, organi-zations and management is required. Course "Knowledge Work" is recommended. Offering information: for JOO students

Study materials: A handbook of knowledge management, selected journal articles and re-search papers.

TKO_2028 Knowledge Work 10 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Markku I. Nurminen Objectives: After this course the participant

- can interpret information systems as an inseparable part of organisational work and its organisation.

- is able to see the knowledge possessed by people and stored in information sys-tems as a holistic resource.

- can distinguish and integrate the three modalities of work: individual work, collective work and service.

- can identify and operate with work roles that integrate use of and responsibility for information system with other aspects of work.

- is familiar with key frameworks for analysing and designing work.

Content: The aim of the course is to put information technology into the context of human activity as work and as business. Information technology has different function in different basic categories of work: in individual work, collective work and services. In each of them knowledge is recognised as a crucial factor. This holistic setting is first regarded as a static work situation, since this understanding creates prerequisites to the change of this situa-tion in form of system development and implementasitua-tion. The individual as the subject of the work is emphasised, and the principles of flexible organisation of work are defined in terms of work roles. The course consists of five parts: 1) to do, 2) to do together, 3) to serve, 4) to know and 5) to change.

Further information on teaching methods: Lectures, case study, seminar. Planned times for teaching: Periods I, II

Modes of study: Exercise(s) + written exam. Evaluation: 1-5

Study materials: Books and articles (to be announced).

TKO_5460 Master's Project in Information Systems (Work Informatics) 10 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Objectives: The goal of the Master’s project is to educate the student to analyse and evaluate the use of existing information systems used in private or public organisations. Content: Students enter the collaborating organisations in groups. Students are given

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in-troduction to WI project work methods, and after that the group performs the data gather-ing, analysis and evaluation phases, and produces a written document. Project ends with a presentation of the results to the customer organization. The collaborating organisations are supposed to get concrete benefit from the project.

Further information on teaching methods: The students are working in groups of two. The work is supervised by a project manager and the group reports their progress to the su-pervisors.

Modes of study: Project / practical work.

Further information on modes of study: Project Work Evaluation: 1-5

Previous studies: Compulsory previous studies: TKO_2028 Knowledge Work. Offering information: for JOO students

Study materials: Articles, literature and project material will be delivered during the course. TKO_5462 Master's Thesis 30 ECTS

Subject: Computer Science Persons in charge: Kai K. Kimppa

Objectives: The goal is that the student learns to do empirical and/or theoretical scientific research, including but not limited to formulation of and answering to research problems, relating the research to scientific literature and reporting the results in written form with an aim to provide both practical and research contributions.

Content: In the Master’s thesis, the student must prove his/her ability to do scientific work, management of research methods, knowledge of the research field, and skill of scientific writing. The Master’s thesis and Master’s project may be attached.

Further information on teaching methods: Individual and supervised work. When the stu-dent applies for a thesis topic, (s)he is assigned a supervisor who will guide the work. The thesis is evaluated by the supervisor and another teacher. The final acceptance is decided by the department council. The student also has to pass a maturity examination, related to the thesis work.

Modes of study: In Finnish: Thesis / dissertation.

Further information on modes of study: Master’s Thesis project Study Materials: Report guidelines.

Evaluation: Approbatur/laudatur Previous studies minimum: 60 op

Offering information: for JOO students TKO_5461 Master's Thesis Seminar 4 op Subject: TIETOJENKÄSITTELYTIEDE Persons in Charge: Kai K. Kimppa

Objectives: The goal is that the student learns to do empirical and/or theoretical scientific research, including but not limited to formulation of and answering to research problems, relating the research to scientific literature and reporting the results in written form with an aim to provide both practical and research contributions. Another goal is to increase the student’s knowledge about the topic handled in the thesis and lay a basis for continued studies.

Content: In the Master’s thesis seminar, the student must prove his/her ability to do scien-tific work and presentations, and get familiar with research methods in addition to acquiring knowledge of the research field. Scientific writing exercises are also part of the seminar work.

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Further information on teaching methods: Individual work and participation to seminars. Modes of study: Seminar

Further information on modes of study: Master’s Thesis Seminar Study Materials: Report guidelines.

Evaluation: Hyväksytty/hylätty

Arviointiperusteet: Accepted / not accepted.

TKO_2062 Organizational Implementation of IT 5 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Markku I. Nurminen

Objectives: After this course the participants

- are aware of the extensive domain of change when an information system is im-plemented

- understand that the change should be managed in an integrated way during the en-tire life cycle of development

- are able to analyse the object of change in terms work roles and the three modali-ties of work: individual work, collective work and services.

