Business Analysis

Business analysis is an analysis of existing business data, processes, personnel and systems compared to industry best-practices and standards for recommendations or proposals for business process and system revisions and updates.

Business Analytics

Business analytics is a method of gaining insight into a business through the statistical analysis of data which may include the formation and use of predictive models to analyze performance and optimization of processes and systems to determine if changes need to be made.

Business Analysts

Business analysts analyze and document business data, processes, personnel and systems to assess the success of the business model and the successful alignment and integration of Information Technology.

Comment: What is business analysis? What is the role of the business analyst? What are some characteristics a business analyst should have to be successful and why? Would you make a good business analyst? Why or why not?

Update: Research business analysis strategies, business analytics and metrics to be used to determine the optimal performance of businesses and business systems. Are some better than others? Why or why not? Are some specific to a particular industry? Why or why not? 

(James, 2014)

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been created and designed to integrate all business systems in a company. The reason why they have been created is to allow for a better flow of information and data throughout a company. Using an ERP helps unify all business processes and systems into a single package.

As stated by Vanessa James (2015), in her article, How ERP Can Break Down Business Barriers  "Essentially, ERP is an information management database that gathers information from all departments into one place. Its history and purpose is a little more complex than this definition lets on, but it gives you a basic understanding." 

ERP Modules

According to Bjorn Johansson (2011), in his work titled, Synchronizing Enterprise Resource Planning Systems and Business Processes: A Case of a New ERP Development Approach an Enterprise Resource Planning system will typically contain modules for each of the main business systems and processes within an organization. The main departments of a company will typically have a module for their system and processes such as human resources, finance, accounting, sales and marketing.  These enterprise software modules that can be individually purchased based on what best meets the specific needs and technical capabilities of the organization.

Advantages

There are many advantages and benefits to using an Enterprise Resource Planning system. While it may be costly to initially purchase and implement it, the savings obtained from the better management of products and resources due to its integration throughout the company is well received. Also, a better capture of the data for meaningful forecasting and decision-making will be achieved making it a worth-while venture in the long run.

Disadvantages

Choosing the correct ERP system may be challenging, as well as, the successful implementation of it for its full potential . Usually companies will consider an ERP because they have noticed problems and issues with existing business processes and systems. Implementing an ERP will improve integration and cooperation throughout the company, but, requires extensive production and training.

Additional Resources

Here is a comparison with reviews of popular ERPs (2015)

Videos

• Total ERP software demo
• Discover SAGE ERP Solutions
• Is it time to switch to Microsoft Dynamics ERP?
• Oracle ERP
• What is SAP?

Additional Readings

Aberdeen Group. (2011) What Is E-R-P?  Modern Casting, Dec2011, Vol. 101 Issue 12, p31-34, 4p http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/69928338/what-e-r-p.

Allen, T. (2008) The "Secret Sauce" that Maximizes ROI for ERP. Strategic Finance, Jan 2008, Vol. 89 Issue 7, p33-37, 5p. http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/28070926/the-secret-sauce-that-maximizes-roi-erp.

James, V. (2014). How ERP Can Break Down Business Barriers. Retrieved from http://graziadiovoice.pepperdine.edu/how-erp-can-break-down-business-barriers/

Johansson, B. (2011) Synchronizing Enterprise Resource Planning Systems and Business Processes: A Case of a New ERP Development Approach. Computer Science (1407-7493), 2011, Vol. 46, p43-49, 7p

Knuerr, J. (2012) Which ERP System Is Right For You?. Modern Casting, Sep2012, Vol. 102 Issue 9, p30-33, 4p. Retreived from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-304843631.html

Oja, M.; Lucas, W. (2011). ERP Usability Issues From The User And Expert Perspectives. Journal of Information Technology Case & Application Research, 2011, Vol. 13 Issue 3, p21-40, 20p. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15228053.2011.10856211#.Vju2rLerTIU.

Comment: What are ERP systems? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to using them in the workplace?  What are some of the best-practices and standards that you think should be incorporated by all businesses and why?

Update: Research and choose a popular ERP system currently on the market? What are some of the modules it contains? What is its internal software and hardware architectures? Research reviews concerning its successes or failures and offer your findings?

