Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit provides both a theoretical and practical overview of real time enterprise systems. Real time enterprise systems are configurable information systems packages, implemented on-line that integrate people, technology and information processing. The three integrated processes within and across functional areas are seamlessly interconnected and almost time-lag free in an organisation. Topics include systems and technology background, ES evolution, ES lifecycle, implementation and configuration, ES and electronic commerce and ES success and failure factors. The theoretical component will be augmented by detailed case studies which focus on problems faced by real-life companies. For the practical component, laboratory exercises using a well-known enterprise system will be used to deepen student understanding.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

• understand the strategic and operation requirements, and characteristics of a real time enterprise;
• describe the characteristics of a real time Enterprise system that distinguishes it from other software systems. This focus is particularly on the concept of an integrated enterprise solution;
• explain the benefits of enterprise systems in terms of integration, world-wide flexibility, interactive processing, client-server platform, open systems, and the capacity to be configured for all business types;
• explain the application modules and system architecture of an enterprise system;
• describe an enterprise systems features and functionality that support business processes;
• explain the stages of an enterprise systems implementation lifecycle;
• describe the technical architecture and integration of enterprise systems;
• explain the planning and implementation approaches for enterprise systems;
• discuss the communication, people handling and team management skills required of an enterprise systems implementation manager;
• explain implementation project team responsibilities using examples from actual business cases;
• discuss the major factors behind the success and failure of enterprise systems implementation projects using both theoretical knowledge and actual business cases;
• demonstrate a capacity to describe and perform navigation functions of an enterprise systems system;
• describe system-wide concepts such as workflow, archiving, reporting, and the exchange of information between business partners and employees;
• explain system-wide features including the customisation of organisational elements, master data, configuration and security;
• identify and critically discuss the impact on implementation of external influences, organisational structure, and stakeholders;
• describe four main business processes and how they integrate with each other to represent an entire enterprise;
• explain the processes and issues involved in configuration of an enterprise system.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours) 60%; In-semester assessment 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Susan Foster

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs laboratories/wk

Prerequisites

Completion of 12 points of level two units from Information Technology, Science or Engineering or equivalent.

Prohibitions

FIT3012, FIT3133, FIT3068