Content: The information systems implementation process is studied in depth. Implemen-tation begins from the very idea of an information system and continues over a long period of time to the actual use phase of the system. The technical implementation of software and hardware, and the implementation new information processing procedures is only one phase in this change process. Implementing a new IS will always change single and col-lective work practices. Further, implementation of the system will affect also other related roles, e.g. customers. Understanding and managing these change processes from organ-izational, work group and individual perspectives is fundamental in order to create suc-cessful work systems.

Further information on teaching methods: Lectures, group work. Modes of study: Written exam.

Further information on modes of study: Group work, exam. Evaluation: 1-5

Study materials: Readings from various sources.

TKO_5340 Theoretical Foundations of Information Systems 5 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Kai K. Kimppa

Objectives: The objective of the course is to give a student a framework to which anchor their practical IS work. To explain how and why information systems are designed and re-searched.

Content: The importance of understanding different views on information systems grows as a wide variety of different development methods and methodologies under varying paradigms appear. At this course the underlying assumptions and frameworks behind in-formation systems and their development are analysed and evaluated critically. Different frameworks have different conceptualisations about the domain to be taken into account in the introduction of an information system, starting from a narrow technical definition ending up in a broad definition which includes for example language, work, social structures and business processes among other relevant factors. A review on the most important refer-ence disciplines is also provided during the course.

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Further information on teaching methods: Lectures, Group assignments, Independent work.

Modes of study: Written exam + exercise(s) + seminar.

Further information on modes of study: Exam, Term paper, Exercises, Seminar. Evaluation: 1-5

Further information on recommended year of study: Every other year, Period IV. Further information on previous studies: Bachelor level studies completed. Offering information: for JOO students

Study materials: Books and articles. To be announced. TKO_2064 Usability Testing 5 ECTS

Persons in charge: Pekka Reijonen (in cooperation with Åbo Akademi/Franck Tétard) Objectives: The course gives the necessary skills and knowledge to plan, prepare, con-duct, and report usability tests within laboratory settings.

Content: The course consists of two parts:

A. The students read and take an examination on the book Dumas, J.S. & Redish, J.C. (1999). A practical guide to usability testing. Cromwell Press, Wiltshire.

B. After passing the exam, the students can begin the empirical part, i.e. carry out a usabil-ity test using the laboratory facilities of the Laboris HCI laboratory. This empirical part is done in groups of two students.

Further details: http://moodle.utu.fi/course/view.php?id=608

Further information on teaching methods: Individual studies, group work, two stu-dents/group.

Modes of study: Written exam + exercise(s). Evaluation: 1-5

Further information on recommended year of study: All periods. Registration and further information: Pekka Reijonen (pekka.reijonen@utu.fi) or Franck Tétard (ftetard@abo.fi). Further information on previous studies: Advanced studies in information systems or com-puter science are required, previous studies in usability, psychology and/or

human-computer interaction issues are recommended. Offering information: for JOO students

Study materials: Dumas, J.S. & Redish, J.C. (1999). A practical guide to usability testing. Cromwell Press, Wiltshire. Operation manual of the usability laboratory.

INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP, MINOR SUBJECT 25 ECTS

Innovation and Entrepreneurship -module is based on long experience on entrepreneurship and innovation research-based teaching and development activities of the Turku School of Economics (TSE). The main idea behind Innovation and Entrepreneurship -module is to give the student a comprehensive picture of current innovation and entrepreneurship issues. Additionally, ICT and related industries are of the module’s interest. The modules are constructed in a way that they build themselves on each other, ie. from general to more specified issues. Additionally, the general idea is to give the student the working tools and understanding of how to start-up a new venture, how to manage it and develop it. Growth and internationalization issues are also of great interest. Therefore, the courses follow the logic of a new venture, from start-up to growth and internationali-zation.

1. Innovation and Entrepreneurship in ICT Context, 5 ECTS 2. New Business Models, 5 ECTS

3. Business Competence and Innovations, 5 ECTS 4. Innovation and Global Growth, 5 ECTS

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TKO_5457 Innovation and Entrepreneurship in ICT Context 5 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Pasi Malinen and Jussi Puhakainen; Turku School of Economics Objectives: The students understand the concepts taught during the course.

Content: The course gives the students an introduction to innovation and entrepreneurship as a research field. Additional themes covered in the course are knowledge intensive en-trepreneurship, open innovation, and innovation system. The course examines innovation and entrepreneurship in the ICT context. Therefore, themes such as serving the ICT needs of entrepreneurs, ICT as a source for entrepreneurship, and innovations in the ICT sectors are covered. Examples of various types of content and service businesses are used (from the Nordic ICT sector).

