Jeffrey May

Defining value-based objectives for ERP systems planning

The planning and subsequent implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems still present a significant challenge for most organizations. Although consulting firms and customer enterprises have been aquiring more experience and expertise in the field, the level of sophistication of these systems and their wide organizational and social impact frequently leads to failed ERP implementations. In an attempt to minimize these failure rates, this paper defines a set of value-based objectives that could be used to enrich the ERP systems planning process. ERP systems planning objectives grounded by stakeholder values can be used as a conceptual guide for enhancing the decision making processes involved in ERP projects. Using Keeneys value-focused thinking approach, a set of means and fundamental objectives was identified using data collected via in-depth interviews in three large European firms. The relationships and interdependancies among these objectives are also presented and provide a starting point for further research.

A Conceptual Model for Communicating an Integrated Information Systems Curriculum

This article discusses the development of an Integrated IS model that seeks to provide students and faculty with a more holistic understanding of the Information Systems field. Through such a model, we argue that students will be better equipped to integrate and find the relevance of the rather diverse and seemingly disjointed array of classes they are required to take to earn an Information Systems degree. We posit that a mutually agreed upon conceptual model like the one developed in this article should be created in all Information Systems departments and can be used as a common framework for enhancing departmental objectives and outcomes along with developing an overall feel of departmental-wide connectedness across classes. The usefulness of the model developed in this paper is then discussed in the light of common IS courses and the widely accepted 2010 core curriculum. Anecdotal evidence is then presented to highlight this models initial success at our university.

A Plan to Improve Learning of Requirements Elicitation in an IS Curriculum

In this paper, we present our plan to integrate requirements elicitation concepts and learning assessments into an Information System curriculum. Both contemporary research and practitioners have noted deficiencies in the abilities of entry-level IT consultants to effectively evaluate new information system needs in business environments. Thus, the ability to professionally and effectively elicit new IS requirements adds significant value to students seeking an IS degree.