UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2018/2019
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF BUSINESS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BUSS 307: ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING
FULL TIME/PART TIME/DISTANCE LEARNING
DATE: AUGUST, 2019 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE (Compulsory)
a) Describe five function modules of an ERP (5Marks)
b) Many ERP vendors offer virtualization options for implementation. Describe two
common models used for ERP virtualisation implementation (4 Marks)
c) Corporate governance has become a key aspect of well run companies . Discuss how acts
like the SOX act have impacted ERP systems? (4 Marks)
d) What is the role of the project management office in an ERP implementation?
(4 Marks)
e) Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing ERP systems (6 Marks)
f) Discuss the reasons for the failure of ERP implementation (5 Marks)
g) Identify four popular ERP software available in the market (2 Marks)
QUESTION TWO
X Enterprises (XE) is a Tokyo Headquartered multinational that specialises in the production and
sales of home electronic entertainment products such as DVD players, televisions, stereo systems,
etc. It sources goods in twelve countries, manufactures in nine and sells through a network of
franchisees globally. It has grown in recent years as a result of acquiring smaller competitors, and
so now it is a rather decentralised, chaotic organisation. The CEO has decided that there is a need
to integrate XE’s activities rather more systematically than has been done in the past. He has given
this task to you, the CIO. He has not given you any specific guidelines on what to do or how, but
he does want to see dramatic improvements in the organisation within 12 months, as well as a
timetable for future integration. The CEO expects that a reorganised, centralised, integrated XE
will be a more effective competitor in this dynamic market.
a) In your first month as CIO, what are the key activities that you would want to do, and why?
(10 Marks)
b) ERP systems are an obvious choice on the technical side, given their potential to integrate
people, processes, data and indeed the organisation as a whole. However, ERP implementation is
also extremely risky. What do you consider would be the most significant risks of ERP
implementation in the case of XE? (10 Marks)
QUESTION THREE
a) Using a flow diagram, explain the various ‘Phases’ involved in the ERP implementation
life cycle (10 Marks)
b) Discuss how BPR helps to streamline the work process and achieve significant levels of
improvement in quality, time and cost (10 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR
a) What are some the key implementation considerations that should be addressed as part of
the planning process, especially related to using an integrated ERP and transforming the
organizational culture? (8 Marks)
b) If you were the CIO of a global firm about to consider buying or outsourcing an ERP.
What factors would you consider to decide on whether to buy or outsource (8 Marks)
c) Describe impact of Internet and World Wide Web on ERP products (4 Marks)
QUESTION FIVE
a) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are premised on the benefits associated with
integrating business processes and the enabling of information systems across
organisations.
i) Why is integration such a critical activity for global organisations? (10 Marks)
ii) How might the ERP-induced integration of information systems lead to a
strengthening of an organisation’s competitive position? Use at least two examples to
illustrate your answer. (10 Marks)