The focus of this work is theoretical. Write a wiki-style entry defining a business systems concept. In your work, you should locate the concept in relation to industry best-practices and standards.

You should address questions such as :

• What are the popular products currently on the markets?
• How do these products address business analytics, metrics, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Sales, Marketing or Web-Based data, personnel, processes and systems?
• What are the software and hardware architectures for these products or strategies?

Following are some possible concepts. Ideally, different people will select different concepts, so that, as a knowledge community, we produce a wiki-like range of related concepts. Send me a message through Scholar once you have selected your concept, to be sure that we don’t have more than one or two people working on each concept. Or feel free to run another idea past me if you wish.

Possible concepts include:

Business Analytics
Business Requirements and Use Cases
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Human Resource Information Systems
Finance and Accounting Systems
Sales and Marketing Systems
Web Based Systems
Project Management and the Project Management Book of Knowledge
Software Engineering and the Software Engineering Book of Knowledge
Bias and Heuristics in Information Technology Project Management
The Software Development Life Cycle
The Project Life Cycle
Project Plans
End-User Training and Documentation

Work 1 Rubrics

(Solution Dots, 2014)

Human Resources (HR)

HR typically manages the following tasks:

• Payroll
• Time and attendance
• Performance appraisal
• Benefits administration
• HR management information system
• Recruiting/Learning management
• Performance record
• Employee self-service
• Scheduling
• Absence management

Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)

HRIS is the integration of Information Technology to electronically automate HR procesess and data. "An effective HRIS provides information on just about anything the company needs to track and analyze about employees, former employees, and applicants." (About.com, 2015)

Employee Self-Service

Many employee tasks are now available remotely via Employee self-service systems that automate the process for address updates, time sheets, benefits, schedules, training and so forth. 

Before purchasing and implementing ESS, employers should find out how frequently employees anticipate using the system. If most employees do not have internet access at home, it may be necessary to purchase kiosks to allow employees to access the system. If the company is not in the technical field and most employees are not tech-savvy or internet connected, ESS may not be right for the company. (HRPayroll Systems, 2015).

Here is an example ESS currently on the market.

Additional Readings

Ankrah, E., & Sokro, E. (2012). Human Resource Information System as a Strategic Tool in Human Resource Management. Problems Of Management In The 21St Century, 56-15.

Brown, M., & Ivanov, S. (2015). Peculiarities In The Human Resources Processes: Can The System Possibly Be Unfair? International Journal Of Organizational Innovation, 8(2), 21-26.

Fratričová, J., & Rudy, J. (2015). Get Strategic Human Resource Management Really Strategic: Strategic HRM in Practice. International Journal Of Management Cases, 17(4), 149-155.

Comment: What are all the data, processes, personnel and systems associated with Human Resources? What are some of the best-practices and standards that you think should be incorporated by all businesses and why?

Update: What are the components that ERPs or your chose ERP has that relates to Human Resources?

(Solution Dots, 2014)

Financial and Accounting Systems

Corporations have Finance and Accounting (F&A) systems for the financial aspects of their business. The F&A systems will have software for accounts, financial statements, reports and sales transactions. Most accounting software packages with have modules for

• General ledgers
• Accounts receivable
• Accounts payable
• Payroll
• Inventory
• Fixed assets

Financial Statements

Corporations have to create many financial statements and reports to know the financial status of their business. 

Examples of the financial statements are 

• Balance sheets
• Income statements
• Cash flow statements
• Statements of shareholders’ equity

GAAP and FASAB

When creating, gathering and reporting financial and accounting information companies have to make sure that their processes, practices and F&A software follow the guidelines of the Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB).

Compliance

Due to many scandals and unethical accounting practices in the past, compliance mandates and laws have been introduced to insure ethical and fair F&A practices. One critical law is the Sarbanes-Oxley Law (SOX) that was created in response to the Enron scandal.  These mandates and laws encompass the way items are reported, as well as, routine internal and independent audits.

Additional Readings

Auken, H., Carraher, S. (2011). How Do Small Firms Use Financial Statements? Allied Academies International Conference. Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies. Proceedings16. 1 (2011): 35-42.

Cunningham, L. (2004) From convergence to comity in corporate law: Lessons from the inauspicious case of SOX.  International Journal of Disclosure & Governance. 2004, Vol. 1 Issue 3, p269-298, 30p.

