Kenneth L. Kraemer - Böcker

This book examines the evolution of the computer industry in the Pacific Asia region. It explains the key factors that account for the different levels of success among the nations in the area, and explores the strategic implications for the United States and the Asian Pacific countries as they compete in computers in the emerging network era. This book is intended for academics and computer professionals.

Are the Internet and e-commerce truly revolutionizing business practice? This book explodes the transformation myth by demonstrating that the Internet and e-commerce are in fact being adapted by firms to reinforce their existing relationships with customers, suppliers, and business partners. Detailed case studies of eight countries show that, rather than creating a borderless global economy, e-commerce strongly reflects existing local patterns of commerce, business, and consumer preference, and its impact therefore varies greatly by country. Paradoxically, while e-commerce is increasing the efficiency, effectiveness, and competitiveness of firms, it is also increasing the complexity of their environments as they have to deal with more business partners and also face greater competition from other firms. This incisive analysis of the diffusion and impact of e-business provides academic researchers, graduates, and MBA students with a solid basis for understanding its likely evolution.

This book presents a perspective on the role of modeling that has relevance to both practice and theory. The authors provide an empirical assessment of the role of computer models in urban policy decisions, presenting a survey and four detailed case studies focusing on the use of a specific class of computer-based fiscal impact models in American logical governments. The findings are interpreted in light of this perspeectiv on the social and political dynamics of models in the policy process. From this perspective, called consensus modeling, a model is viewed as a tool for facilitating negotiation, and, thereby, consensus in the policymaking process.