Principles of Information Systems [Hardcover]

Ralph Stair (Author), George Reynolds (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0619215615 | ISBN-13: 978-0619215613 | Edition: 7

This new edition of Principles of Information Systems builds on the successful pedagogy of its previous editions and goes the distance to provide a new and highly comprehensive IS textbook. Experienced authors Ralph Stair and George Reynolds keep their readers engaged with the main concepts of the IS discipline via clear learning objectives, which are reinforced with up-to-date business examples and hands-on practice. The revised coverage includes increased global and career emphasis, extensive end-of-chapter material, and the integration of MIS Video and the MIS Companion CD.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I consider this the best and most important chapter in the book. Coupling TPS with ERPs is very smart and really works well. Outstanding integration of all systems descriptions from CRM to TPS, inventory systems to accounting all the way to payroll, even EDI. Students rarely understand the big picture, but this point is vital to understanding how IT works in companies today. Well done!" - Howard Sundwall, West Chester University

About the Author

Dr. Ralph Stair received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, an M.B.A. from Tulane University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. He has taught at the University of Oregon, the University of Washington, the University of New Orleans, and Florida State University. He has taught several courses through Florida State University's Study Abroad Program in London. Throughout the years, Dr. Stair has focused his teaching and research on information systems. Dr. Stair is a member of several academic organizations, including Decision Sciences Institute.

Professor George Reynolds brings a wealth of computer and industrial experience to this book with more than 30 years experience working in government, institutional, and commercial IS organizations. He has authored 20 texts and has taught IS at the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University (Ohio), Miami University, College of Mount St. Joseph, and Strayer University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 808 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology; 7 edition (January 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0619215615
• ISBN-13: 978-0619215613
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,038,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars WORST BOOK EVER!, December 1, 2010

By 

Man - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Information Systems (Hardcover)

This is the worst book ever. Definitions and concepts are ambiguous, incosistent and sloopy. When explaining the difference of closely related terminologies, the author seems to be going off tangent, without explaining the actual difference.

[Please note: I seldom give negative reviews. Trust me, stay away from this book.]

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good coverage but examples get in the way, June 26, 2006

By 

Amanda (Buffalo, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Information Systems (Hardcover)

As expected, this book provides a general overview of information systems, including the nature of information, the components of an information system, how information systems are used in businesses, design and implementation techniques, and security considerations. I appreciate the broad coverage this book offers, as well as the infusion of real-world examples and case studies throughout the book. However, the inclusion of examples gets a little annoying when it interferes with the authors' explanation of a concept. At some points in the book, I felt that the authors included examples that didn't make sense considering what they were trying to explain. Much of the space could have contained a little more in-depth information, rather than the "peppering" of examples that may or may not be relevant. The book provides a good starting place for readers to discover their interests in the field, but the writing style was disappointing.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too general, too sloppy, too expensive, September 25, 2009

By 

R. Carlson (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Principles of Information Systems (Hardcover)

One of the book's biggest problems is that it rambles. The book has 14 multi-topic-chapters. This could be solved with going to 20 or 24 focused chapters. Part of the problem is the book's target audience - accounting, business or management majors that should know what IT can do for them. I have over 25 years in business and over 10 years in IT, dealing with Fortune 100 companies to mom and pop shops. When I read this book, I get they impression they talked to one person or one company and they take that as industry standards. Oops these generalizations miss the mark. If they talk to only one company they should say so- this is the way XYZ does this. If you have a 42 page chapter called "Database Systems and Business Intelligence" the business intelligence (BI) section should be longer than a 1/2 page. I have thought this book wouldn't be a good value at half the price.