About the Book

Features That Focus on Solving Problems
- What you will learn in this chapter. A series of questions
   highlight the important is sues.
- Lead Case. An introductory, real-world case illustrates the
   problems explored in the chapter.
- Trends. Sidebar boxes present the major changes, brief
   history, or trends that affect the topics in the chapter.
- Reality Bytes. Brief applications, mini-case, and discussions
   emphasize a specific point and highlight international issues,
   business trends, or ethics. They also illustrate problems and
   solutions in the real world.
- Technology Toolboxes. A short example and description of a
   software tool that can be used to help managers solve
   specific problems. They provide a hands-on example
   of specific projects. Students are encouraged to follow the
   exercises and use the software tools to build the examples.
- Chapter Summary. A brief synopsis of the chapter highlights—
   useful when reviewing for exams.
- A Manager’s View. A short summary of how the chapter
   relates to managers and to the overall question of how
   information technology can improve management.
- Key Words. A list of words introduced in the chapter. A full
   glossary is provided at the end of the text.
- Review Questions. Designed as a study guide for students.
- Exercises. Problems that apply the knowledge learned in the
   chapter. Many utilize common application software to
   illustrate the topics.
- Additional Reading. References for more detailed
   investigation of the topics.
- Web Site References. Web sites that provide discussions or
   links to useful topics.
- Industry-Specific Cases. In-depth discussion of the lead case
   and several other companies. Each chapter highlights a
   specific industry and compares different approaches to the
   problems faced by the firms.

Part One Information Technology Infrastructure
Part Two Operations
Part Three Tactics and Strategies
Part Four Organizing Businesses and Systems