You Are A Consultant That Specializes In Enterprise Resource ✓ Solved
You Are A Consultant That Specializes In Enterprise Resource Planning
You are a consultant that specializes in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). You have been hired by a small start-up manufacturing company, with fewer than 500 employees, that specializes in electronic devices. The CEO of the company would like to incorporate a management support system (MSS) into the organization to help in making business decisions. This system will allow managers at the different levels to easily retrieve information from various databases in the organization to assist them in running scenarios, performing what-if analyses, and tracking organizational performance to determine goal achievement. You’ve been asked by leadership to present an MSS to help Company ABC understand how to integrate an MSS into their organization and how it will help them gain a competitive advantage over other companies.
Throughout this course, you will be completing different assignments that will apply to this company. Research the different MSS processes currently used in business. Create a chart that compares each MSS’s potential using Microsoft® Excel®. Create a 10- to 12-slide, multimedia-rich presentation that includes the following: A comparison chart, the features and benefits of using an MSS, what types of decisions the system will support, how the three levels of management will utilize the system and the value to each level, how the MSS supports establishing a competitive advantage, and a recommendation you would make to the organization.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction to Management Support Systems (MSS)
Management Support Systems (MSS) are vital tools for assisting managerial decision-making processes within organizations. They integrate data, models, and user-friendly interfaces to support strategic, tactical, and operational decisions. For a manufacturing startup like Company ABC, deploying an MSS can transform raw data into actionable insights, fostering efficient decision-making and providing a competitive edge in a dynamic market environment.
Comparison of MSS Types and Their Potential
| MSS Type | Functionality | Potential Uses | Suitability for Company ABC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transaction Processing System (TPS) | Handles routine transactions | Order processing, payroll, inventory management | Critical for daily operations but limited for strategic decision-making |
| Management Information System (MIS) | Provides summarized reports | Performance monitoring, routine reports | Supports tactical decisions and operational management |
| Decision Support System (DSS) | Assists in semi-structured decision-making | What-if analyses, simulations, forecasting | Enhances strategic decision capabilities for leadership |
| Executive Support System (ESS) | Offers high-level dashboard views | Strategic planning, performance dashboards | Supports top management in environmental scanning and long-term decisions |
Features and Benefits of an MSS
Key features include real-time data access, data analysis tools, customizable dashboards, and scenario modeling capabilities. These features provide benefits such as improved decision accuracy, faster response times, enhanced collaboration, and better strategic positioning.
Decisions Supported by MSS
The MSS supports a wide array of decisions, including resource allocation, product development, marketing strategies, and operational adjustments. It enables managers to analyze potential outcomes and optimize decisions based on comprehensive data analysis.
Utilization by Management Levels
Operational Level
Utilizes transaction processing and routine reports to ensure daily activities align with organizational goals.
Tactical Level
Relies on MIS and DSS to monitor performance and analyze trends for medium-term planning.
Strategic Level
Uses ESS and DSS for long-term planning, environmental scanning, and competitive analysis.
Supporting Competitive Advantage
An MSS facilitates more informed and timely decisions, leading to increased efficiency, innovation, and market responsiveness. It enables the organization to identify opportunities faster, adapt to industry trend changes, and optimize operational costs, thus establishing a sustainable competitive advantage.
Recommendation
For Company ABC, implementing a comprehensive MSS that integrates data from various sources, coupled with user-friendly analytics and scenario modeling tools, will enhance decision-making capabilities. It is advisable to start with a modular approach, deploying core systems like MIS and DSS first, then expanding to ESS as the organization grows. Investing in staff training and continuous system evaluation ensures sustained benefits and alignment with business goals.
Conclusion
Adopting an MSS is a strategic move for Company ABC to increase operational efficiency, support decision quality, and build a competitive edge. Proper implementation tailored to organizational needs will position the company well for future growth and success in the electronic devices industry.
References
- Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Pearson.
- Turban, E., Volonino, L., & Wood, G. (2015). Information Technology for Management: Digital Transformations. Wiley.
- O'Brien, J. A., & Marakas, G. M. (2019). Management Information Systems. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Zhu, K. (2018). Linking IT integration and firm performance. MIS Quarterly, 42(3), 1095–1119.
- Bhattacherjee, A. (2019). Management of Information Systems. Cengage Learning.
- Verville, R., et al. (2019). The role of MSS in strategic decision-making. Journal of Decision Systems, 28(3), 312-321.
- Sauter, M. (2018). Strategies for Competitive Advantage. Harvard Business Review, 96(4), 124-132.
- Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The Second Machine Age. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage. Free Press.
- Shang, G. & Gao, Y. (2020). Data-driven decision making and organizational performance. Information & Management, 57(2), 103153.