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382 Book reviews / International Journal of Information Management 25 (2005) 381383

Chapters 5 and 6 offer two alternative multi-agent approaches. Chapters 79 move away from the application of intelligent agents and moves into the application of alternative AI and non-AI based analysis methods. For example, Chapter 7 considers data warehouse architectures, Chapter 8 considers neural networks, and Chapter 9 considers genetic algorithms. On Chapter 10 we return to the agent theme, this time introducing a hybrid architecture based on CONSORTS (an architecture for CogNitive reSOurce management with physically gRounding agenTS). The remaining eight chapters take the same general approach: either applying intelligent agents, or applying other technologies to the problem of information searching. Overall this book offers a solution to related problems of information retrieval and provides an overview of an area currently of interest to the scientic community. Edward Falconer School of Computing, University of Paisley, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK E-mail address: edward.falconer@barclays.co.uk

doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2005.04.009

T. Jelassi, A. Enders, Strategies for E-BusinessCreating Value Through Electronic and Mobile Commerce, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, ISBN 0-273-68840-5, 2005 (672pp., 39.99)

This book is concerned with offering a framework for a comprehensive e-business strategy formulation and drawing together the strands of e-business and strategy. The approach taken is novel and focuses the reader immediately with its effective visual approach. This helps the authors provide a holistic and integrated view of the realms of strategy and e-business by focusing on strategic concepts and linking them to actual cases of companies engaged in e-business activities. Examining examples of failure and success, which helps to identify drivers for a successful e-business strategy, further reinforces this. The book consists of four sections: the terminology and evolution of e-business, an e-business strategy framework, lessons learned and concludes with 28 focusing case studies. There is also an Appendix covering the principal technologies for electronic and mobile commerce. This is a little limited in scope and would have beneted the text if it had been more ambitious. Each chapter begins by presenting the chapter at a glance, a list of related case studies and learning outcomes and concludes with a chapter summary, review questions, discussion questions, recommended key readings, useful Web-links and notes and references. This offers the reader a exible format, allowing easy selection of a pathway through the text, which is appropriate for their study needs. Before any attempt is made at developing the strategy framework the reader is treated to an excellent commentary on the evolution of e-business in which emphasis is placed on what the authors view as the four periods of e-business evolution, namely: the grass-roots of e-business, the rise of the Internet, the stock market crash, and the ensuing consolidation. The included Case

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Studies present unique insights into the main characteristics of each specic period. This is backed up by a useful discussion on technological revolutions in general in which the e-business revolution is positioned. The sections on strategy are comprehensive and covers the standard models which are examined from a number of angles. Each of which is supported by appropriate case studies. The concluding sections draw together effectively the different strands examined earlier in the text. The key features of this book are: a detailed study approach for e-business strategy, the presentation of a comprehensive e-business strategy, an e-business road map, a broad time horizon coverage and, unusually, a geographic focus on Europe. A further particularly refreshing feature of this book is its balanced approach to theory and practice, as illustrated by the chapter pointers to further reading with clear links to the appropriate case studies included in the text. This is reinforced by synopses of the case studies and a matrix matching cases to chapters. This is a well-produced book which makes good use of visuals, is packed full of relevant business examples, has very effective cross-referencing between chapters, is well organised and makes the reader fully aware of the learning outcomes to expect in each chapter. The writing is lucid and the content topical. The text is not technical in orientation, which makes it accessible to a broad readership, including senior managers, business strategists, consultants, MBA students, executive education programmes and nal year undergraduate students. Those wishing to become well acquainted with the development of e-business and to familiarise themselves with an effective strategy tool-kit for formulating strategy will not be disappointed. It is also worth noting that there is a companion Web site for all readers and notes, slides and suggested syllabi for instructors. These resources make the text even more appealing. The authors are to be congratulated on this text, which is timely and accessible. It should prove to be very successful. Stuart Fitz-Gerald Kingston Business School, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT27LB, UK E-mail address: tzgerald@kingston.ac.uk
doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2005.04.010