The purpose of this book is to help students of management learn the concepts of computer-based information systems. Managers allocate resources to the development and operation of computer-based systems and often use systems themselves. Managers make critical decisions about information systems: How can we use information processing strategically? What applications areas are to be emphasized? What should a plan for information processing in the organization contain? Which specific alternative for a proposed system will be implemented? What equipment should the organization acquire? How should one charge for and monitor information processing?
Many managers are users of information systems and work directly with computer input and output: they may also supervise people who work with microcomputers and information systems. These individuals come in contact with colleagues in the computer department, and the information services department reports to a manager in the organization.
Thus, the modern manager is confronted with many information-systems-related decisions and must understand issues in the management of information systems. This text is written from the perspective of the student who will be a user of information systems: It is not intended for the student who specializes in computer-based systems.