Like any complex information technology, ERP systems can be deployed in many different kinds of ways. Since enterprise
systems by definition are as broad as the enterprise itself, it follows that the number of ways it could be implemented is
limited only by the imagination of the participants — which, in an organization of any size, is almost unlimited. Obviously,
not all of these ways of implementing ERP systems are equally good; some will produce effective results and corporate
returns; others will result in extremely expensive doorstops and paperweights.
As the case for this module, you’re asked to think about ERP implementation. For starters, please read two articles with
practical advice regarding implementation:
Burns, M. (2010). How to select and implement an ERP. 180 Systems. Retrieved December 2, 2011, from
http://www.accountingweb-cgi.com/whitepapers/ERPWhitePaper.pdf
Donovan, R. M.(n.d.). Successful ERP implementation the first time. Retrieved December 2, 2011, from
http://www.inventoryinc.com/pdf/perfor8.pdf
The “Open Directory Project†purports to be a reasonably comprehensive catalog of the information available on the Web.Â
Unlike a search engine like Google, it doesn’t offer any assessment of the sites it links to; it simply takes them at their
self-described word. If you’re not familiar with the Open Directory Project, click here for a quick rundown.
For our purposes, were particularly interested in some nine companies (or collections of companies that are found in their
ERP listing (The Open Directory (2011) ERP Systems. Retrieved December 2, 2011, from
http://www.dmoz.org/Computers/Software/ERP/). These are:
Baan (9)
Industrial and Financial Systems-IFS (10)
J D Edwards (15)
Kewill (8)
Lawson Software (26)
Manman (2)
Oracle (9)
Peoplesoft (36)
SAP (138)
The numbers in parentheses indicate how many sub-listings there are for various lines of business or other company aspects;
obviously, you dont have to consult more than a few of them in the course of your research here.
You should also be prepared to use material from the Background Information or other related materials you find yourself (be
sure to reference properly whatever specific sources you draw on).
As your assignment here, you are to take a good look at two to four of these ERP vendors from the Open Directory. Examine
some their web sites, look over the resources they make available, and read about how they see the process of implementing
ERP.
When you have completed this examination and made your notes, please prepare a short (3-5 page) paper addressing the
following questions:
“What do vendors seem to know and not know about implementing ERP systems? How much influence should vendors have in an
organization’s ERP decision?”
CASE EXPECTATIONS:
Your paper should be between three and 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: Your draw on a range of sources, and to establish your understanding of the historical context of the question.
You carried out the exercise as assigned, or carefully explained the limitations that might have prevented your completing
some parts (running out of time isnt generally considered an adequate limitation).
Support for assertions: You use examples, citations (especially to the required readings), and elaboration to support
assertions. You provide evidence that you have read the required background materials.
Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic. You see what the module is all about and to
structure your paper accordingly.
Breadth and Depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning
objectives of the module.
Critical thinking: The paper incorporates YOUR reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business that
illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts. It is important to read the “required readings”
posted in the background material plus others you find relevant. Your informed commentary and analysis is vital — simply
repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
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Plea Bargaining Paper
—
evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of plea bargaining. Address the following in your paper:
Define plea bargaining.
Distinguish between charge bargaining and sentence bargaining.
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of plea bargaining.
Describe how plea bargaining reflects or thwarts the crime control and due process models of criminal justice.