Comment: What are all the data, processes, personnel and systems associated with Finance and Accounting? What are some of the best-practices and standards that you think should be incorporated by all businesses and why?

Update: What are the components that ERPs have or that your chosen ERP has that relates to Finance and Accounting? What are some best-practices and standards that you think should be incorporated by all businesses and why?

(Business Fundas, 2010)

Marketing Systems and Information Technology

There is much data that is collected with the automation of business processes and systems. There is data on sales to allow for forecasting and decision-making. There is data on customers to allow for analysis of target markets and trends. Using sophisticated systems such as Marketing Information Systems (MIS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems and Decision Support Systems (DSS) allow for the arrival at and validation of successful long-term and short-term goals and decisions. Successful increase in profits and maintaining a large customer base is optimal for any company.

Marketing Information Systems (MIS)

Marketing Information systems allow for the gathering of data and the generation of information to support marketing decisions. Here are 8 Steps to Creating An Effective Marketing Information System.

Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRM)

Customer Relationship Management systems (CRMs) specialize in managing customer relations from collecting and evaluating data to customer service and outreach.  Here are the Top CRM Software Systems.

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

Decision Support Systems (DSS) offer various forecasting tools to aid the decision maker in making short and long term goals. Here is a Brief History of Decision Support Systems.

Additional Readings

Hosack, B. (2012). A Look Toward the Future: Decision Support Systems Research is Alive and Well. Journal of the Association for Information Systems. May 2012, Vol. 13 Issue 5, p 315-340. 26p.

Maroofi, F. et all. (2013). Effective Factors on CRM Development. Asian Journal of Business Management. Feb 2013, Vol. 5 Issue 1, p52-59. 8p. 

Soava, G., Raduteanu M. (2012). Marketing Activity in the Information Society.Proceedings of the International Conference Marketing - from Information to Decision. Dec 2012, Vol. 5, p480-491. 12p. 

Todor, L., et al. (2010) Role of Customer Relationship Management in Decision Support System Projection. Metalurgia International, May 2010 Supplement, p109-112, 4p.

Comment: What are all the data, processes, personnel and systems associated with Sales and Marketing? What are some of the best-practices and standards that you think should be incorporated by all businesses and why?

Update: What are the components that ERPs have or that your chosen ERP has that relates to Sales and Marketing? What are some current trends or latest research in regards to Sales and Marketing?

Work 2: Case Study of an ERP Implementation

Write up a case study of an ERP implementation - something in which you have been involved, or which you have observed in a place where you have worked, or are interested in offering as a project initiative.  If you want to understand more about the case study as a research and presentation method, the Wikipedia entry is quite good. Use the project management and Software Engineering Book of Knowledge and Project Management Book of Knowledge SWEBOK best-practices and standards as you create your project plan. Make sure to include detailed hardware and software architectures, modules and other related plans such as risk management, software configuration management and other diagrams and plans as you deem warranted for your case study.

Work 2 Rubrics

Database Driven Websites and Web Based Databases

Database Driven Websites or Web Based Business Databases are the norm in business system and processes. A database driven website is a website that is fueled by a database of pages and multimedia for its displays and functionality. A web-based database is a company database that is accessible through a browser.

(Oracle, 2015)

Web-based Three Tier Architecture

When creating a database driven website or web-based database, multiple tiers would be created to allow for secure access and optimal performance. Commonly, three-tier architecture is used for web-enabled database applications. 

Three-tier architectures contain a web server, an application server and a database server.

The web server is customer facing. That's what serves the web site pages to the web browser clients. It draws the business logic and application information from the application server, which is not externally accessible, it is only accessible only by the web server. The application server, in turn, retrieves needed data from the database server. 

Increased Security

Being that the database server has two layers of 'insulation' between it and the hackers, security is increased.  The biggest disadvantage, of course, is price. Instead of just one server, you now have to buy and support three.

(Zooliad, 2015)

Cloud Databases

With the increased popularity in cloud services, cloud databases are finding their way into mainstream commerce. 

Cloud databases require service agreements with a cloud service provider.  Advantages to cloud databases include manageability and scalability. Disadvantages include storage costs and limits.

