Introduction to information systems T. Cornford, M. Shaikh is1 060 2013

1.9.2 Essential reading
The principal textbook for this course is:
Laudon, K.C. and J.P. Laudon Management information systems: managing the 
digital firm. (Boston; London: Pearson, 2013) thirteenth edition [ISBN 
9780273789970 (pbk)].
This subject guide is written to accompany Laudon and Laudon (2013); it 
is not a substitute for this textbook though it does add some extra material 
and offers some shifts in emphasis. Laudon and Laudon (2013) provides a 
close fit to the syllabus, and you should purchase a copy of this book and 
become familiar with most of its contents.
When you first look at this textbook, you should take some time to 
become familiar with the structure of the book and the way information 
is organised within each chapter. Note in particular the frequent use of 
case studies at the start, within, and at the end of chapters. Note also 
that each chapter’s brief introductory case study has a summary diagram 
showing how issues in terms of management, technology and organisation 
(business challenges) lead to some innovation in information systems and 
thus to business solutions. At the end of each chapter there is a summary 
of the key ideas introduced in the chapter, review questions, key terms 
and ideas for further work. As you come to understand the structure of the 
book, you will be better able to monitor your developing understanding of 
the subject and to evaluate your progress. 
The thirteenth edition of Laudon and Laudon does not have its own 
website, but at the time of writing there is one for the earlier 10th 
edition: http://wps.prenhall.com/bp_laudon_essmis_10/ This website 
is still compatible with the 2013 edition and provides a chapter-by-
chapter resource of quizzes, tests and essay questions as well as further 
information on chapter topics and links to other websites. If you can, 
do visit and explore this site; however, this course is not limited to the 

---

IS1060 Introduction to information systems
10
material within the website, and the quizzes and tests there should be 
viewed simply as useful revision material. In many ways, the most valuable 
aspect of the website is the links it provides to further web resources.
A second text, within which most topics and useful contrasting treatments 
of topics can be found, is:
Curtis, G. and D. Cobham Business information systems: analysis, design and 
practice. (London: Prentice Hall, 2008) sixth edition [ISBN 9780273713821].
For some topics, this is the preferred text, and it certainly offers a deeper 
and more thorough treatment of systems development activities. This book 
is also helpful in supporting the practical assignments.
Another contrasting text that is useful for reference and to cross-check 
your understanding is:
Alter, S The work system method: connecting people, processes, and IT for business 
results. (Work System Press, 2006) [ISBN 9780977849703].
Not one of the books listed above provides, on its own, a full coverage of 
the whole subject. Indeed, as part of a university degree, it is assumed 
that you will study the subject using multiple sources and will base your 
understanding on as wide a reading base as possible. 
It is always preferable that you have access to the latest editions of books. 
The world of information systems and information technology changes 
rapidly, as does our understanding of what is important and relevant 
in developing and managing information systems. If you are using this 
guide a couple of years after its publication, and new editions of the 
books mentioned have been produced, please use the new editions. Note 
that Laudon and Laudon (2013) and Curtis and Cobham (2008) are the 
thirteenth and sixth editions respectively, and new editions come out 
every two or three years. When new editions are produced they may have 
slightly different titles, so don’t be confused. 
Detailed reading references in this subject guide refer to the editions of the 
set textbooks listed above. New editions of one or more of these textbooks 
may have been published by the time you study this course and use this 
guide. If this is the case you should use the most recent edition; then 
use the detailed chapter and section headings and the index to identify 
or confirm the relevant reading sections. You can also check the virtual 
learning environment (VLE) for updated guidance on readings.
If you are told that any book is out of print, do not panic. As a first step, 
check with another source − some bookshop catalogues are more up-to-
date than others, or check online with one of the large book selling sites 
such as Amazon.com. If a book seems to be completely unavailable, please 
tell us and we will suggest alternatives.