Enterprise Systems (ISYS90036)

AIMS

This subject is intended to help students understand (a) what in packaged enterprise application software (PEAS) is, (b) how such software is implemented, and (c) how organisations can maximize benefits from their often-large investments in packaged-software-based systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Business-Intelligence (BI) systems. These systems are important because most organisations around the world today rely on such systems to support their core business processes.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

The subject discusses (a) what enterprise-systems software is, (b) claimed advantages and limitations of enterprise systems, (c) how best to implement packaged enterprise application software, (d) future directions that PEAS are likely to head as vendors respond to market pressures for integration between heterogeneous information systems, cloud computing, greater access from mobile devices, and demand for more information faster than ever before, and (e) what organisations need to do to maximize benefits from their often-large investments in packaged enterprise application software. Students will normally undertake approximately 10-15 hours of hands-on exercises with software from a leading vendor, SAP.

Please view this video for further information: Enterprise Systems

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

• Have an appreciation of the factors that need to be managed if enterprise-wide software is to be implemented on time, within budget, and produce on-going benefits for its host organisation
• Demonstrate the likely direction and impact of technological innovations such as in-memory databases, mobile computing, business intelligence and artificial intelligence on future enterprise system architectures
• Develop a good understanding of the capabilities of enterprise-wide ICT-based application software, e.g., enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM)
• Gain hands-on experience in using SAP ERP system, the most popular enterprise application software packages to support business processes

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have developed or enhanced the following generic skills:

• Argument analysis, i.e. the ability to identify arguments and evaluate the evidence that authors provide to support their arguments. Argument analysis is one of the most important skills a person can develop
• Oral and written communications
• Ability to collaborate with different individuals through group work and discussion