Management Information Systems: Managing Information Technology in the Internetworked Enterprise (4th ed.)

Citation

Fourie, I. (2000), "Management Information Systems: Managing Information Technology in the Internetworked Enterprise (4th ed.)", The Electronic Library, Vol. 18 No. 6, pp. 448-469. https://doi.org/10.1108/el.2000.18.6.448.14

As a textbook and reference source, Management Information Systems… is a tremendous success!The over‐800‐page publication provides lots of detail on almost every aspect concerning the use of information systems and information technology in a business environment. The writing style is clear, interesting and captivating, and leaves one with the feeling that this is the ultimate source on information technology and information systems. Aspects which are discussed range from cookies to push technology; object oriented languages, the systems approach, videoconferencing, and many other aspects which have an impact on the Internetworked enterprise are also covered.

James O’Brien is well qualified to write in the field of computer information systems, as well as business information systems, and his subject expertise is clearly reflected in the logical and detailed discussions. A further bonus is the didactical structure of the publication which makes it an excellent textbook.

Management Information Systems … consists of five modules, each with two or more chapters. The modules are based on a conceptual framework that organises the content of the text into five major areas: foundation concepts, technology, applications, development, and management. Each module is preceded by a triangular diagram indicating the position of the particular module. Foundation concepts, the first module, is the cornerstone of the triangle. Each chapter includes a chapter outline, learning objectives, case studies and numerous figures, diagrams, and photopraphs. The figures and diagrams greatly enhance the learnability of the material. Each chapter also includes a summary and a list of key terms and concepts, with the page number of their first explanation indicated in brackets. A quiz requiring the reader to link statements with the appropriate key terms or concepts is included as well as discussion questions, real world problems, application exercises, answers to the quiz and a selected list of references.The list of references could have been more up to date, but in a publication of this nature this is probably to be expected. Most of the sources listed were published between 1993 and 1997.

Although this definitely does not detract from the impression that the author is an expert in the field, it would have been useful if the reader had more recent references to follow up. On the other hand, the discussions are so clear and extensive that I seldom felt the need to consult other sources.

Management Information Systems … contains a preface, 15 chapters and two appendices. The latter include several real world case studies, which can be used to supplement the case studies in the chapters. Numerous interesting case studies are included, for example, on Mazda Motor Corporation, American General Insurance, Reebok International, Hallmark Cards, Lockhead Martin and Hilton hotels, GeoCities Inc. and Knight Ridder Inc. The case studies add to the the publication’s ability to keep track with real life challenges. Various support materials are also mentioned (p. x), as well as a supportive Web site (www.mhhe.com/business/mis/obrien). There is a brief, as well as a detailed, table of contents, a very useful glossary and detailed name index, company index and subject index.

The chapter topics include the following: introduction to information systems in business; fundamentals of information systems; solving business problems with information systems; computer hardware; computer software; telecommunications; database management; the Internet and electronic commerce; intranets, extranets and enterprise collaboration; information systems for business operations; information systems for managerial decision support; information systems for strategic advantage; management IT: enterprise and global management; managing IT: planning and implementing change; security and ethical challenges.

The emphasis of the text is on technology and its impact on enterprises, and how to deal with these within a systems approach. It especially stresses the information systems knowledge required by the business end user and the strategic role of information technology.

Hardly any typographical errors were spotted; in a book of this magnitude, this is really quite an achievement. Unfortunately the soft cover is not suitable for the size and weight of the book. Even after one read, my copy’s cover looked worn.

Management Information Systems … is aimed at undergraduate or introductory MBA courses in Management Information Systems. Such courses are required in many Business Administration or Management programs as part of the common body of knowledge required of all business majors. The book is highly recommended for this target group, as well as any student of information systems in a more general sense. Librarians and students in Library and Information Science can also use Management Information Systems … fruitfully as a recommended source to gain insight into the effects of technology on enterprises and how to deal with these.