Description
FORMAT, FEATURES, AND HIGHLIGHTS
Business Driven Information Systems is state-of-the-art in its discussions, presents concepts in an easy-to-understand format, and allows students to be active participants in learn-ing. The dynamic nature of information technology requires all students, more specifically business students, to be aware of both current and emerging technologies. Students are facing complex subjects and need a clear, concise explanation to be able to understand and use the concepts throughout their careers. By engaging students with numerous case stud-ies, exercises, projects, and questions that enforce concepts, Business Driven Information Systems creates a unique learning experience for both faculty and students.
■ Audience. Business Driven Information Systems is designed for use in undergradu-ate or introductory MBA courses in Management Information Systems, which are required in many Business Administration or Management programs as part of the common body of knowledge for all business majors.
■ Logical Layout. Students and faculty will find the text well organized with the topics flowing logically from one chapter to the next. The definition of each term is provided before it is covered in the chapter and an extensive glossary is included at the back of the text. Each chapter offers a comprehensive opening case study, learning outcomes, closing case studies, key terms, and critical business thinking questions.
■ Thorough Explanations. Complete coverage is provided for each topic that is intro-duced. Explanations are written so that students can understand the ideas presented and relate them to other concepts.
■ Solid Theoretical Base. The text relies on current theory and practice of informa-tion systems as they relate to the business environment. Current academic and pro-fessional journals cited throughout the text are found in the Notes at the end of the book—a road map for additional, pertinent readings that can be the basis for learning beyond the scope of the chapters or plug-ins.
■ Material to Encourage Discussion. All chapters contain a diverse selection of case studies and individual and group problem-solving activities as they relate to the use of information technology in business. Two comprehensive cases at the end of each chapter reinforce content. These cases encourage students to consider what concepts have been presented and then apply those concepts to a situation they might find in an organization. Different people in an organization can view the same facts from dif-ferent points of view and the cases will force students to consider some of those views.
■ Flexibility in Teaching and Learning. While most textbooks that are “text only” leave faculty on their own when it comes to choosing cases, Business Driven Information Systems goes much further. Several options are provided to faculty with case selec-tions from a variety of sources including CIO, Harvard Business Journal, Wired, Forbes, and Time, to name just a few. Therefore, faculty can use the text alone, the text and a complete selection of cases, or anything in between.
■ Integrative Themes. Several integrative themes recur throughout the text, which adds integration to the material. Among these themes are value-added techniques and methodologies, ethics and social responsibility, globalization, and gaining a competitive advantage. Such topics are essential to gaining a full understanding of the strategies that a business must recognize, formulate, and in turn implement. In addition to addressing these in the chapter material, many illustrations are provided for their relevance to business practice.