A framework for developing computer systems concerned with officeworkflow is presented in order to support the work of people in theenterprise and their contacts with the outside world. The authorsattempt to describe practical experience in the financial servicesindustry in the United Kingdom and to prepare managers for thischallenge. They use Sherwood as an example of the development andinstallation of successful systems for financial services companies;these systems are based on Sherwood Logic Ware and Amartaproducts.

The book centers on developing managerial competence in managinginformation, including a thorough understanding of business needs,rather than focusing primarily on technical aspects. Logic Ware is adevelopment tool that supports Amarta and leads to implementation usingInformix and  Oracle.  Theauthors’ perspective on management is that these business needs relatedto concepts and overall understanding were created by reengineering andare more important than rote knowledge of specifics relating to hardwareand software.

The book provides good coverage of critical issues thatmust be addressed in order to succeed in managing with information, anarea that used to be called business data processing systems. Theauthors’ major point is that systems are very difficult, and that theydemand different development methods. The key element that drivesinformation systems is the need for meaningful management information,which emanates from an underlying database. According to the authors,this requires that the best minds of the company be brought to bear onthe database implementation plan.

Given its length, this work is thorough, well illustrated anddocumented, and meticulously written. It is managerially and technicallycorrect and, within its scope, is more expansive than its titleimplies.

Chapters 1 and 2 lay the foundation for the role of management byexploring management and planning concepts, including workflow systemsand an overview of relevant methods. Chapters 3 through 8 cover moretechnical underpinnings, such as entity models, life cycles, tasks,workflow, and database implementations. Finally, chapter 9 is devoted toproject structures; here the authors take a broader view of goals,risks, technical constraints, documentation, and so on. They alsodiscuss the recent trend toward more user-friendly software, whichallows everyone to become an effective user.

Each chapter ends with a summary instead of questions. A fullglossary and index appear at the end of the book, as do some diagramsand more background on the Logic Ware environment.

The book provides excellent material for people at the departmentaland higher management levels, including both information technologymanagers and those with a business background. Its strength is that itfocuses on business methods and techniques and draws on the consultingand academic experience of the authors. It is not only a valuableresource for managers and practitioners, but a great asset toinstructors who are teaching information system courses that emphasizeMIS policy and critical issues.

The book admirably accomplishes its purpose. I recommend it tobusiness executives, managers, academics, students, and other readerswho want to learn how to build business process implementations andworkflow systems.