Includes index.

Contents: Basic ideas for understanding information systems: System-related challenges for business professionals -- Framework and method for analyzing systems in business terms -- Describing and evaluating business processes -- Information and databases -- Applications and impacts of information systems: Types of information systems: Different ways to support communication and decision making -- Increasing efficiency and effectiveness of internal operations -- Helping firms compete through selling, pricing, and product differentiation -- Human and ethical issues -- Understanding the role of information technology: Computer hardware -- Software and programming -- Telecommunications and networks -- Steps towards computer intelligence: Making systems "Smarter" -- Planning, Building, and managing information systems: Information system planning -- Methods for building information systems -- Information system security and control.