Enterprise Resource Planning

Enterprise Resource Planning

Name:

Institution:

Enterprise Resource Planning

Question a

            The knowledge skills and abilities required for a successful Enterprise Resource Planning implementation are categorized under the different stakeholders of the plan. The client requires a dedicated team in the hands of a project manager. The team has to have critical thinking, budget control and decentralized departments for various responsibilities. The vendor of the plan is required to have astute model of the implementation that has successfully been integrated before. The vendor has to have tailor-made application strategies for the specific client according to the software and   user acceptance for its implementation. Both stakeholders are expected to have similar budget efficiencies, knowledge of the ERP module mechanisms and be willing to integrate training and understanding.

Question b

            The resource team responsible for the implementation of the ERP should be headed by a project manager. The team is composed of delegated members under the leadership of the project manager. The location of the resource team is at the convenience of the client, both in geographical terms and ease of reach for clarification. The competencies of the team require influential members who are able to overcome resistance and willing to promote the business project. The team is supposed to have distinct member roles, decentralized responsibilities and committed teamwork under the intended timeframe of implementation. The leadership should be decisive in matters of administration and execution, while accommodating views and input from the members.

Question c

            Implementation of the ERP plan can be negatively affected by the difference in geographical location between the client, vendors and providers. Various risks are associated with such disparity in ease of reach. For example, for the implementation, successful integration and user acceptance, the project manager and the tea are supposed to conduct the implementation plan on the client’s systems. This will require huge financial risks if the location is quite distant and time will be a limiting factor. The difference in political stance between the client and vendor can bring and end to the implementation plan if both are not reconciled. Financial risks associated with the provider and client can be incurred when the implementation model plans are not compatible or agreed upon beforehand.

Question d

            In order for harmony to be achieved between the client, vendors and providers of the ERP plan, code of ethics and professionalism should be encouraged. In addition, a trusting relationship should be cultivated between the three stakeholders with mutual respect. The client intends to incur minimal costs with the best solution whereas the vendors aim for the highest income from the lowest production costs. Harmony and motivation can be achieved by having a clear understanding of the implementation goals, sticking to the overall leadership of the project team and having a memorandum of understanding with executed roles and responsibilities. In addition, as a way to motivate the stakeholders, their reputation should be promised to be used as examples for future clients of equal or greater stature.

Question e

            The career choice that I could make in an ERP implementation plan as an employee would be in the vendor organization. This is because; handling of different business modules and specific requirements for different organizations would ultimately provide challenges that would help me further my career objectives. The knowledge of planning, execution, teamwork and adherence to leadership would boost my reputation from the acquisition as a team member. In addition, it would enhance strategic planning resolve, cooperation between the different organizations and meeting of set-down objectives.