Here are some ideas about the SIS assignment.

General guidelines / instructions

The lecture topics cover the syllabus and there are many parts that can be used in your
assignment answers.
The questions are rather broad so there are many ways for you to build your answer.
Rather than looking for the one correct answer, please think of this as building your
answer.
Your assignment answer must contain separate answers to each part, that is, the answer to
Question A is made up of smaller answers to A1, A2, A3 up to A7.
There are overlaps and connections between the parts but the way you write your answer
must first, at the basic level, be at A1, A2 etc parts.
The same for Question B. The answer is written as the mini-answers to B1, B2 and to B5.
Referencing is always needed. This means both the citations and the List of References.
Please follow the instructions in the Assignment Question Paper very closely. They are
important and you may lose marks for not following those instructions. They have also
been explained in class during lesson #1.
I provide many opportunities for consultation in class. You must use those opportunities.
If you feel confident and do not consult me on your answer, thats ok.
It is strange that 20% to 40% of the class simply does not pay attention during the lesson.
You are looking at your smartphone and talking to each other. In some cases, students are
helping each other which is good. But for the others who have switched off, do you
think this is the best way to benefit from your degree program?
I think I am more worried about some students that those students themselves.


I will now focus only on the areas that students seem to have more trouble with.

A1 How ERP works

There are 2 sub-questions here.
How ERP works describe what is special or unique about ERP systems.
map (ERP system) against the systems hierarchy
This is another way for you to explain how ERP works. But this 2
nd
part of A1 question
seems to be difficult for students to understand.
How to understand what is: map (ERP system) against the systems hierarchy?
First, what is systems hierarchy? This is simply a list of systems arranged according to
the company hierarchy. Example ESS, DSS etc.
Remember, there is more than 1 way to explain systems hierarchy. You must cite your
source.
Next, which parts of the systems hierarchy are part of the functions of the ERP system?
(research this and think about how to get the answer)
For example, if you think an ERP system does the same function as a TPS, then ok,
explain this and explain your evidence. How do you know this?


A5 How does ERP affect the value chain of the organization, and how does the ERP
system add value in this case?

I do not understand why students do not look up the textbooks on strategy about value
chain and try to understand this.

A simple google search on value chain will show a lot of diagrams and explanation.
Some students seem so surprised when I show them a picture.

Why does almost every student copy and paste something about ERP benefits to the
company? Benefits to the company are not exactly the same as value created or added,
although they are related. Please read more to find out the meaning of adding value.

Please answer the question exactly as it is stated and you can use these questions to guide
your answer.
What is the value chain of the chosen organization?
What can the ERP system do?
How does ERP system affect the value chain of the chosen organization?
And when the ERP affects the value chain, how does it add value? (give details).

A4 is important so I suggest that you focus more attention to get this right.


B2 The need for strategic direction in the organisation

This has been explained in class so I expect students to at least write something which is
based on my explanation.
Just answer the question Why does the chosen organization need an organizational
strategy?
You can consider the following points:
Importance of strategy to this particular company consider environment, competition
etc
How is strategy done? consider what is strategic planning to an organization
Discuss how the chosen technology can be adopted by the company as part of the
strategic planning process.



B3 A brief description of the nature of Information Systems Strategy and IT
Governance and how such new technology should be handled.

Consider how the IT function handles the strategic intention to adopt the chosen
technology.

You can consider the following points:
How is the business strategy supported by IS strategy?
What is IS strategy?
What is IT Governance?


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Best regards
Jeffrey Tan