Where IT Leads...?

A composition of social, legal, historic/political and economic narrative examples of how mankind appears to have selected by his own creation, a 21st-century lifestyle firmly entrenched in/on technological achievement. This is aimed at anyone either associated with education or anybody concerned from a wider perspective with how the speed of today's technological innovations seem to have outpaced the psychological and social development of the human race. Aimed at young adult individuals and above who require in the general sense, an understanding of the present, historic and future impact computer Information Technology has had and will continue to have throughout industry, commerce and government, and our everyday lives. It covers, in addition, many subject areas of the GCSE, AS and International Baccalaureate curricula, namely IT, History, Business Studies, Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Humanities, and undergraduate courses pertaining to similar subject content. It also lays out some of the wider implications of IT deployment in society and the associated ethical questions raised - forcing us to evaluate the quality of man's structured living environment and the paradigm he has generated. In short, it illustrates our complete dependency on computer IT and where IT might lead us to - 60 years following the invention of the world's first electronic computer.

Table of Contents:
The context - present, historic, future; healthcare management; biotechnology / pharmaceutical; security / intelligence services; transportation; military weapons establishment; music & entertainment; space; future snapshot; summary.

About the Author :
Malcolm R. Piper (the author) has spent the last twenty-five years working extensively in the computer IT industry on an international basis. He has held senior management positions in software and Professional Services outsourcing companies, and has been responsible for the successful creation and implementation of business development, sales and marketing programs across many global market segments. He has seen and experienced first hand the effects of one of the most, if not the most, dynamic and rapidly changing industries in modern history.

Review :
A compelling insight with an informative historical/political backdrop into tomorrow's Information Technology world, which reveals deep concerns relating to the delivery of our expectations and the price we in society may ultimately pay. Clearly written to stimulate opinion on both sides of the divide - this is an essential read for all who might not realise that IT appears to generate more questions than answers surrounding our chosen/created lifestyle for the 21st-century." Dr. Robert Waller, (Author of The Almanac of British Politics, and former Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford) - " The impact of the I.T. revolution is explored across a number of key areas and the important issues facing society are presented with admirable clarity. There is plenty of food for thought here for the general reader as well as for the student of I.T. Anyone with an interest in the social and ethical consequences of new technology should read this book." Dr. Anthony Cripps, (Head of I.T. - North London Collegiate School) " A most enlightening and thought provoking book entitled 'Where IT Leads...?' It is enjoyably both a challenging and stimulating read." Dr. Colin Shanks, (Head of Careers - Trinity School, Croydon, UK) " Malcolm Piper provides a remarkable insight to the future world where IT dominates and even controls our lives. For those who have feared that technological advances in the communications world were bringing us ever closer together whether we want it or not, this is a MUST READ. The tools so many of us take for granted today were born in a secretive and manipulative world and we should be aware of the potential benefits and pitfalls of this high tech world. Are we just innocent bystanders each time we log-on, seek health care, travel to work or go on holiday? Is ignorance really bliss? Malcolm Piper is a worthy contributor to this debate and in this text he hints at where IT may lead... and leaves us to decide whether we like what he sees." Russell H. Chapman, (Senior Tutor - University College School, London) " This well-documented and eye-opening monograph highlights the double-edged nature of the exponential and unprecedented (two key words) growth of IT and its multifarious applications. The IT revolution has opened up a Pandora's Box of technological progress (none of which is value-free or necessarily benign) leaving the discussion of moral and ethical implications struggling, breathless and often confused in its wake. In a world bent on the pursuit of the El Dorado of IT efficiency and inter-connectedness, the result, at least in part, seems ironically to be dehumanisation and dysfunctionality! IT is not all (but is perhaps much more than) IT might claim to be! " Revd. Michael Horton (Church of England) " Malcolm Piper has asked some challenging questions in relation to the delivery of healthcare in the UK. He has also raised a number of issues regarding medical ethics which will certainly challenge readers." Andrew Quaile FRCS, (Consultant Spinal Surgeon, Surrey, UK) " Malcolm Piper has addressed some very topical and controversial issues in which IT impacts into modern day life. A useful addition to both the school library and a General Studies course." Hugh Sykes, (Head of Biology/Ass. Head of Sixth Form - Bishop's Stortford College, UK) " Easily read and most interesting - particularly for non- technical professionals such as me." Nigel Addington-Smith (Practising Solicitor) " This succinct yet comprehensive volume challenges us to consider the impact of I.T. on our daily lives. We are all caught up in the technology-driven changes in our society. Many of those changes occur at such a breathtaking pace that we don't have time to consider their implications. This very useful and readable book invites us to take stock of the opportunities and threats which those changes present." John Allinson (Senior Master and Head of Sixth Form - Leighton Park School) " This book is to be recommended for background reading and would serve as an invaluable resource both for students studying ICT at A level and those taking General Studies. The material is well researched and well presented and deals with up to the minute issues in a thought provoking way. It would be a useful addition to both departmental as well as central libraries.'' Dr. Andrew Storey PhD, MSc, BA(Hons), PGCE ( Head of Information Technology - Dulwich College, London)