WRITING A CRITICAL REVIEW What is a critical review A .docx

WRITING A CRITICAL REVIEW
What is a critical review?
A critical review is much more than a simple summary; it is an
analysis and evaluation of a book, article,
or other medium. Writing a good critical review requires that
you understand the material, and that you
know how to analyze and evaluate that material using
appropriate criteria.
Steps to writing an effective critical review:
Reading
Skim the whole text to determine the overall thesis, structure
and methodology. This will help you better
understand how the different elements fit together once you
begin reading carefully.
Read critically. It is not enough to simply understand what the
author is saying; it is essential to
challenge it. Examine how the article is structured, the types of
reasons or evidence used to support the
conclusions, and whether the author is reliant on underlying
assumptions or theoretical frameworks. Take
copious notes that reflect what the text means AND what you
think about it.
Analyzing
Examine all elements. All aspects of the text—the structure,
the methods, the reasons and evidence, the
conclusions, and, especially, the logical connections between all
of these—should be considered.

The types of questions asked will vary depending on the
discipline in which you are writing, but the
following samples will provide a good starting point:
Structure What type of text is it? (For example: Is it a primary
source or secondary
source? Is it original research or a comment on original
research?)
What are the different sections and how do they fit together?
Are any of the sections particularly effective (or ineffective)?
Methodology Is the research quantitative or qualitative?
Does the methodology have any weaknesses?
How does the design of the study address the hypothesis?
Reasons/Evidence What sources does the author use (interviews,
peer-reviewed journals,
government reports, journal entries, newspaper accounts, etc.)?
What types of reasoning are employed (inductive, deductive,
abductive)?
What type of evidence is provided (empirical, statistical,
logical, etc.)?
Are there any gaps in the evidence (or reasoning)?
Conclusions Does the data adequately support the conclusion
drawn by the researcher(s)?
Are other interpretations plausible?
Are the conclusions dependent on a particular theoretical
formulation?
What does the work contribute to the field?
Logic What assumptions does the author make?
Does the author account for all of the data, or are portions left
out?
What alternative perspectives remain unconsidered?

Are there any logical flaws in the construction of the argument?
© Allyson Skene. The Writing Centre, University of Toronto at
Scarborough. See terms and conditions for use at
http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~tlsweb/TWC/webresources/terms.
htm
Writing
Formulate a thesis based on your overall evaluation. A strong
thesis will acknowledge both strengths
and limitations.
E.g. While the article reports significant research supporting the
view that certain types of computer
use can have a positive impact on a student’s GPA, the
conclusion that game playing alone can
improve student achievement is based on a misinterpretation of
the evidence.
Not: This article misinterprets key evidence to support the
conclusion that game playing can improve GPA.
Ensure that your thesis answers the assignment. If you are asked
to write a review of a single text, with
no outside sources, then your essay should focus strictly on the
material in the text and your analysis and
evaluation of it. If you are asked to write about more than one
work, or to draw connections between an
article or book and the course material, then your review should
address these concerns.
Choose a structure that will best allow you to support your
thesis within the required page constraints.

The first example below works well with shorter assignments,
but the risk is that too much time will be
spent developing the overview, and too little time on the
evaluation. The second example works better for
longer reviews because it provides the relevant description with
the analysis and evaluation, allowing the
reader to follow the argument easily.
Two common structures used for critical reviews:
Example 1 Example 2
Introduction
Overview of the text
Evaluation of the text
� Point 1
� Point 2
� Point 3
� Point 4 …(continue as necessary)
Conclusion
Introduction (with thesis)
Point 1: Explanation and evaluation
(continue elaborating as many points as
necessary)

Conclusion
Important: Avoid presenting your points in a laundry-list style.
Synthesize the information as much as
possible.
“Laundry-List” Style of Presentation Synthesized Argument.
The article cites several different studies in support
of the argument that playing violent video games can
have a positive impact on student achievement.
These studies refer to educational games and other
types of computer use. The argument is not logically
well constructed. Educational games are not the same
as violent video games. The article also ignores data
indicating that people with the highest GPA are those
that reported low computer use. Also, different types
of computer use could include things like researching
or word-processing, and these activities are very
different from playing violent video games.
The evidence cited in the article does not support the
overall conclusion that playing violent games improves
GPA. One study only examines educational games in
relation to GPA, so it is questionable whether the same
findings will hold true for other types of games. Another
study does not distinguish between different types of
computer use, making it difficult to assess whether it is
game playing or activities such as research and writing
that contributed to improvements in GPA. Further, the
author disregards relevant data that indicates that students
with the highest GPAs are those who report low
computer use, which means that a direct correlation
between game playing and GPA cannot be supported.

