Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)For students, the topic of information systems or the study of technology and the advancement thereof can be a very daunting task. Although at least a basic understanding of information systems is necessary in order to function in this high tech world, most people do not have a clue about the fundamentals of anything computer. They usually know that this button turns it on as well as the path to their favorite website for watching hilarious videos but the depth of their knowledge usually hits its limits at this point. This is a very sad, but all too often, reality of modern life. The issue at hand is the sheer complexity of information systems as well as the fact that innovation happens nearly everyday. The point of knowing everything, or most everything, necessary to have a firm footing on the subject matter is always moving and becoming further away. This is where this book shines through as a must have.
The fundamental value of this book is that it is concise. It is rather to the point and does not journey on through meaningless examples or unnecessary stories. Here is Topic X. This is what Topic X is or does. Here is a bullet list of uses for Topic X or a picture/diagram showing Topic X in action. There may be a brief history or little bit of extra information but then the book simply moves onto the next topic. It does not get long and drawn out about any one topic or subject. This keeps the information fresh and the reader learning about all kinds of new things. Although this is a wonderful method to assist the student in learning about this complex subject, the student should be cautious on tests. Given that the book does not dig too deep into the subject matter, a student may have a tendency to simply breeze through the reading and not allow everything to "sink in." A test question may demand that the student pay attention to a small detail in the text that he was not prepared for given the nature of the reading. This really depends on the student though and this would be the only negative attribute of the book, per se. Generally, the concise nature of the book is what makes it a must have for any student wishing to step into the world of information systems or technology and start learning.
The chapters average about 19 pages and when one gets deeper in the book, the chapters actually seem shorter. It is pleasant to be able to read through the chapter without it becoming too long that it causes one to lose focus or numb the mind because it is dull. The colors and pictures are vibrant, giving it a modern design and feel. The book showcases brief highlights of technology companies as well as how they use certain technologies or some products and services these companies offer to help the student get a feel for the information being learned in action. The coverage of all subjects in the book is just enough to get a feel for the topic but not enough to necessarily have a complete understanding of all a topic's uses or inter workings. The book reveals enough knowledge that the reader will have a basic understanding of the subject matter and this is all that is necessarily for an introductory class. If the reader wishes to learn more or develop a greater understanding of a certain topic, the information superhighway is always at his finger tips.
The book comes with excellent study guides in the back. Each page-sized note card provides a summary of each learning objective and has all the key terms for the chapter as well as the full definitions. There is an excellent online resource for students that comes with one semester of access for students who buy the new version, or a lucky student that buys a used version from a student who did not use it. It provides plenty of support to assist in the journey of mastering the basics of management information systems.
The book is very well priced. It is the cheapest, brand new book that I have purchased in a long time. I am ecstatic to purchase a used book at the price I can get this one for brand new. Other MIS books of lower quality go for at least two times more in price and up. The book is geared for the student with the student in mind at all times and utilized plenty of student feedback in its creation. This book is a great value and a must have for any student or MIS class.
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Created through a "student-tested, faculty-approved" review process with over 125 students and faculty, MIS is an engaging and accessible solution to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of today's learners. MIS incorporates state-of-the-art coverage through numerous practical applications and offers emerging cases from the information systems field.
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