Global business information technology: an integrated systems approach, Geoffrey Elliott. Addison Wesley, Harlow, England (2004), ISBN: 0-321-27012-6

Global Business Information Technology is primarily aimed at level 1 and 2 undergraduate students studying business and information technology-related courses. The book provides a clear and well-structured exploration into the areas of information systems and information technology within the global business domain. Elliott states that his fundamental motivation in writing the book was to ‘‘provide a holistic framework of understanding of the applications, techniques and systems used in the global business domain’’. The scope of the book is quite broad with the content being covered in two parts. Part 1 focuses on Information Systems Theory, while Part 2, on the Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Part 1 contains chapters on The Global Information Age, General Systems Theory, Global Information Systems Development, Rapid Applications Development in Dynamic Global Business Environments, Information Systems Modelling and Information Systems Methodologies. Part 2 contains chapters on Business Systems Activity, The Global Business Environment, Applications for Handling Data and Information Modelling and Telecommunications and Operating Systems and Computer Networks. The book also takes into account recent developments in the business systems environment with chapters on The Internet and Electronic Business and Mobile Computing, Security and Biometrics. The final chapter contains a detailed case study which encourages students to consider and apply concepts studied throughout the book. The chapters are well structured with small case studies covered throughout the text which are referred to as ‘‘pause for thought’’ sections which provide a useful means of contextualising the concepts covered. Small ‘‘did you know?’’ sections are also scattered throughout the chapters that provide interesting facts and sound bites relating to the area. Also included throughout the chapters are useful activities that test and apply the students’ knowledge as they work their way through the particular sections. Each chapter contains Short Self Assessment Questions, Extended Student Activities that provide both individual and group-based activities, as well as References and Further Study. Although primarily aimed at level 1 and 2 undergraduate students, this text could also be used as a useful introductory text for MSc conversion courses as well as MBA students. Overall, this book covers a broad subject area in a manner that is logical, effective, interesting and highly enjoyable. Elliott clearly knows his target audience well and how to meet their needs. This book provides an excellent introduction to Global Business Information Technology that draws