An Introduction to Information Technology

Introduction to Information Technology second edition is based on the fundamental premise that the major role of information technology (IT) is to support employees, regardless of their functional area (e.g. sales, marketing, accounting, HR) or level in the organization. The unique theme of "What's in IT for me/ IT's About Business" provides relevance for majors and non-majors. The text takes a hands-on approach with the popular Virtual Company, has strong coverage of e-commerce, an excellent variety and volume of examples, a strong website with real world applications and cases, and a presentation that makes the material accessible through an attractive design. The text shows IT through a global perspective and emphasizes the importance of making connections among individuals, groups and organizations. The text is ideal for undergraduate business majors with no prerequisite computer courses, and the new edition builds upon the advantages of the previous edition by further tying the text together with the online material.

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.