Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP) and SAP
Compulsory module
5 credits
A trend of the last decade has been the abandonment of custom-made software and satisfaction of different functional requirements through a single, integrated enterprise-wide software architecture. For most managers this is evident in the use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as that provided by SAP, and such software is now the norm in large companies. Familiarity with such systems is therefore essential both in its own right, and as preparation for any future career in business.
Aims
This module is designed to educate students about ERP systems – their business roots, their implementation and use in organisations, and their strategic tactical and operational influences. In particular it is designed to help them:
- Understand business principles behind the use of ERP
- Understand organisational and business processes, and the anticipated effects of ERP on the conduct of these
- Understand the challenges of using and configuring ERP for business purposes
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be be able to:
- Know the functionality and scope of ERP systems
- Understand the cross-functional integration facilitated by ERP systems, and how supply chain transactions impact upon financial and planning processes
- Appreciate the underlying database technology of enterprise software
- Navigate through the screens of the major ERP software product
- Carry out the configuration activities for a small-scale implementation of the SAP software
- Know the key factors relating to successful implementation of enterprise-wide software
Select bibliography
OLSEN, D. L. (2004) Managerial Issues of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems, New York, McGraw Hill.
BRADY, J. A., MONK, E. F. & WAGNER, B. J. (2001) Concepts in Enterprise Resource Planning, Boston, Mass., Course Technology.
SLACK, N., Chambers, S. & Johnston, R. (2004) Operations Management (4th Edition), Harlow, Pearson Education.
LAUDON, K. C. & LAUDON, J. P. (2006) Essentials of Business Information Systems (7th Edition), New Jersey, Pearson Education.
LAUDON, K.C. & LAUDON, J.P. (2006) Management Information Systems (9th Edition), New Jersey, Pearson Education.
SUMNER, M. (2004) Enterprise Resource Planning, Prentice Hall.
