Introduction to Information Technology

It makes your business soar! Without Information Technology (IT), the snowboard on the cover simply would never make it to the slopes. As you read Introduction to Information Technology, you'll discover that IT integrates and enhances all functions of a business-from the research and development that goes into designing a faster, more flexible board, to the delivery systems that make sure stores receive stock in time for winter, to the point-of-sale systems that track sales trends and customers' buying preferences.
Written in language you can easily understand, the text gradually presents complex technical information on a need-to-know basis, so that you won't get overwhelmed by the details.
Each chapter is filled with dozens of real-world examples that demonstrate IT's relevance to different disciplines, industries, and companies. Throughout the text, you'll also find numerous opportunities to apply what you've learned.

Features

• Relevance: The authors explain why IT is important to all individuals and functions within an organization by relating topics to specific business majors (finance, marketing, MIS, production/operations, HR, etc.).
  
• Real-World Examples: Extensive examples show you the capabilities of IT, its cost and justifications, and innovative ways actual corporations are using IT in their operations.
  
• Global Perspective: The text explains how IT facilitates export and import, managing multinational companies, and electronic trading around the globe.
  
• Integrated Systems: Integrated systems (e.g. SAP R/3; extranets) are stressed and related to supply chain management and multinational corporations.
  
• Making Connections: The text emphasizes the importance of connections among individuals, groups, and organizations, and the support that IT provides in enabling these connections.
  
• The Web: In addition to teaching the fundamentals of the Internet, the text presents a comprehensive chapter on e-commerce. All chapters include Web-based, real-world applications, "integration with the Web" exploration, and Internet exercises.
  
• The Virtual Company: A Web-based case for a simulated company manufacturing snowboards enables you to create and operate a small business a small business on the Web.
  Contents

• Pt. I IT in the Business Environment
• 1 Introduction: Business and Information Technology
• 2 Information Technologies in the Modern Organization

  Pt. II IT Infrastructure

• 3 Computer Hardware
• 4 Computer Software
• 5 Managing Organizational Data and Information
• 6 Telecommunications and Networks
• 7 The Internet, Intranets, and Extranets

  Pt. III Applying IT for Competitive Advantage

• 8 Functional, Enterprise, and Interorganizational Systems
• 9 Electronic Commerce
• 10 Computer-Based Supply Chain Management and Information Systems Integration
• 11 Data, Knowledge, and Decision Support
• 12 Intelligent Systems in Business

  Pt. IV Achieving Informational and Organizational Goals

• 13 Strategic Information Systems and Reorganization
• 14 Information Systems Development
• 15 Implementing IT: Ethics, Impacts, and Security
  Glossary
  References
  P Credits
  Index