Shaping the Enterprise with ICT

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

One of the following:

OR

Achieving 75% in the Programming Competency Test

None

None

• 615-260 Enterprise Systems (prior to 2009)

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Aims

This breadth subject is intended to help students understand (a) what packaged enterprise application software (PEAS) is, (b) how such software is implemented, and (c) how organizations can maximize benefits from their often-large investments in PEAS. By “PEAS”, we refer to 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 organizations 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 (PEAS), (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) things organizations need to do to try to maximize benefits from their often-large investments in packaged enterprise application software (PEAS). Students will normally undertake approximately 10-15 hours of hands-on exercises with software from a leading vendor, SAP.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Have 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)
2. 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 organization
3. Have an understanding of the likely direction and impact of PEAS-related technological innovations such as in-memory databases, mobile computing, and business intelligence on future enterprise-system architectures
4. Gain hands-on experience in using SAP ERP system, the most popular enterprise application software packages to support business processes.

• One on-going assignment (10%)of approximately 750 words with deliverables throughout the semester, requiring 10-13 hours of work. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 3 are addressed in the on-going assignment
• An individual assignment (20%) of approximately 1000 words due in week 8, requiring 20-25 hours of work. ILOs 1 and 4 are addressed in the individual assignment
• A group assignment (20%) with 3 group members of approximately 2000 words due at the beginning of week 12, requiring 20-25 hours of work per student. ILO 2 is addressed in the group assignment
• One written 2 hour closed book end of semester examination (50%). ILOs 1 to 3 are addressed in the examination. The examination is a hurdle and must be passed to pass the subject.

Hurdle Requirement: To pass the subject, students must obtain:

• at least 50% of the marks available in the examination.

Motiwalla, L. and Thompson, J. (2012), Enterprise Systems for Management, 2nd Edition, Pearson

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject, students should achieve the following:

• Students will improve skills in oral and written communication
• Students will develop skills in argument analysis
• Enchanced collaborative skills through group work and discussions

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.

A general understanding of the objectives of database systems would be an advantage.

Learning and Teaching Methods

The subject is delivered in one 2-hour class on theoretical concepts and one 1-hour practical class on SAP ERP each week. The second hour of the theoretical class is typically conducted in tutorial rooms. Outside class, students will study theory and complete exercises designed to increase understanding of what enterprise systems are, and the way that they can contribute value to organizations.

Indicative Key Learning Resources

The key subject “handout”, including details of assignment and questions for discussion, will be available online from LMS. Key articles will be available online via the university library. Exercises for hands-on use of SAP ERP will be available online. Students will be provided with an account on an SAP ERP system sourced from the SAP-supported University Competency Centre at QUT. Lectures will be audio recorded via Lecture Capture and made available online.

Careers/Industry Links

This subject is relevant to careers as business analysts, IT managers, and consultants. Since almost all large organizations today have implemented enterprise systems, and such systems are constantly being upgraded, there is a large on-going demand for people with knowledge of this topic from both consulting and user organizations. Students will work on real-world cases of organisations attempting to maximize benefits from their use of enterprise systems. There will normally be at least one guest lecture from an invited industry practitioner.