Methods of Measuring ERP Systems
Enterprise Resource Planning can be evaluated using numerical methods; but there are also other nonnumeric methods of analysis. However, experts assert that there are no fixed rules that govern the way evaluation of the ERP systems should be done (Chen & Lin, 2008, p. 300). In most cases, organizations are left with the mandate of determining which method to be used in the evaluation. When the mandate of evaluating the project is executed right from the confines of the organization, it helps one to attain the intended uniformity, which is an essential characteristic in the management of ERP systems (Chen & Lin, 2008, p. 300).
To achieve the best strategic evaluation of these systems, the assessment should be done midway of the implementation of the project. The other evaluation process should then be executed as the system approaches the end. This helps in giving time for modification and adaptation of the system specifics, and the organization to adopt them. During the assessment of these systems, the appraisals should be conducted in a time gap of 3, 6 and 12 months (Shi, 2001, p. 513). The sequence should be strictly followed to achieve good results with respect to the effectiveness of the systems.
There are some factors that need to be evaluated during the process; some of which are the size of the organization, ability to change and software characteristic features. When evaluating the value of the software, it is important to determine the elements that influence its quality. Some of the elements that influence the software are; the requirement of the organizations (Shi, 2001, p. 517). Also, the model of the products being targeted affects the quality of the software. Software processing and its sufficiency are vital in evaluation process; after evaluation, it is always important to come up with a report of sufficiency and importance of the system to the organizations.
The Best BI System that Suits an Organization
Distributed software systems applied in Business Intelligence serve best in the management of a business or an organization. The systems are connected through routers, switches, agent servers, hubs or cables. The advantage of such Business Intelligence systems is that they are simpler to handle especially for security issues that come with information technology (Xuesong, Baoqian, & Kai, 2010, p. 4). Using such systems, only connected computers have access to information stored in the servers.
Another important factor about the system is that it makes it easier to pass information to connected computers within the organization. Using such a model, it is easier to determine the quality and reliability of the systems; devices need to be of a high quality that can be easily upgraded to the needed standards (Xuesong, Baoqian, & Kai, 2010, p. 6). However, there should be frequent security checks on connections since there is a possibility of having illegal tapping into the model. The security of distributed systems can be enhanced using external security procedures (Xuesong, Baoqian, & Kai, 2010, p. 7).
How IT Can Help Companies Change Its Culture
A number of theorists in 1950s had coined relevant theories, which explained that with the coming of information age, it would be simpler and economical to obtain information; it would help cut the number of employees and at the same time maximize on production (Quinn, 1992, p. 253). They were of the opinion that companies that embrace information technology are advantaged than those that do not consider changing their cultures. Information technology affects the social nature of companies and how they relate to their customers.
Information technology helps companies come up with different methods of communication and relations between company managers and workers, which also extends to customers linked to the company (Quinn, 1992, p. 254). Information technology has changed managerial positions; from the conventional hierarchy managers to knowledge based managerial systems. The other notable changes in the company are those that have been experienced in the company’s structure, knowledge sharing, working teams and the central role of the workers in the company (Quinn, 1992, p. 256). Basically, information technology helps a company to gather, analyze and use information towards achieving its strategic goals (Quinn, 1992, p. 253).
Analyzing Research
When acquiring knowledge, it is important that individuals are disciplined especially in terms of the manner in which they handle the information. It is important to specifically consider quantitative, qualitative and methods of collecting information from research and research materials.
During collection of information, some sections of the obtained information need to be properly written; that is in the correct grammar and format for easier presentation. It is important that one gets to know the participants of the research and be able to cite them in the reference lists; to support the presentation of facts included. Applying good analytical methods in research improves one’s skills of retrieving extra information in a journal. When classifying a research paper, it is important to determine if it is a scientific paper and if the findings are related to the thesis.
Analyzing Intent
The research question of the paper determines how stochastic-flow could evaluate the performance of ERP systems. The participants of the study are Shin-Guang Chen, who is a senior lecturer at Tungnan University and Yi-Kuei Lin, who is an associate lecturer at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Chen & Lin, 2008, p. 305). The study was based on companies in China and was concerned with how they have applied business intelligence in their management.
Some of the variables described are the performance index and the acceptable levels of documents’ flow. Some of the assumptions made by the authors were that the nodes used in the analysis of the variables were integers valued at random. The other assumption was that the arcs were perfect and unlimited in capacity under ERP. In addition, the authors assume that nodes were statistically independent of the others (Chen & Lin, 2008, p. 309). From the conclusion of the researchers, they make a comprehensive presentation of results that are in line with the study question. From the analysis of the papers, they appear to be similar as their arguments, on using algorithm in the analysis of the program, are analogous.
Reference
Chen, S., & Lin, Y. (2008). An evaluation method for enterprise resource planning systems. Journal of the Operations Research, 51(4), 299-309.
Quinn, J. B. (1992). Intelligent enterprise. New York, NY: The Free Press.
Shi, X. (2001). A software quality evaluation system. Journal of National Sciences, 6(1-2), 511-515.
Xuesong, C., Baoqian, S., & Kai, S. (2010). ERP Software testing and its quality evaluation system. Journal of National Sciences, 6(1), 1-12.