ERP Systems: Assignment 2

Research ReportMarketing Research and Data Analysis

“The appeal of ERP systems may come less from any cash benefits and more from its ability to untangle and integrate business practices and systems “

ERP systems were initially implemented to replace many of the disparate legacy systems and the associated issues. Discuss the issues associated with disparate systems and how ERP systems overcome these issues. Vendors argue that integration issues occur from people, process, and information perspectives.

Discuss these statements using case study examples (from literature searches) to demonstrate different company’s experiences.

Your paper should include the following areas:

Importance of integration to companies

Issues which occur due to lack of integration (people, process, information)

How do ERP systems address these integration issues?

What benefits can companies achieve when this integration occurs?

Case Studies of companies and the issues they faced due to lack of integration and how ERP systems helped overcome these. (Minimum 2)

Discuss the statement above using case study examples (from literature searches) to demonstrate different company’s experiences.

Your task is produce a 3000 – 4000 word research paper which discusses the issues relating to the above. The paper should demonstrate a depth and breadth of reading and should be appropriately referenced. The paper should be referenced using the Harvard referencing standards and formatted according to the approved style guide.

Your essay must include:

Table of contents

Introduction: Introduction to the topic, a statement of the purpose of the report and a brief description of the report’s structure.

Body: Discuss, compare and/or contrast different perspectives and present arguments supporting the purpose of the report. Use relevant business case studies to illustrate key points. All points must be presented with Harvard citations and have a corresponding entry in your reference list.

Conclusion: A summary of the points you have made in the body of the report. These should match your stated purpose.

Reference list: A complete Harvard format reference list. Review the Library style guide for citation and reference list examples http://guides.library.vu.edu.au/harvard .