Essay on "Enterprise Resource Planning"

Quoted Instructions for "Enterprise Resource Planning" Assignment:

Like any complex information technology, ERP systems can be deployed in many different kinds of ways. Since enterprise systems by definition are as broad as the enterprise itself, it follows that the number of ways it could be implemented is limited only by the imagination of the participants -- which, in an organization of any size, is almost unlimited. Obviously, not all of these ways of implementing ERP systems are equally good; some will produce effective results and corporate returns; others will result in extremely expensive doorstops and paperweights.

As the case for this module, you*****'re asked to think about ERP implementation. For starters, please read two articles with practical advice regarding implementation:

Burns, M. How to Select and Implement an ERP. 180 Systems. Retrieved on May 10, 2011 from http://www.accountingweb-cgi.com/whitepapers/ERPWhitePaper.pdf

Krigsman, M. Enterprise software development from an IT failure perspective Retrieved on July 26, 2010 from http://blogs.zdnet.com/projectfailures/

Wailgum, T. (2010) 5 Easy Steps to ERP Software Success!. CIO Magazine, Retrieved on July 26, 2010 from http://advice.cio.com/thomas_wailgum/5_easy_steps_to_erp_software_success

Donovan, R.M. Successful ERP Implementation the First Time.

Retrieved on May 10, 2011 from http://www.inventoryinc.com/pdf/perfor8.pdf

You should also be prepared to use material from the Background Information or other related materials you find yourself (be sure to reference properly whatever specific sources you draw on).

SOURCES FROM THE BACKGROUND READINGS:

OPTIONAL READINGS

Jones, K. (2005) The ABCs of Enterprise Resource planning (ERP) An Executive Primer. Aberdeen Group. Retrieved on July 26, 2010 from http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/product/erp_primer.mspx

Moellgaard, D. (February, 2009) Lifecycle of an SAP Enhancement Package for SAP ERP Retrieved on July 26, 2010 https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/scn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/library/uuid/802e68b3-f640-2b10-468c-e2fd68e335f2

If you*****'re not familiar with the OpenDirectoryProject, click here for a quick rundown.

http://www.dmoz.org/about.html

Case assignment expectations:

Use information from the review of the vendors and the modular background readings as well as any good quality resource you can find. Please cite all sources and provide a reference list (use APA format) at the end of your paper.

Take a good look at two to four of these ERP vendors from internet (Microsoft, SAP links are in the background oprional reading). Examine their web sites, look over the resources they make available, and read about how they see the process of implementing ERP. When you have completed this examination and made your notes appropriately in a 3-5 pages paper answering the following questions:

Your answer to the following question will be assessed:

*****"What do vendors seem to know and not know about implementing ERP systems? How much influence should vendors have in an organization*****'s ERP decision?*****"

The following items will be assessed in particular:

1. Evidence that you have reviewed two to four of these vendors, examined their web sites, looked over the resources they make available, and read about how they see the process of implementing ERP.

2. Definition of the basic concepts in enterprise systems enterprise resource planning

3. Description of some of the dynamics of implementation of ERP systems

3. Your ability to apply your understanding of complex issues involved in the case question.

4. Your support for assertions using examples, citations (use required readings), and elaboration to support assertions

5. Evidence that you have read the required background materials

6. Evidence of your thinking about the issues, and going beyond the obvious to develop an analysis reflecting your own critical thinking. (Note: This is discussed in Welcome Message and Module Home pages).

Case Expectations, and Grading Criteria:

Your paper will be evaluated on the following criteria (meeting minimum requirements is B performance):

_ Complete the case assignment.

_ Length of 3-5 pages (since a page is about 300 words, this is approximately 900-1500 words)

_ Conducted evaluation and analysis as required

_ Support for assertions using examples, citations (use required readings), and elaboration to support assertions. Evidence that you have read the required background materials

_ Precision: the questions asked are answered.

_ Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic.

_ Breadth and Depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module.

_ Critical thinking: It is important to read the *****"required readings*****" posted in the background material plus others you find relevant. Your paper should include important concepts from these readings and incorporate YOUR reactions and examples that illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts.

_Your paper is well written and the references are properly cited