Information technology is at the centre of today's business environment. The increasing importance of e-commerce and the integration of information systems in all areas of a business means it is crucial for managers to understand and implement IS (information systems). This text, now in its second edition, aims to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to choose the right information systems, and to develop and manage them effectively. It assumes no prior knowledge of IS or IT, and emphasizes the importance of IS to management decision making. It takes a 3 part structure: Part One covers hardware and software technologies; Part Two looks at information systems analysis and design; and Part Three describes the strategic management of IS. This format allows each section to be studied alongside individual modules, and enables students to focus clearly on specific areas and use the book for more than one course.