Dr Zenon Michaelides -

“Using Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) systems to support Decision Support ac:vi:es in Opera:ons & Supply Chain Management: The Introduc:on of SAP

into Universi:es taught Curriculum.”

Dr Zenon Michaelides The University of Liverpool

Management School

EWG-DSS Liverpool-2012 Workshop

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There is a perceived shor.all in the ability of graduates to be effec8ve decision makers.

This shor=all is par>cularly notable in the management sciences.

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•  Discuss how ERP systems support the ability to effec>vely enable the Decision Support process. (which is, according to Power: knowledge-‐driven, communica>on-‐driven, data-‐driven or model-‐driven)

•  The need for including DSS Teaching & Learning ini>a>ves (possibly through ERP subject related areas) into the University curriculum.

•  Introduc>on of SAP training and cer>fica>on ini>a>ves through the SAP UK Universi>es Alliance Programme.

Scope

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Introduc>on •  Enterprise resources planning (ERP) systems allow prac>>oners to take important strategic as well as opera>onal decisions based on current and projected enterprise data, in an effec>ve and informed manner.

•  Without a grounded understanding of such systems, prac>>oners find themselves at a disadvantage, as they are con>nuously reac>ve or responding to current events rather than adop>ng a proac>ve or informed approach, which is key to the decision making process.


Enterprise informa>on suppor>ng DSS

•  It is well accepted that ERP systems enable visibility and foster integra>on of disparate resources in an extended enterprise.

•  ERP also have at their core the 3 fundamental components of DSS, namely: Database, Model & User interface

•  Since much of any company’s opera>ons are global, including their supply chains, the decision making process relies on key enablers to dynamically link or process data and effec>vely disseminate resul>ng informa>on in the extended enterprise.


ERP: Enabler to decision support

•  It can be argued that people lacking knowledge in enterprise systems are at a significant disadvantage in terms of decision support.

•  The understanding the scope and func>onality of ERP systems is key to enabling effec>ve decision making, par>cularly evident in knowledge-‐driven DSS.

•  ERP promotes a culture of ‘pro-‐ac>veness’ and ‘responsiveness’.


The Global Crisis

•  Under current economic condi>ons there are many challenges for DSS: no room for errors, need to provide accurate, informed, effec>ve support to companies – focus on risk.

•  Graduates more than ever need to demonstrate their relevance by proving their abili>es earlier in their careers.

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The subject of ERP in higher educa>on

•  Higher Educa>on Ins>tu>ons worldwide are increasingly adap>ng their curricula by adding ERP-‐centric subjects, par>cularly in the management areas.

•  The University of Liverpool Management School joined the SAP University Alliance Programme in 2003. They have been a Steering Group Member since, and have introduced Taught Courses using SAP into their Programmes for Opera>ons & Supply Chain Management and E-‐Business Strategy & Systems.


Introduc>on of SAP into subject area

•  The course subject mader is presented through both lectures and seminars or labs, by SAP qualified prac>>oners/ academics.

•  The focus of the SAP presenta>ons is to enable par>cipants to gain real-‐>me experience in ERP systems, by using current industry-‐leading sogware.

•  The teaching experience primarily focuses on DSS through Case Studies and the applica>on of ERP and SAP sogware in the business world.


Learning method •  The learning method used is “guided learning”. The benefit of this method is that specialist knowledge is imparted quickly.

•  Students also acquire applicable skills and competencies on industry leading systems, which are relevant to the DSS process.

•  This also enhances their employability and relevance to the Industry, which is struggling under recessionary condi>ons and ogen, cannot afford the resources and training tradi>onally afforded to new graduates.

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Use of SAP in compu>ng labs Students learn how to apply SAP’s suite of business solu>ons. In prac>cal terms, they will learn how to: •  Iden>fy and describe the system-‐wide concepts which are common

to all SAP applica>ons •  Navigate with the standard interface and maintain user specific

selngs •  Work with examples of business processes integra>on from the areas

of Logis>cs and Supply Chain, Produc>on Planning, Materials Management, Accoun>ng, Human resources, Services, Business solu>ons

•  Apply the recommended methods and available tools for implementa>on projects (incl. services and support)


SAP TERP10 Cer>fica>on •  The University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) has achieved

very high pass rates in the SAP Universi>es Alliance Programme in 2011, with the majority of the students registered for SAP TERP10 cer>fica>on passing first >me. The SAP TERP10 cer>fica>on course is a 10 day (2 week) residen>al course. The exams are par>cularly challenging to pass.


Thank you!

Dr Zenon Michaelides The University of Liverpool

Management School

Dr Zenon Michaelides -

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