Why study information systems and information technology? That’s the same as
asking why anyone should study accounting, finance, operations management, marketing,
human resource management, or any other major business function. Information
systems and technologies (including e-business and e-commerce technologies
and applications) have become a vital component of successful businesses and
organizations. They thus constitute an essential field of study in business administration
and management. That’s why most business majors must take a course in
information systems. Since you probably intend to be a manager, entrepreneur, or
business professional, it is just as important to have a basic understanding of information
systems as it is to understand any other functional area in business. There are three fundamental reasons for all business applications of information
technology. They are found in the three vital roles that information systems can perform
for a business enterprise.
- Support of its business processes and operations.
- Support of decision making by its employees and managers.
- Support of its strategies for competitive advantage.
We will introduce these roles and applications in this chapter, and cover them
in more detail later. The strategic applications of information systems for competitive
advantage will be covered in Chapter 2. Business applications of information
technology for electronic business operations, electronic commerce, enterprise collaboration,
and decision making will be discussed in Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8. |