21749 Computer-based Information Systems for Managers

Subject level: Postgraduate

Recommended studies: a basic understanding of personal computer systems, DOS, and introduction to software packages

Handbook description

This subject provides an overview of computer-based information systems, examines how information systems are designed to support management functions, and explores the use or misuse of information systems in the public sector. Topics include: the concepts of MIS, information technology, and the uses and applications of management information systems; database management systems, design of systems, evaluation, and control of information systems; and the implications of introducing information systems in organisations.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Understand the role of information within modern organisations.
2. Recognise the ERP technologies currently available for information delivery and information sharing and definition of ERP Systems.
3. Understand the behavioural and organisational factors that determine whether the ERP Systems are used effectively.
4. Identify processes and tools used in Corporate and Business Planning and the Role of ERP Systems in Corporate Planning and Business Planning.
5. Identify and evaluate the potential needs and strategic use for ERP Systems at all corporate levels?
6. Develop and implement ERP Strategies
7. Recognise the role of ERP Systems in Business Process Re-Engineering.
8. Benchmark Performance Measures for ERP Systems.
9. Understand outsourcing, Feasibility Studies, Managerial Analysis and Evaluation of ERP Systems.
10. Understand the use of ERP Systems as Business Integrators.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject makes students aware that over the past three decades Information Systems have been developed to aid and improve managerial decision making in the fields of business and government. Students are taught to recognize that the applications of computers pervade virtually every activity of business, and have become a business necessity. As such students are introduced to the various strategies in which business technology may be applied to monitor issues, problems and opportunities affecting organisations.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject will be taught using a combination of lectures, computer lab work, group syndicates and seminar presentations. Students will also learn through a focus on case studies and class discussions.

Content

• Corporate Planning and Business Planning and definition of ERP Systems
• Role of ERP in Corporate Planning and Business Planning. Developing ERP Strategies
• The ERP Strategic Plan and linking ERP Strategy with Business Plans
• Implementing ERP strategy
• The role of ERP Systems in Business Process Re-Engineering
• ERP Benchmarking and Performance Measures for ERP
• Outsourcing, Feasibility Studies, Managerial Analysis and Evaluation of ERP
• ERP Systems as Business Integrators
• Current issues in ERP and Managing acceptance of ERP
• Introduction to Commercial Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: SAP, Oracle, and PeopleSoft
• Introduction to SAP/R3. SAP/R3 System Overview. Navigation. Concepts and Features
• Business Process Walkthrough, Planning and Implementation, Tools.

Assessment

Recommended text(s)

Book of Readings

Indicative references

Boar, B.H., "The Art of Strategic Planning for Information Systems", John Wiley and Sons, 1993.

Burgh (JAG. and Grufldnitsk, "Information Systems Theory and Practice", John Wiley and Sons, 1989.

Curtis, G., "Business Information Systems", Addison Wesley Publishers Ltd., 1989.

Edwards, C., Ward, J. and Bytheway, A., "The Essence of Information Systems", Prentice Hall, 1991.

Keyes, J.' "Infotends", McGraw Hill, 1993.

Senn, J. A., "Information Systems for Management". Wadsworth Publishing Co., 1990.

Stair, R. A., "Principles of Information Systems. A Managerial Approach", Boyd and Fraser Publishing Company, 1992.