A Framework for Designing Learning Management Systems for Thesis Projects

Colombage Ranil Peiris
PhD Student, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences,
Stockholm University, Sweden
Senior Lecturer, Department of Information Technology,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
cranil@sjp.ac.lk

Sirkku Männikkö Barbutiu
Associate Professor, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences,
Stockholm University, Sweden
sirkku@dsv.su.se

Henrik Hansson
Professor, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences,
Stockholm University, Sweden
henrik.hansson@dsv.su.se

Abstract: This study intended to develop a framework for designing a Learning Management System for supporting thesis projects. A model named ‘Explanatory Design Theory’ was followed as a methodology to identify the component of the proposed framework. The following four steps were followed: 1.) Identification of kernel theories, 2) Analysis of kernel theories and identification of meta-requirements, 3) Formulation of design components based on meta-requirements, 4) Formulation of testable hypotheses. Developing the designing explanatory design theory was a four-step process; each step was crucial and decisive. The first step involved identifying kernel theories related to thesis supervision. These were Zone of Proximal Development, Scaffolding, and Self-regulation. Secondly, meta-requirements were determined based on kernel theories, and it was discovered that enhancing the student-supervisor interaction and supporting students’ self-regulation processes were key meta-requirements, based on which, the components of FLMSTP were identified at the third step, and labelled as Initiation, Planning, Implementation, and Completion. The final step was the setting of hypotheses formulated to refine kernel theories and evaluate the accuracy of meta-requirements and the usefulness of the components.