5/28/2015
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McGraw-Hill-Ryerson ©2015 The McGraw-Hill Companies, All
Rights Reserved
Opening Case:
The Ironman
6-2 Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited
Chapter Six Overview
• SECTION 6.1 – NETWORKS AND
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
– Introduction
– Network Basics
– Internet Providers
– Networks Enable Data Sharing
• SECTION 6.2 – MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
– Business Drivers for Mobile Technologies
– Using Cellular Technologies in Business
– Using Satellite Technologies in Business
– Using Wireless Technologies in Business
– Challenges of Business Mobility
– Mobile Business Trends

Learning Outcomes
1. Explain network basics and how networks enable data sharing
to occur.
2. Describe the use of networks and telecommunications in
business (i.e., VoIP, networking businesses, increasing speed
of business, and the challenges associated with securing
business networks).
3. Describe the business drivers for using mobile technologies,
and the advantages and disadvantages of using cellular
technologies in business.
4. Describe how satellite technologies are used in business, and
how LBS, GPS, and GIS help create business value.
5. Explain Wi-Fi, Wi-MAX, and RFID technologies, their use in
business, as well as mobile business trends.
5/28/2015
2
Rights Reserved
NETWORKS AND
TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Learning
Outcome • Telecommunication system
– Enables the transmission of data over public or private
networks
• Network
– A system created by linking two or more computers and
establishing standards, or protocols, so that they can work
together
Introduction
6.1
Learning
Outcome • Three types of networks include:
– Local Area Network
• Operates within a geographically limited area usually a
building or groups of buildings
– Wide Area Network
• Operates over a widely dispersed area, including
around the world

– Metropolitan Area Network
• Large computer network spanning a city
Network Basics
6.1
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Learning
Outcome • Internet Service Provider (ISP)
– Provides access to the Internet and related services
• Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP)
– Allows subscribers to connect using a wireless at specific
“hotspots”
• Online Service Provider (OSP)
– Connects subscribers through its own web site offering a
wide array
of ancillary resources
• Application Service Provider (ASP)
– Offers Internet-based business services

• Service Level Agreements (SLA)
– Define the responsibilities of the service provider and the
customer’s
expectations
Internet Service Providers
6.1
Learning
Outcome
Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited 6-8
Wireless Access Diagram
Figure 6.1
6.1
Learning
Outcome
Advantages
• Uses existing networks and Internet infrastructure
• Cheaper than traditional phone service
• Visual connection as well as voice

• Ability to send reports etc. through file transfer
feature
Disadvantages
• Similar to other Internet communications problems
– Dropped connections
– Security threats
Voice over IP (VoIP)
6.2
Uses TCP/IP technology to transmit voice and visuals over
long-distance telephone lines
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Learning
Outcome
Voice over IP (VoIP)

Figure 6.2
. Diagram of a VoIP Connection 6.2
Learning
Outcome Traditional networking systems include:
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• Secure access through the Internet to an organization’s
internal
network
Value-Added Network (VAN)
• Private network for securely exchanging information through a
high-capacity connection
Disadvantages
• Handle limited types of business data
• Do not support real-time business process integration
• Relatively expensive, complex and difficult to expand
Networking Business
6.2

Learning
Outcome
E-Business Network Characteristics
Transparent exchange of data with suppliers, trading partners
and
customers.
Reliable and secure exchange of information internally and
externally
via the Internet or other networks.
End-to-end integration and message delivery across multiple
systems,
in particular databases, clients, and servers.
Scalable processing power and networking capacity to meet
high
demands.
Integrator and transactions framework for both digital
businesses and
traditional bricks-and-mortar businesses that want to leverage
the
Internet for any type of business.
Figure 6.3
6.2

