Managing information systems for profit - Tim Lincoln

Ensuring that information systems investments provide an overall return to the business raises a number of complex issues. These cross the whole spectrum of IS management processes from strategic planning to operational support and require close integration of IS with the rest of the business. No longer can IS be viewed as a stand-alone, independent function nor can individual IS departments be regarded in isolation.;The need for an integrated approach to the challenge of managing IS for profit has led to this book. Its purpose is to provide practical and proven approaches to key aspects of IS management in order to remove the causes of failure and ensure the maximum return are available. The ground covered includes most of the key issues that currently face organizations wishing to make the most effective use of information technology.;The focus of the book is pragmatic and a wide range of practical techniques and methods are described which enable management both inside and outside the IS function to ensure that IS is used effectively. It is essentially a "how do" book written on the basis of the best available practical experience. The structure of this book follows the themes developed in chapter one which makes the case that integration of IS with the business is the key to managing for profit.