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Customization
Foundations of Information Systems is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY NC-SA) license, which means that you can non-commercially distribute, remix, and build upon the content, as long as you provide attribution to OpenStax and its content contributors, under the same license.
Because our books are openly licensed, you are free to use the entire book or select only the sections that are most relevant to the needs of your course. Feel free to remix the content by assigning your students certain chapters and sections in your syllabus, in the order that you prefer. You can even provide a direct link in your syllabus to the sections in the web view of your book.
Instructors also have the option of creating a customized version of their OpenStax book. Visit the Instructor Resources section of your book page on OpenStax.org for more information.
Art Attribution
In Foundations of Information Systems, art contains attribution to its title, creator or rights holder, host platform, and license within the caption. Because the art is openly licensed, anyone may reuse the art as long as they provide the same attribution to its original source.(Commercial entities should contact OpenStax to discuss reuse rights and permissions.) To maximize readability and content flow, some art does not include attribution in the text. If you reuse art from this text that does not have attribution provided, use the following attribution: Copyright Rice University, OpenStax, under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.
Errata
All OpenStax textbooks undergo a rigorous review process. However, like any professional-grade textbook, errors sometimes occur. In addition, the wide range of evidence, standards, practices, data, and legal circumstances in computer science change frequently, and portions of the text may become out of date. Since our books are web-based, we can make updates periodically when deemed pedagogically necessary. If you have a correction to suggest, submit it through the link on your book page on OpenStax.org. Subject matter experts review all errata suggestions. OpenStax is committed to remaining transparent about all updates, so you will also find a list of past and pending errata changes on your book page on OpenStax.org.
Format
You can access this textbook for free in web view or PDF through OpenStax.org, and for a low cost in print. The web view is the recommended format because it is the most accessible—including being WCAG 2.2 AA compliant – and most current. Print versions are available for individual purchase, or they may be ordered through your campus bookstore.
About Foundations of Information Systems
Foundations of Information Systems provides students with the ability to understand the concepts of IS, including hardware, software, database management systems, and data networks. The teaching is based on the ACM/IEEE/AIS curriculum standards for information systems (IS2020) that allow institutions to use the content for the purposes of accreditation for ABET, AACSB, and ACBSP. The openly licensed resource is grounded in concepts that cross both functional and operational areas to develop student knowledge in transactional, decisional, and collaborative business processes. Specifically, students will be able to understand and apply basic concepts associated with the collection, processing, storage, distribution, and value of information—and how IS professionals provide support to management, customers, and suppliers of the enterprise. Driven by competencies that correlate to knowledge, skills, and dispositions, the book is an asset for 2-year and 4-year information systems programs and to use in general education courses in business and computing.
Foundations of Information Systems is intended to be a high-quality, introductory text that provides students with foundational knowledge of global information systems while preparing them to engage with more complex problems and digital technologies. The IS resource appeals to multiple audiences of learners and instructors teaching courses in information technology and those teaching in a comprehensive program in any specialty, including health information systems and business information systems. The book is designed to closely align with international standards and real-life skills needed by employers, while providing a scholarly perspective that encourages students to explore the digital world from a systems design perspective.
Coverage and Scope
Foundations of Information Systems provides a cohesive narrative flow that brings content to life through application, examples, and exercises. The text is based on the recommended Foundations of Information Systems 2020 Curriculum. The topics and format are aligned with the suggested first course in the program of IS2020 and include additional topics organized and recommended by instructors across in 2-year, 4-year, and general education programs around the world. Content is organized under headings and subheadings to allow for structured reading and comprehension, with pedagogical features placed to provide breaks and reinforce concepts. Appropriate visuals complement and illustrate key points in the narrative and draw students into the material.
Foundations of Information Systems begins with an overview of hardware, software, and system identification, and ends with ethical considerations in using such technology as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other newly developed technologies.
Pedagogical Foundation and Features
Foundations of Information Systems is designed to engage students through a combination of practical, real-world applications and thought-provoking scenarios that promote critical thinking and a deeper understanding of core concepts. The pedagogical approach is centered on making information systems relevant and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. To support this vision, the textbook incorporates several key features:
- Future Technology features present newer, emerging, and rapidly changing technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual reality, and augmented reality, and how these technologies fit into the information systems domain.
- Global Connections features highlight information systems and technology on a global scale. This feature highlights real IS cases from organizations around the world and describes global technology.
- Ethics in IS features highlight ethical issues related to the concepts, skills, and activities being taught in the course. These discuss real-world cases, dig deeper into ethical considerations, and present ethical dilemmas for students to think through.
- Careers in IS features introduce students to careers in information systems, including those in high demand, such as health care, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, business analytics, financial analytics, and more. In addition, this feature offers insight into specialty areas, certifications, and other learning and experience opportunities to enhance career options.
- Link to Learning features provide a very brief introduction to online resources—videos, interactives, articles, and other engaging resources that are pertinent to students’ exploration of the topic at hand.
Overall, these features are integrated throughout the textbook to foster active learning, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the practical applications of information systems. By connecting theory to practice and encouraging students to explore real-world issues, Foundations of Information Systems provides a meaningful and supportive learning experience that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their academic and professional journeys.
Answers to Questions in the Book
The end-of-chapter Check Your Understanding and Application Questions are intended for homework assignments or classroom discussion; thus, student-facing answers are not provided in the book. For end-of-chapter Review Questions, the book’s Answer Key provides students with answers to about half of the assessments so they can self-check their work as they study. All assessment answers and sample answers are provided in the Instructor Answer Guide, for instructors to share with students at their discretion, as is standard for such resources.
