This is explained in the initial chapter by Stig Håkangård, head of division, and Anders G. Nilsson, professor, at Karlstad University: “Information Systems is an expansive discipline in society today. As representatives of the Karlstad University approach we consider that the task of Information Systems is to illustrate how the use of modern information technology can support business operations; create new business opportunities and contribute to a more proactive service management in private companies and public organisations. Information Systems is a mutidisciplinary subject with elements of technical, economic and pedagogical aspects. It is founded on an approach called consumable research, which means that our research is a combination of theoretical rigour and industry relevance. The challenge is to create mutual benefits to both the academic world and the business community when implementing theoretical knowledge in practice.”In 15 chapters the book introduces research activities in the five distinctive areas into which the subject Information Systems is organised at Karlstad University in Sweden:

In 15 chapters the book introduces research activities in the five distinctive areas into which the subject Information Systems is organised at Karlstad University in Sweden:

Electronic commerce and service management with chapters by Odd Fredriksson and Marie-Therese Christiansson

Systems development for learning organisations with chapters by Sten Carlsson, Kaisa Jansson and John Sören Pettersson

Models and methods for multimedia development with chapters by Louise Ulfhake, Lennart Molin and Lars Erik Axelsson

Standard application packages and component-based systems with chapters by Anders G. Nilsson, Benneth Christiansson and Kurt Samuelsson

Business and enterprise modelling at change work with chapters by Marie-Therese Christiansson, Remigijus Gustas and Choong-ho Yi