Information System
There is a great deal of interest in the process of implementing information technology to achieve coordinated management of operations and other aspects of the firm. ERP systems are supposedly effective agents for such coordination, but they are notoriously hard to implement and maintain. Less ambitious information technology initiatives may be easier to put into place, but often fail to achieve sufficient coordination. Clearly, being able to do do "large-scale" right can be a major advantage—the question is to what degree is it really a competitive advantage, rather than simply a matter of management efficiency. Coordination is nice, but it may or may not be worth the price.
Here are two takes on this issue:
Don Tapscott, Service Enablement and Competitive Advantage. SAP International http://www(dot)sap(dot)com/belgie/solutions/business-suite/erp/pdf/brochures/BWP_Service_Enablement.pdf
Neville Turbit . ERP Implementation - The Traps. Project Perfect. http://www(dot)projectperfect(dot)com(dot)au/info_erp_imp.php
And some recent dealings:
Houston Neal. (2011). ERP Implementation Strategies - A Guide to ERP Implementation Methodology. Software Advice. Retrieved from http://www(dot)softwareadvice(dot)com/articles/manufacturing/erp-implementation-strategies-1031101/.
Ann All. (2011). Secrets of an (Almost) Pain-Free ERP Implementation. IT Business Edge. Retrieved from http://www(dot)itbusinessedge(dot)com/cm/community/features/interviews/blog/secrets-of-an-almost-pain-free-erp-implementation/?cs=45241
After reading these articles and reviewing other information from the Background and other sources, prepare a 3- to 5-page paper on the following topic:
Is skill in implementing coordinated information technology really a competitive advantage for a firm? Why or why not?
Case Assignment Expectations:
Your paper should be from three to five pages. Take a definite stand on the issues, and develop your supporting argument carefully. Using material from the Background information and any other sources you can find to support specific points in your argument is highly recommended; try to avoid making assertions for which you can find no support other than your own opinion.
You will be particularly assessed on:
- Precision: Draw on a range of sources and establish your understanding of the historical context of the question. Carry out the exercise as assigned, or carefully explain the limitations that might have prevented your completing some parts. (Running out of time isn’t generally considered an adequate limitation.)
- Support for assertions: Use examples, citations (especially to the required readings), and elaboration to support assertions. Provide evidence that you have read the required Background materials.
- Clarity: Provide clear answers that show good understanding of the topic. Understand the module's purpose, and structure your paper accordingly.
- Breadth and depth: Make the scope of your paper relate directly to the questions of the assignment and the learning outcomes of the module.
- Critical thinking: Incorporate your reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business in a way that illustrates your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts. Read the Required Readings posted in the Background material plus others you find relevant. Providing informed commentary and analysis is vital—simply repeating what sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
- Overall quality: Turn in a well-written paper whose references, where needed, are properly cited and listed. (Refer to the University guidelines (http://support(dot)trident(dot)edu/files/Well-Written-Paper.pdf if you are uncertain about formats or other issues.)
Information System
Name:
Institution:
In this day and age, having the skills to implement informational technology that is highly coordinated is a cutting edge. There are a myriad of data sources that needs to be well coordinate through the databases at any given time in an organization. Having the skill to implement information systems comes in handy and saves the company millions of dollars while the same effect is multiplied throughout the economy. The integration of the various business functions is one of the key aspects of the information systems and brings with it many benefits. Over the years the interest in the EPR systems has built up and this has brought a lot of revolution to the systems and their usefulness in the inter-organization and intra-organization integration.
Having the skills to implement these systems and other like them is crucial as it could mean the difference between organizations that is doing well financially and functionally, as well as that which is having a hail storm of complications in redundant processes leading to losses. Information systems are not as good as their build quality and integration functionality but the way they are implemented as well. A good system can turn disastrous if it is implemented in the wrong way. As such the skills to bring to life an information system such as the ERP could mean the competitive advantage that a firm needs to lead the pack (Fosser, Leister, Moe &Newman, 2008).
Implementing such information systems as the ERP can be quite complex and then there is the daunting task of maintaining them in fluid functionality. This is the reason that most of the companies keep off this platforms for the peace of mind. Most of the researches that have been conducted on the bottlenecks of the information systems spot the fact that the switch to the systems can be expensive. Some state that the systems require high level of skills as they are tasking setting up and maintaining, customizing to the needs of the firm has also been spotted another handle. A closer look at the disadvantages that have been brought up in most of the researches regarding the same relate to the fact that, implementation and maintenance of the system is complex and may end costing the company heavily, drawing too much attention to itself. As such, the firm may end up losing the competitive edge. There is also the fact that the systems complexity requires extensive training and there is a likelihood of the level of dependencies between the various departments is going to increase. ...