Event Based ERP

by



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.



DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________



ABSTRACT

In this study we try to explore the concept of ERP in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on event based ERP and its relation with business organizations. The research also analyzes many aspects of the ERP and tries to gauge its effect on the progress of organizations using ERP systems. Finally the research describes various modules of the ERP systems and tries to describe the overall effect of ERP systems on the progress of business organizations.



Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTii

DECLARATIONiii

ABSTRACTiv

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Research Aims and Objectives1

Ethical Considerations2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

ERP Concept4

ERP Sophistication Hierarchy6

Concepts of Accounting Information Systems11

The Accounting Information System and ERP System Relations12

Accounting Information System Changes in the ERP Environment12

ERP Accounting Information System Environment, Data Quality Control15

The Concept of Data Warehouse16

The Definition of Data Quality16

The Cause of the Data Problems17

Potential barriers to ERP exploitation17

Potential risks to ERP exploitation19

Potential correlations between ERP barriers and risks22

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY23

Mixed Research23

Classification of research methods23

Multi-method studies24

Mixed method studies24

Steps in mixed methodology24

Strengths25

Weaknesses26

Search Technique26

Role of the Researcher26

Researcher Bias27

Research Design27

Literature Search28

Inclusion and exclusion criteria29

Search terms - key terms30

Additional Online searches30

Search rationale30

Critical Appraisal tool31

Reliability/Dependability31

Validity33

Ethical Considerations35

Informed Consent35

Appraisal limitations36

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION37

Major Components of a Typical ERP System37

Business and Strategic Planning Module37

Resource Planning Module38

Executive Decision Support Module39

Sales and Operations Planning Module40

Forecasting Module40

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Module41

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION42

REFERENCES47

APPENDIX51

Questionnaire51



CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The first step in implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is to understand the definition, purpose, and functionality of ERP. Unfortunately, that task is not as easy as it sounds. ERP systems represent different things to different organizations, vendors, and individuals. Defining ERP is difficult because there are many variations of the term within the manufacturing literature (Willis, 2002, pp 35). In addition, a wide variety of software companies advertise various versions of “ERP systems” with different modules and functionality configurations. To further complicate the matter, the concept of ERP is quickly merging with e-commerce, e-supply chain, and knowledge management. In spite of these difficulties, an understanding of the various components of an ERP system is necessary for comprehending how to best teach the ERP system to executives, managers, office workers, and shop floor personnel (Sherer, 2004, pp 69). Employees must understand the nuances of ERP to adopt it quickly and integrate it into the organization. Without an understanding of the ERP system by the people in the organization, a successful implementation is difficult, perhaps impossible. One place to start is to look at a traditional definition of an ERP system.

Research Aims and Objectives

To evaluate the importance of ERP systems ...