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Abstract

The centrality of computer-based information systems at this juncture in the evolution of human society and commerce cannot be overemphasized. There is virtually no aspect of human living that is not affected at least indirectly by the role and function of information systems, particularly in business. They influence the quality of life. The effectiveness and efficiency of any system (e.g. business information system) relies heavily on the fidelity that the system achieves in matching function to context not only at its inception, but throughout the life of the human system it supports. The evolution of an information system in concert with the surrounding social activities is a key factor in its cost-effectiveness and competitive advantage in the commercial domain.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Several terms in this writing are adopted with specialized meanings that are quite distinct from their nominal meanings found in everyday language. Some of these terms derive from writings referencing other authors. Others are adopted here to reflect specific meanings in the context of this monograph. Terms with specialized meanings are denoted in italics such as life with the intention of reminding the reader of that specialized meaning.

References

  1. Brooks FP, “No Silver Bullet: Essence and Accidents of Software Engineering,” Computer, Vol. 20, No. 4 (April 1987) pp 10–19.

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Correspondence to Leslie J. Waguespack .

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© 2010 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Waguespack, L.J. (2010). Introduction. In: Thriving Systems Theory and Metaphor-Driven Modeling. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-302-2_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-302-2_1

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