Risk, Complexity and ICT

"This book explores the challenges regarding risks and risk management related to the growing complexity of ICT solutions." "The main argument of the book is that the complexity of ICT solutions has continued to grow throughout the history of ICT, and that it has now reached a level that goes beyond our current understanding of solutions and our methods of dealing with them. The contributors demonstrate how the complexity of ICT solutions is increased by various integration efforts. Drawing upon theories of risk society and reflexive modernization, various case studies are used to demonstrate efforts aimed at controlling and managing the complexities of various ICT solutions. Paradoxically, these control and management measures are shown to increase rather than decrease complexity and risk." "Researchers, academics and students with an interest in information systems management, organization studies, and science and technology will find much to interest them in this illuminating book, as will ICT practitioners and information systems managers."--BOOK JACKET.

Table of Contents:
Contents: 1. Introduction: Integration–Complexity–Risk – The Making of Information Systems Out-of-Control Ole Hanseth PART I: THEORY 2. Digital Technologies and Risk: A Critical Review Claudio Ciborra 3. Information Technology, Contingency and Risk Jannis Kallinikos 4. Complexity and Risk Ole Hanseth PART II: CASES 4. When ‘Perfect’ Integration Leads to Increasing Risks: The Case of an Integrated Information System in a Global Company Knut H. Rolland and Eric Monteiro 5. Reflexive Integration in the Development and Implementation of an Electronic Patient Record System Ole Hanseth, Edoardo Jacucci, Miria Grisot and Margunn Aanestad 6. From Risk Management to ‘Organized Irresponsibility’? Risks and Risk Management in the Mobile Telcom Sector Jennifer Blechar and Ole Hanseth 7. The Duality of Risk and the Evolution of Danger in Global ICT Integration Daniel Osei-Joehene and Claudio Ciborra 8. When is an Intranet? The Topsy-Turvy Unfolding of a Web-Based Information System Claudio Ciborra Index

About the Author :
Edited by Ole Hanseth, Professor of Information Systems, University of Oslo, Norway and the late Claudio Ciborra, was formerly Professor of Information Systems, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

Review :
'This book will provide a refreshing alternative to many of the mainstream approaches to risk, which merely suggest the use of new methodologies. Both academics and practitioners are aware that these new techniques are rarely the panacea that is being suggested, and a book that provides some deeper level of understanding would be welcomed. The authors are well established academically with a good track record of publishing books. Their names alone will draw attention to this publication. Risk, Complexity and ICT provides an interesting synthesis of ideas, with an engaging mix of theory with illustrative and diverse case studies. This is a book that I would want to purchase, would recommend to colleagues, and would seriously consider using in my teaching.' - Debra Howcroft, University of Manchester, UK