Review of Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and Transforming Business (Paperback)

It's a shame that such an expensive, college-level textbook written by three university members and published by Wiley could be so full of errors and sheer unprofessionalism.This review refers specifically to the 2007 edition of this book.

There are multiple glaring technical errors throughout the book and accompanying material.For instance, as a key example the book states that a 16 MHz Intel 80386 computer with 1MB of RAM and DOS 3.31 cost $5,200 without a monitor in 1998 (just nine years ago).This statement, and others that I noticed throughout the book, are wholly inaccurate and it is a real disservice that students are expected to learn false facts and misinformation.Typos and grammatical errors are also scattered amongst the material.Everything about the book and material seems hurriedly slapped together, with little consideration for proofreading.The PowerPoint slides likewise contain mistakes and seem cheaply done.On the accompanying site, ClubIT assignments are available and a number of these are also poorly thought out and unchecked for errors (sometimes complete questions are missing from the worksheets yet students are expected to answer follow-up questions based on the nonexistent material).

Aside from the technical errors throughout the book, I also found the writing to be tedious to read due to the monotonous-like style used.Also, so much material is discussed at such a rapid rate that it becomes impossible to comprehend all of it, but as the title suggests you do get a very general overview of information systems but not detailed information about any given technical subject.

Any positive aspects of this book will forever be overshadowed by its errors, and if I were a professor I would demand a full refund for every copy of this book purchased.A 2009 edition is in the works, but it remains unclear whether or not the new edition will fix any of the existing errors or if it will simply add more material onto the abundance of material already covered throughout the book.Either way, this edition was enough to convince me to stay away from any other books written by these authors.

Product Description
Live IT!

Information technology lives all around us--in how we communicate, how we do business, how we shop, how we learn, even how we register for classes. Smart phones, iPods, PDAs, and wireless devices dominate our lives, and yet it's all too easy to take information technology for granted.

Now, Rainer, Turban, and Potter's Introduction to Information Systems helps make information technology come alive in the classroom. This text takes students where IT lives--in today's businesses and in our daily lives--and helps them understand how valuable information technology is to their future careers. Throughout, the text connects IT to accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations, so students can discover how critical IT is to each functional area and every business.

Technology to help students reach their full potential
WileyPLUS provides everything needed to create an environment where students can reach their full potential and experience the exhilaration of academic success.

With WileyPLUS, students can:
* Interact with engaging activities for each chapter, including simulations and animations that help them visualize IT processes.
* Develop IT solutions for a simulated music venue called Club IT.
* Come to class better prepared for lectures.
* Get immediate feedback and context-sensitive help on assignments and quizzes.
* Access a suite of learning resources, including a complete online version of the text.

80% of students surveyed said it improved their understanding of the material.
76% of students surveyed said it made them better prepared for tests.
69% of students surveyed said it helped them get a better grade.

Visit www.wiley.com/college/wileyplus or contact your Wiley representative for more information.

From the Back Cover
Live IT!

Information technology lives all around us--in how we communicate, how we do business, how we shop, how we learn, even how we register for classes. Smart phones, iPods, PDAs, and wireless devices dominate our lives, and yet it's all too easy to take information technology for granted.

Now, Rainer, Turban, and Potter's Introduction to Information Systems helps make information technology come alive in the classroom. This text takes students where IT lives--in today's businesses and in our daily lives--and helps them understand how valuable information technology is to their future careers. Throughout, the text connects IT to accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations, so students can discover how critical IT is to each functional area and every business.

Technology to help students reach their full potential
WileyPLUS provides everything needed to create an environment where students can reach their full potential and experience the exhilaration of academic success.

With WileyPLUS, students can:

• Interact with engaging activities for each chapter, including simulations and animations that help them visualize IT processes.
• Develop IT solutions for a simulated music venue called Club IT.
• Come to class better prepared for lectures.
• Get immediate feedback and context-sensitive help on assignments and quizzes.
• Access a suite of learning resources, including a complete online version of the text.

80% of students surveyed said it improved their understanding of the material.
76% of students surveyed said it made them better prepared for tests.
69% of students surveyed said it helped them get a better grade.

Visit www.wiley.com/college/wileyplus or contact your Wiley representative for more information.

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