Preface

Part 1: What an Information System Is

In the first part, "What an Information System Is," the book lays out the foundational concepts of information systems, detailing their components, roles, and value. It covers the basics of hardware and software, explaining how they work together and delves into the intricacies of data management and databases. Additionally, it discusses the critical aspects of networking and communication in today's interconnected world and addresses information systems security.

• Chapter 1 - Components, Roles, and Value of Information Systems: This chapter gives an overview of information systems, including their history.
• Chapter 2 - Hardware: Discusses hardware, types of computing devices, their parts, interactions, and the effect of their commoditization.
• Chapter 3 - Software: Focuses on the interdependence of software and hardware, covering types of software and their roles.
• Chapter 4 - Data and Databases: Explores how information systems convert data into information and knowledge for competitive advantage, including data management and database use. 
• Chapter 5 - Networking and Communication: Reviews the history of networking, the workings of the Internet, and the role of networks in organizations today.
• Chapter 6 - Information Systems Security: Addresses the information security triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability), threats, security tools, and personal information security.

Part 2: Information Systems for Strategic Advantage

The second part, "Information Systems for Strategic Advantage," shifts the focus to how information systems can be leveraged for competitive advantage in business. It provides insights into the strategic role of information technology, the importance of efficient business processes, the various human roles in information systems, and the critical process of information systems development.

• Chapter 7 - Leveraging Information Technology (IT) for Competitive Advantage: Examines the impact of information systems on organizations and how IT can be used for competitive advantage.
• Chapter 8 - Business Processes: Discusses the role of information systems in business process management, reengineering, and ERP systems.
• Chapter 9 - The People in Information Systems: Provides an overview of different roles in information systems, including creators, operators, administrators, managers, and users.
• Chapter 10 - Information Systems Development: Looks at methods for managing information system development processes, software development, and the balance between scope, cost, and time.

Part 3: Information Systems, Globalization, and Inequality

The third part, "Information Systems beyond the Organization," expands the scope to global considerations. It examines the impact of information systems on globalization and inequality, the ethical and legal implications of rapidly evolving technology, and forecasts future trends that could transform how businesses operate and people interact.

• Chapter 11 - Information Systems, Globalization, and Inequality: Discusses the Internet's impact on global business, the digital divide, and steps to address it.
• Chapter 12 - The Ethical and Legal Implications of Information Systems: Explores the effects of rapid changes in information systems, legal and ethical considerations.
• Chapter 13 - Future Trends in Information Systems: Provides an overview of emerging technologies like wearable tech, VR, IoT, quantum computing, and AI, predicting future transformations in learning, communication, business, and play.

For the Student

At the beginning of each chapter, you will find a list of learning objectives that are relevant to the chapter content. At the end of each chapter, there is a summary of the key topics covered in that chapter. After the summary, there is a list of interactive study questions with answers provided. These questions will help you apply what you have learned from the chapter to your current environment. To get the most out of your learning experience, it is recommended that you start by reading the learning objectives, the summary, and the questions at the end of the chapter. You should then reflect on how the chapter content can be applied to your personal or professional growth.

For the Instructor

At the beginning of each chapter, you can find the learning objectives. Although it is recommended to use all chapters in an introductory information systems course, for courses with a shorter duration or courses that use other textbooks, reviewing the learning objectives will help identify which chapters can be skipped.

At the end of each chapter, there is a set of interactive study questions with answers provided.  A list of experiential exercises is also suggested. The study questions are interactive and can be assigned to help focus students’ reading on the learning objectives. The exercises are meant to be a more in-depth, experiential way for students to learn chapter topics and reflect on how what they have learned in each chapter can help them in their chosen interest or career. Before assigning an exercise, review it and provide any additional details to make it relevant to your course.