About the Author
Senior Contributing Author
Dr. Mahesh S. Raisinghani is a professor of Management Information Systems at Texas Woman’s University’s (TWU’s) MAK College of Business and Entrepreneurship, and an Affiliate Professor at TWU’s Woodcock Institute for the Advancement of Neurocognitive Research and Applied Practice. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the U.K., and the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Association of Information Systems’ SIG-LEAD. He earned his MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma; M.S. in Information Systems, and Ph.D. in Information Systems and Strategic Management from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Dr. Raisinghani was awarded the Distinguished Research Award by the Association of Business Information Systems in 2022 and 2024; Global Educator Award from X-Culture in 2022, 2023, and 2024; Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA’s) Excellence in Education award in 2021; Outstanding Organizational Service award from the Global Information Technology Management Association in 2018; and TWU’s 2017 Innovation in Academia award, among other awards. He was also awarded the 2017 National Engaged Leader Award by the National Society of Leadership and Success; and the 2017 Volunteer Award at the Model United Nations Conference for his service to the Youth and Government by the Model United Nations Committee.
Dr. Raisinghani serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Web-based Learning and Teaching Technologies. He has published over a hundred manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals in MIS, national and international conferences, and book series; edited eight books; and consulted for a variety of public and private organizations. He has been involved in many large, medium, and small business technology strategy and innovation projects for companies in several countries across various industries. He has extensive experience with corporate training and has developed and delivered training and mentoring programs for the top corporate education providers.
Dr. Raisinghani has served as a consultant and conducted research as part of a project that received Phase 1, and Phase 2/2B grants from the National Science Foundation. He has also served as a subject matter expert reviewer in technology and commercialization for the National Science Foundation for the last 25 years. Dr. Raisinghani serves as a Board Member for the Global Information Technology Management Association; an Advisory Board Member for Harvard Business Review and X-Culture.org; and an advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success and World Affairs Council.
Contributing Authors
Amal Alhosban, University of Michigan
Dax Bradley, Miller-Motte College
Wade Chumney, California State University, Northridge
Nicole Dhanraj, University of Maryland Global Campus
Sherita Freeman, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
James Gibbs, Louisiana State University Shreveport
Sean Petty, Paradise Valley Community College
Karen Srba, University of Maryland Global Campus
Ayushi Tandon, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Reviewers
Peter Appiahene, University of Energy and Natural Resources
Tammie Bolling, Pellissippi State Community College
Quiana Bradshaw, St. Francis College
Mariya Breyter, New York University
Joseph Budu, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration
Alaina Desjardin, Franklin University
Sukhen Dey, University of the Cumberlands
Dina Engel, New York University
Betty Fitte, Tidewater Community College
David Fogarty, New York University and Columbia University
Janos Fustos, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Graham Gal, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Jim Gerland, University at Buffalo and Buffalo State University
Rhonda Gilreath, Tiffin University
David Hearst, Florida Atlantic University
Angela Heath, Baptist Health Systems
Rania Hodhod, Columbus State University
Benita Hubbard, Capella University
Andrew Hurd, Empire State University
James Hyatt, University of the Cumberlands
Jessica Kong, University of Washington
Michael MacLeod, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Thomas Moore-Pizon, University of South Florida
Sai Mukkavilli, Georgia Southwestern State University
Garrett Pierman, Florida International University
Caryl Rahn, Florida International University
Vincent Sanchez, Florida International University
Rakshit Shah, EdgeVerve Ltd
Jayesh Soni, Florida International University
Abdel Toure, Estrella Mountain Community College
Charlyne Walker, Florida International University
Jingnan Xie, Millersville University
Ning Xie, Florida International University
Additional Resources
Student and Instructor Resources
We have compiled additional resources for both students and instructors, including Getting Started Guides, an instructor’s answer guide, test bank, and image slides. Instructor resources require a verified instructor account, which you can apply for when you log in or create your account on OpenStax.org. Take advantage of these resources to supplement your OpenStax book.
Instructor’s answer guide. Each component of the instructor’s guide is designed to provide maximum guidance for delivering the content in an interesting and dynamic manner.
Test bank. With hundreds of assessment items, instructors can customize tests to support a variety of course objectives. The test bank includes review questions (multiple-choice, identification, fill-in-the-blank, true/false), short answer questions, and long answer questions to assess students on a variety of levels. The test bank is available in Word format.
PowerPoint lecture slides. The PowerPoint slides provide learning objectives, images and descriptions, feature focuses, and discussion questions as a starting place for instructors to build their lectures.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity builds trust, understanding, equity, and genuine learning. While students may encounter significant challenges in their courses and their lives, doing their own work and maintaining a high degree of authenticity will result in meaningful outcomes that will extend far beyond their college career. Faculty, administrators, resource providers, and students should work together to maintain a fair and positive experience.
We realize that students benefit when academic integrity ground rules are established early in the course. To that end, OpenStax has created an interactive to aid with academic integrity discussions in your course.
At OpenStax we are also developing resources supporting authentic learning experiences and assessment. Please visit this book’s page for updates. For an in-depth review of academic integrity strategies, we highly recommend visiting the International Center of Academic Integrity (ICAI) website at https://academicintegrity.org/.
Community Hubs
OpenStax partners with the Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education (ISKME) to offer Community Hubs on OER Commons—a platform for instructors to share community-created resources that support OpenStax books, free of charge. Through our Community Hubs, instructors can upload their own materials or download resources to use in their own courses, including additional ancillaries, teaching material, multimedia, and relevant course content. We encourage instructors to join the hubs for the subjects most relevant to your teaching and research as an opportunity both to enrich your courses and to engage with other faculty. To reach the Community Hubs, visit www.oercommons.org/hubs/openstax.
Technology partners
As allies in making high-quality learning materials accessible, our technology partners offer optional low-cost tools that are integrated with OpenStax books. To access the technology options for your text, visit your book page on OpenStax.org.