The China Information Technology Handbook

Miltiadis D. Lytras and Patricia Ordóñez de Pablos Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics, University of Patras, Greece Dept. of Business Administration and Accountability, University of Oviedo, Spain China is a fast-growing emerging economy and current impressive economic growth rate of almost 9 percent annually. Its contribution to global GDP growth since 2000 has been almost twice as large as that of the next three biggest eme- ing economies (India, Brazil and Russia) combined. Some even refer to China as the mother of emerging markets and transition economies. Directly or indirectly the Chinese economy has influenced interest rates, prices for raw materials and wages in the western established economies. Currently China is the most R&D intense of emerging market countries and is seventh of all countries in the world. Its economic power is exemplified by the fact that it is - pected to be the fifth largest source of outward foreign direct investment during 2004- 2007. Working with Chinese firms has become a reality for the vast majority of m- agers in Western countries. With its high growth rate, the presence and impact of the Chinese economy will only become larger. With China’s importance on the global scale set to grow faster than ever – shows a unique window to observe the changes that will chart the course of the future in this region of the world. One of the keys to dealing with China is und- standing the complex dynamic between rapid change and tradition.

The China Information Technology Handbook is a reference for those interested in information technologies and emerging management practices in China. This reference is timely, responding to the high demand of society to adopt emerging technologies in all aspects of business and economic activity, towards innovative solutions to research problems and high performance systems. The emphasis on information technologies and management provides a unique value proposition and gives characteristics of flexibility and adoption to diverse audiences. The subject area is a combination of global information technology and management along with strategic management of IT.

The China Information Technology Handbook exploits state-of-the-art and emerging trends in theory and technology. This reference demonstrates the capacity of information technology, management and sustainable development for the mutual understanding, prosperity and well being of all the citizens in the related regions. This book also provides unique opportunities for the exploitation of business and strategic management of IT in the context of China.

This handbook is primarily designed for a professional and academic audience. Professionals working as policy makers, corporate quality managers and directors and government officers, within IT Management world-wide will be interested in this work. This book is also suitable for advanced-level students in computer science and business management as a reference or secondary text for strategic management of IT courses.