Further information on teaching methods: Lectures and distance learning in a virtual learn-ing environment.

Planned times for teaching: Period I Modes of study: Exercise(s).

Evaluation: 1-5

Study materials: Innovation Management in the ICT Sector: How Frontrunners Stay Ahead. Edward Huizenga. 2004. Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd. 1843765675. Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Peter F. Drucker. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd; 2Rev Ed edition 2007. 0750685085.

Additional required literature will be announced in the beginning of the course. TKO_2053 New Business Models 5 ECTS

Persons in charge: Pasi Malinen and Jussi Puhakainen; Turku School of Economics Objectives: The students understand the concepts taught during the course.

Content: Business models are one of the most prominent, yet least understood issues in business research and management. Classical strategic approach relies upon rigid busi-ness models, which define the way the actors operate in relation to each other and associ-ated revenue logics. Technological and organisational innovations together with turbulent business environment set, however, new requirements for business model planning. In this course, the students learn to understand these new business models. Consequently, stu-dents learn to explain what is the role of a business model. What kinds of business models are suited for various situations? How do we formulate and plan our business model? How does our business model affect strategy and management and vice versa. The course pays attention to potential high-growth niche markets and innovative revenue mod-els/logics.

Teaching methods: Lectures 24 h. Planned times for teaching: Period I Modes of study: Written exam. Evaluation: 1-5

Study materials: Open Innovation. The New Imperative for Creating and Profiting from Technology, Chesbrough, Henry (2003) 1-57851-837-7; Additional required literature will be announced before the start of the course

TKO_2040 Business Competence and Innovations 5 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Pasi Malinen; Turku School of Economics

Objectives: The student understands the concepts taught during the course.

Content: New innovations and new ventures based on new innovations are changing, shaping and developing economies. Therefore, innovations are stressed by international,

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national and regional innovation policies. Commercialisation of new inventions

(=innovation) has been named as one of the greatest challenges in business economics. In knowledge intensive sectors, new business competence is needed together with tech-nology added with open innovation ideology. The course gives all the needed background information on how to start up a new (technology-based) venture. The student learn as-pects of business competence when managing an innovation or a new venture, including IPR issues, financing the venture, managing a small company and marketing of new ven-ture. The course familiarizes the student with business planning activities through practical examples.

Languages of instruction: English Teaching methods: Lectures 24 h. Planned times for teaching: Period III Modes of study: Written exam. Evaluation: 1-5

Study materials: Innovator’s Dilemma When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail, Christensen, Clayton M. (1997) 0-87-584585-1; Inside the Tornado: Strategies for Devel-oping, Leveraging and Surviving Hypergrowth Markets, Moore, Geoffrey A. (2004), 9780060745813

TKO_2058 Innovations and Global Growth 5 ECTS Subject: Computer Science

Persons in charge: Antti Paasio; Turku School of Economics

Objectives: The students understand the concepts taught during the course.

Content: The course focuses on the complex solutions for starting up companies with global potential. It deals with high risk – high potential ventures. Special attention is paid to analysing actual on- going growth businesses. A selection of business managers will also present their cases during the lectures. After completing the course the student has an un-derstanding of the competition, networking, knowledge and business, management as well as financial issues of the development from the business idea into an IPO (InitialPublic Of-fering).

Languages of instruction: English Teaching methods: Lectures 24 h. Planned times for teaching: Period IV Modes of study: Written exam.

Further information on modes of study: The exam is two-fold: The student is to prepare a report on an actual growth company and its competitive situation. There is also an exam that covers the literature and the lectures.

Evaluation: 1-5

Previous studies: Recommended previous studies: TKO_2085 Entrepreneurship and New Venture Growth, TKO_2040 Business Competence and Innovations.

Further information on previous studies: The following courses are recommended before this course: YR4 Business competence and innovations, YR8 Entrepreneurship and busi-ness growth.

Study materials: Coburn, Pip (2006) The Change Function. Why Some Technologies Take Off and Others Crash and Burn. A&C Black, London. 1-59184-132-1; Chesbrough, Henry (2006) Open Business Models. How to Thrive in the New Innovation Landscape. Harvard Business School Press. Boston, Mass. 978-1422104279; Gary P. Pisano (2006) Science Business. The Promise, the Reality, and the Future of Biotech. Harvard Business School Press. Boston, Mass. 978-1591398400. Additional reading is to be specified in the

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