ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses both telecommunications and computer information systems and their impact on multinational strategic management. Telecommunications systems provide the access and speed needed for global information systems to function effectively. In theory, over the next decade, through advances in telecommunications, it is possible to link every home in the world through any one of a number of telephone, video, radio, computer, or facsimile devices. Information systems are the organized transmission and dissemination of information in accordance with defined procedures, whether automated or manual. Worldwide computer and other information systems use and are enabled by telecommunications frameworks. The chapter discusses computer information systems developed and used by firms to communicate information globally in three categories: intrabusiness, business-to-business, and business-to-customer. Some of these systems use the Internet; others existed long before the Internet and e-commerce revolution. The chapter discusses the difficulties of meeting conflicting situation requirements and reconciling them when developing informations systems in both developing and developed countries.