Here are 10 of the Most Useful Cloud Databases.

Additional Readings

Arora, I., Gupta, A. (2012).Cloud Databases: A Paradigm Shift in Databases. International Journal of Computer Science Issues (IJCSI), Jul 2012, Vol. 9 Issue 4, p77-83, 7p.

Guoqiong L. (2012). Data Synchronization and Resynchronization for Heterogeneous Databases Replication in Middleware--based Architecture. Journal of Networks, Jan2012, Vol. 7 Issue 1, p210-217, 8p; DOI: 10.4304/jnw.7.1.210-217.

Labrinidis, A. et al. (2009). Chapter 2: Typical Architecture. Foundations & Trends in Databases, 2009, Vol. 2 Issue 3, p175-178, 4p.

Mahajan, R. et al. (2010). Another Element for Security Improvement Approach in Web Development Application. International Journal of Advanced Science & Technology, 2010, Vol. 24, p17-25, 9p,.

Comment: What are all the data, processes, personnel and systems associated with Web Based Systems? What are some of the best-practices and standards that you think should be incorporated by all businesses and why?

Update: What are the components that ERPs have or that your chosen ERP has that relates to Web Based Systems? What are some current trends or latest research in regards to Web-Based Systems?

Project Management

Project Management is a crucial field.  Most Information Technology development is done on a project basis. Following a structured framework promotes a successful project. Industry best-practices recommend following project management strategies and tools consistent with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).  There are variations to the PMBOK methodology and its implementation. Choosing the correct one for your project contributes to its success. 

Project Management Body of Knowledge

The PMBOK consists of five processes and nine knowledge areas which when used comprehensively encompass all the various aspects to project management.

Five Processes

The five processes are: 

• Initiating
• Planning
• Executing
• Monitoring and Controlling
• Closing

Nine Knowledge Areas

The nine knowledge areas are: 

• Project Integration Management
• Project Scope Management
• Project Time Management
• Project Cost Management
• Project Quality Management
• Project Human Resource Management
• Project Communications Management
• Project Risk Management
• Project Procurement Management

Project Managers

The role of a project manager involves many skills and characteristics. A project manager is instrumental to the success of a software development project and is the key player. Not only does he manage the day-to-day activities of the project, but also the insurance that the software product is delivered on time within a specified budget and time constraint.

Project Manager Tasks

Project managers will perform activities such as project initiation, planning, control, tracking, implementation and closing whilst managing resources, cost, risk, schedules, the project plan and quality control.

The Project Plan

Preparing a project plan for software development helps ensure that specified requirements and objectives are met successfully. It is a collation of all planning activities to perform, such as, design and analysis, activity definition, risk planning and cost estimation. To create the plan all planning activities, organizational policies, assumptions and constraints are assessed. Detailed lists of all the elements that make up the project deliverables are defined. The deliverables are then further broken down for the calculation of duration, start dates, and end dates for each activity mentioned in the plan. Roles and responsibilities are assigned to people with the appropriate skills to complete each activity within the specified time and cost. Controlled mechanisms are also created that include a risk management and mitigation plan, a detailed quality plan, and quality assurance activities. A review and audit system is implemented for periodic assessment and measurement of the activities to ensure compliance with organizational processes. Furthermore, the type of leadership the project manager implements will impact the rest of the team and their production.

Additional Readings.

Ahamed, S.S. (2012).Moving Toward Effective Software Project Scheduling and Planning to Establish Reasonable Plans for Performing the Software Engineering and or Managing the Software Project. Computer Science & Telecommunications, 2012, Vol. 33 Issue 1, p21-28, 8p 

Brath, E. (2008). Project Manager: Managing the World, One Project at a Time, Certification Magazine, Feb2008, Vol. 10 Issue 2, p26-29, 4p.

Crawford, J., Cabanis-Brewin, J. (2006). Competency and Careers In Project Management. AMA Handbook of Project Management. 2006, p248-264. 17p.

Ghosh, S. et al. (2012). CEnhance PMBOK by Comparing it with P2M, ICB, PRINCE2, APM and Scrum Project Management Standards. PM World Today. Jan2012, Vol. 14 Issue 1, Special section p1-77. 77p.

