Fostering Undergraduate Research Experiences In Management Information Systems Through The Research Group Framework

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to propose an innovative approach to engaged learning.  Founded on the principles of a scholarly think-tank and administered along the lines of a consulting organization, the proposed ‘Research Group’ framework is designed to facilitate effective and efficient undergraduate research experiences in Management Information Systems and other business areas.  In doing so, the program better prepares students for success in graduate school and their chosen careers.  In this paper, we introduce the research group framework and describe its four fundamental elements.  Examples of are then presented to illustrate both scholar-based and organization-based research experiences.  We conclude with a discussion on the challenges of developing a formal undergraduate research program.