Identifies and analyzes the social, political and problematic nature of systems and the use of IT in contemporary society. Considers the growing complexity of IT management issues, the changing profiles and organization of the IS profession and the dominant rise of a user relations problem within modern systems development. Features a detailed, case study of a major systems project--from the early decisions involving desirability and design to launch and initial assessment. Analyzes the shift from a technological-led to a strategic and marketing-led use of IT.

David Knights is a Research Professor at the University of West of England, UK, and a Guest Professor at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. He also holds Visiting Professorships in Management at the Universities of Stockholm, Sweden, and Lancaster, UK.

Fergus Murray is the author of Managers Divided: Organisation Politics and Information Technology Management, published by Wiley.