BYU boasts some of the world’s best researchers in the field of information systems. Drs. Jeff Jenkins (No. 3), Anthony Vance (No. 7, tied), Bonnie Anderson (No. 7, tied), and James Gaskin (No. 21) all rank in the top 25 among professors worldwide for most publications in the past year. These and other BYU Marriott information systems professors have achieved the No. 10 slot overall for most publications in leading information systems journals in the world.
Key to their success is the work they perform here on campus, including research conducted with the help of BYU students. Each professor employs a research assistant who helps in the professor’s formal academic research. Many of these RAs have plans to pursue a PhD and want to get a hands-on, real-life experience with research.
Dr. Jeff Jenkins talks about the benefit that this type of research gives students: “Students get to be on the leading edge of an area and become experts in that area. They gain or improve many skills: they learn to write, communicate, present in front of people, and analyze data.” Dr. James Gaskin adds, “Those who have taken this route, it turns out just tremendous for them. It helps that they’re involved with a professor and getting a one-on-one personal relationship with the professor. It helps a ton in their career. We’ve published multiple papers in top journals and conferences.”
Julianne Francisco, a current master of information systems management (MISM) student, will soon be travelling to Hawaii with Dr. Mark Keith and Dr. Greg Anderson to present research at a conference. She started conducting this research as part of her senior capstone project and has seen many benefits as a result of her participation. “I’ve developed research skills, such as how to do a literature review, work with data, and give a research presentation at a conference. I’ve gained an interest in academic research as I’ve had a glimpse into the world of the professors. The research experience I’ve gained will look great on the resume, especially if I decide to apply to PhD programs.”
Those who are interested in pursuing a PhD should become involved in research and take PhD Prep courses. Dr. Keith says that this will help prepare students for the rigors of a PhD program: “The students who work on research as an undergrad or master’s student already know what it’s about before they go to their PhD program. BYU students do well going into PhD programs because they get this experience and they see that research is a lot more than doing a survey.”
So how does one get involved in research? Dr. Jenkins offers this advice: “Work for a professor as a research assistant or volunteer if they don’t have a spot open. That’s how I got into it when I was a student and this is where I ended up today. Also, the PhD Prep courses are awesome and open to anyone.”
At the end of the day, conducting research is all about creating new knowledge, says Dr. Keith. “There’s no new knowledge that you’re going to learn about IS or business (in a PhD program). You’re going to create the new knowledge; there’s nothing more for you to learn. Creating new knowledge means doing research.”
Researchers have the ability to solve problems and shape the future. So get involved and see where research can take you!