Gillard, S.(2009). Soft Skills and Technical Expertise of Effective Project Managers. Issues in Informing Science & Information Technology, 2009, Vol. 6, p723-729, 7p.

Greer, D.; Conradi, R. (2009). Software project initiation and planning – an empirical study. IET Software, Oct 2009, Vol. 3 Issue 5, p356-368, 13p.

Indelicato, Greg. (2009) A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide), fourth edition. Project Management Journal. Jun 2009, Vol. 40 Issue 2, p104-104. DOI: 10.1002/pmj.20125.

IT Business Edge (2014). The Complete Project Management Office Handbook. Retrieved from http://www.itbusinessedge.com/itdownloads/it-project-management/the-complete-project-management-office-handbook-third-edition.html. 

Khan, Q., Ghayyur, S. (2010). Software Risks and Mitigation in Global Software Development. Journal of Theoretical & Applied Information Technology, 2010, Vol. 22 Issue 1, p58-69, 12p.  

O'Brochta, M. (2012). Leadership Essentials For PMPs.  PM World Today. Mar2012, Vol. 14 Issue 3, Special section p1-4. 5p.

Project Management Institute. (2013). Core Standards. PM Network. Jan2013, Vol. 27 Issue 1, p69-69. 1p.

Project Management Institute. (2015). PM Network. Retrieved from http://www.pmi.org/learning/pm-network.aspx.

Software Engineering Body of Knowledge. (2015). Project Plan Template. Retrieved from http://swebokwiki.org/Chapter_7:_Software_Engineering_Management.

Streun, G. (2006). CHAPTER 3: Project Management Process Groups: Project Management Knowledge in Action. AMA Handbook of Project Management. 2006, p25-30. 6p.

Zwikael, O. (2009). The Relative Importance of the PMBOK® Guide's Nine Knowledge Areas During Project Planning. Project Management Journal. Dec2009, Vol. 40 Issue 4, p94-103. 10p.

Comment: What are project plans? What are some templates that you have used or are used where you work? Is it important to have a project plan for all IT initiatives?

Update: Research best practices in and templates for project plans and presentations. Choose one or two templates that you prefer and discuss their components, structure, and detail. Discuss how you think it should be presented to upper management for project approval and why.

EmployeeTraining

When updating or revamping software systems, the training of employees is important. It is crucial to make sure their use of the systems promotes efficiency and productivity. When creating a training program or initiative severla key elemetns msut be addressed. According to Nick Mann in his article, "7 Steps to Develop an Effective Employee Training Program." suggests the following must exist for an effective training program.

• Identify Goals
• Acquire training resources
• Create a Schedule
• Find a Trainer or Training Media
• Communicate Effectively
• Track Progress
• Encourage Feedback.

Train the Trainer

Some options are to train one or some key employees to train the rest of the employees. Here are some strategies for this.

Here are some strategies for increasing time and cost effectiveness of company training.

Here are some online employee training software options.

Comparison of Online Employee Training Software (2015)

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Training.

One component that is a must for all training programs is some form of evaluation of the training program.

User Documentation

Whenever a new software product revision or update is made it is crucuial that user documentation is created and available for the end-users as well as the technical support for the new systems.

Here are some new trends for Software User Documentation.

Additional Readings.

Diamantidis, A. D., & Chatzoglou, P. D. (2014). Employee post-training behaviour and performance: evaluating the results of the training process. International Journal Of Training & Development, 18(3), 149-170. doi:10.1111/ijtd.12034

Lenzner, M. (2009). The key elements to effective organizational training. Business Journal (Central New York), 23(24), 7-12.

Mann, N. (2013). 7 Steps to Develop an Effective Employee Training Program. Retrieved from http://www.businessbee.com/resources/operations/7-steps-to-develop-an-effective-employee-training-program/.

Vuţă, D. R., & Fărcaş, A. (2015). The Role of Training in Organizational and Employee. Revista Academiei Fortelor Terestre, 20(3), 367-372.Development. 

Comment: How important is training and documentation when new systems are implemented or updated? Have you experienced this? If so, please share with the class your experiences including what you preferred and what you did not and why?

Update: Research various training strategies, format and delivery options. Compare and contrast them in terms of effectiveness, timeliness, comprehensiveness, user-friendliness, currency and updateability.