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Information systems management in the big data era
Lake P., Drake R., Springer Publishing Company, Incorporated, New York, NY, 2015. 293 pp. Type: Book (978-3-319135-02-1)
Date Reviewed: Jun 30 2015

As the authors note, this is not a book about technology--no databases, no SQL, no maps. Rather, it is about business, about realizing the value of information systems, and about governing our systems and people in a big data environment. Though designed as a text for a one-semester course on information systems (IS), it can serve as a resource for newly minted managers in business and government large-scale information technology (IT) sites as well.

The material is presented in 12 chapters, a nice number for a semester-length course. Each chapter follows the same format: a section on “what the reader will learn,” an introductory section, topic material and review questions, and a summary and bibliography. It is a good format for a textbook. The bibliographies are very good; it’s apparent that care was taken when compiling the references.

The chapter titles are instructive. The book begins with chapter 1, “Introducing Big Data,” which presents the remaining chapters and the topics covered in each. It also creates a business framework for students to examine an IT/IS function. The next three chapters focus on traditional organizational considerations. This includes strategic planning and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis for the IT function (chapter 2, “Strategy”); an examination of the IT structure, including the culture of IT organizations and IT services (chapter 3, “Structure”); and leadership vis-à-vis management of the IT function (chapter 4, “Style”).

The next two chapters (“Staff” and “Statistical Thinking”) focus on staffing, with particular attention to the concept of a data scientist and the importance of a “quant” or statistical focus in addressing big data opportunities. US business schools focus on using teams and team building in organizations--important aspects of a successful IT function. The statistical thinking chapter is not a chapter about statistics, but instead brings to the forefront the importance of analytics in big data organizations.

The text continues with chapter 7, “Synthesis,” which focuses on creating successful IT ventures, stakeholder buy-in, and the IT cost-benefit calculus. Managing change is also discussed. The next three chapters examine the traditional areas of systems: database consideration (chapter 8, “Systems”); data sources and integrity issues (chapter 9, “Sources”); and security of data, software, and systems (chapter 10, “IS Security”).

The last two chapters look to the future. Chapter 11, “Technical Insights,” examines recent technical concepts such as sandbox and hive. The last chapter (“The Future of IS in the Era of Big Data”) takes a general look at prospective changes to IT management and IS. The authors readily recognize the challenges associated with describing the future IS/IT environment.

The text is not a technically challenging read, and sophomore- or junior-level university students should easily handle the material. The authors continually provide the reader with interesting and thoughtful corporate experiences relevant to the topic at hand. At some point, the text becomes downright entertaining.

Reviewer:  Robert M. Lynch Review #: CR143568 (1509-0762)
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