Enterprise Information Systems

Enterprise Information Systems

Assignment 1

Formatting

Your assignment should be typed using Times New Roman 12 font. It must have 1.5 line spacing.

All margins should be 1 inch.

Assignment File Name

Your file should have the following format: module code, second name, first name, ‘A’,

assignment number, date in MMYY format.

Example:

N731A Zar Alex A1 0213.

Referencing and Plagiarism

Direct quotations of 6 to 40 words must be included in double quotation marks followed by the

author last name and page number. For direct quotations of more than 40 words you should use a

blocked indented paragraph. However, your assignment should not be a mere copy and paste of

other people’s work even if you properly reference it. Quoting or reproducing large sections of

other work and referencing it does not earn any marks as it does not show that you understand the

issues or that you can apply them. Try as much as possible to paraphrase other’s work and include

your own opinions and examples. When you paraphrase, note that you still have to identify the

source of your information. All assignments are checked for plagiarism extensively by the markers

using a variety of methods and technologies including TurnItIn. Students that have plagiarized will

fail the module or be expelled from the course. It is important that you reference properly all

information that you have obtained from other sources. Instructions on how to reference are

available in the module page and the student support page. If you have any questions regarding

your assignment please do not hesitate to contact your module tutor.

Marking

The Student Assessment Feedback form gives you an indication of the marking criteria. Some key

points are: In order to pass you must show that you understand most if not all the theory at a basic

level and you can apply it. In order to get a high mark you must show an in depth understanding

of the material, a high level of analytic ability, extensive research and an ability to craft a well

structured answer.

Instructions for Assignment

Read the unit overviews, the associated chapters in the book, participate in the online

discussions, read related research, the case study for this assignment and answer the associated

questions. The case study for this assignment is on Enterprise Information Systems for SMEs and

it is by Hicks, Culley and Powel. The case study can be found on the module page or online

here:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0923474810000056 http://ac.els-

cdn.com/S0923474810000056/1-s2.0-S0923474810000056main.pdf?_tid=b00f68a8-

8ae811e292f5-

00000aacb35e&acdnat=1363074456_713fcc6fc8a3330aa10e84c5c98e8e1a

Write this as a report, including a table of contents, abstract, introduction, conclusion, index (if needed) with descriptive chats and diagrams as illustrations as required.

Reference:

Hicks B.J., Culley S.J., McMahon C.A., Powell , P. (2010) ‘Understanding information systems

infrastructure in engineering SMEs: A case study’, Journal of Engineering and Technology

Management, vol. 27, pp. 52–73.

Questions

1) Discuss the classification of functionalities used in this article and leading vendors. Why

are these classifications used and what do they mean. (500 words)

2) Based on the theory presented in the course, other research on IS and the case study make

an outline of an EIS solution for an SME engineering company. Consider the

organizational strategy, the functionalities and the applications. (500 words)

3) Choose one or more of the functional groupings illustrated in ‘Table 1’ of the case study

and draw a possible entity-relationship diagram. You may need to make assumptions but

try to make it as realistic as possible.

(200 words)

4) The functionalities and systems that support them are usually designed by a small number

of people in the organization. Popular standardized ERP systems may also be used without

any significant changes. Is it therefore important for all members of an organization to

have an understanding of these functional areas and the systems that support them?

Analyze the arguments for and against and defend your position. (200 words)

Discussion forum 1

An organization uses many systems and applications from Word to sophisticated Business

Intelligence systems. Should all their systems be strategic? What are the criteria for a system to be

chosen as a strategic system?

Discussion forum 2

The internet has a low level of monitoring and regulation. Organization need to take this into

account when developing their internet strategy. Are there benefits to increasing the degree of

regulation such as in countries like China? How would the higher level of regulation influence the

organization's internet strategy?

Discussion forum 3

Consider that you are working for a high end, luxury, shoe manufacturer and you are asked to

explore how the organization can utilize Web 2.0. What would you recommend? Consider the

resources needed and the specific business objectives that would be achieved. Choose one

technology or application and support your choice.