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Learning
Outcome
Virtual Private Network Overview
Figure 6.4
6.2
Learning
Outcome Speed is measured by the
volume of data that can
be transmitted per unit
of time.
• Bandwidth measures
the medium’s capacity
• Hertz is cycles per
second
• Bits per second (bps)
refers to the number of
signals transmitted per
second

Increasing the Speed of Business
6.2
Figure 6.5
Telecommunications Transmission
Speeds
Learning
Outcome
Internet Function Average Download Time
6.2
Function
Dial-Up
(56 K)
Satellite
(512 K)
DSL
(1M)
Cable
(5M)
Wireless
(5M)

An email 1 sec <1 sec
A basic Web
page 10 sec <1 sec
One 5-minute
Song (5M) 15 min 2 min 1 min 40 sec
One 2-hour
Movie (500M) 20 hours 4 h 2 h 70 min
Figure 6.6
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Learning
Outcome
Advantages & Disadvantages of
Broadband Technology
6.2
Technology
Typical
Download
Speed

(Mbps)
Typical
Upload
Speed
(Mbps)
Advantages and Disadvantages
DSL 0.5-3 0.25-1.0
-Uses existing telephone lines
-Slower downloads than cheaper
alternatives
Cable 0.5-250 0.5-15
-Uses existing cable
-Shared connections can overload
system
T1/T3
dedicated line 1.5-3 1.5-3
-Uses existing telephone wiring
-Susceptible to crosstalk
From Figure 6.7
Learning
Outcome

Advantages & Disadvantages of
Broadband Technology
6.2
Technology
Typical
Download
Speed
(Mbps)
Typical
Upload
Speed
(Mbps)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Fibre-to-the-
home 5-300 1-15
-Fast data speeds, low power costs
-Not widely available
Fixed
Wireless 0.5-12 0.5
-Inexpensive to install
-Weather, topography etc. can
cause interference
Satellite 0.5-2 0.05
-Nearly universal coverage
-Expensive service/equipment

From Figure 6.7
Learning
Outcome Organizations must be concerned about proper
identification and authorization of users for
network access
• Logon and Password
– Employees must be trained to guard their
passwords and used them properly
• Data Encryption
– Confidential information must be coded
– “Keys” for decoding must be protected
– Cost of encryption is related to strength of the
codes
• Digital certificates/Digital Cash
– Methods of reducing credit card fraud
Securing Business Networks
6.2
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OPENING CASE QUESTIONS
The Ironman
1. Why is having real-time data of an athlete’s progress in
a race important to the Ironman championship?
2. How is WTC using telecommunications and networks to
improve its competitive advantage in the professional
sports broadcasting industry?
3. How could WTC employ VoIP to enhance the
experience of family and friends watching the
triathalon?
4. What disadvantages or challenges would WTC likely
face implementing broadband technology?
5. What security issues does WTC likely need to address in
its use of network technologies?
Rights Reserved
Data Warehousing
Learning
Outcome
Drivers of Wireless Growth
Mobile refers to technologies that travel with the user.

Wireless is any type of electronic operation that does not use
a “hard wired” connection, physical plug in a physical outlet.
6.3
Universal access to
data and
applications
People are mobile and can access more data than ever
before but are not at the point of all data, anytime,
anywhere, and anyplace.
Automation of
business processes
Wireless technologies can centralize critical data
and eliminate redundant processes.
User convenience,
timeliness, and
accessibility
People are no longer cut off from the world or from
the office. Through wireless tools and mobile devices
they can have real time data access and transmission.
From Figure 6.8
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Learning
Outcome
Mobile Devices Changing Business
6.3
Figure 6.9
Learning
Outcome • Mobile Applications can:
– Help track materials and
shipments from suppliers and
distributors to customers
– Manage inventory
– Support Point of Sale
– Collect data in an automated
fashion
– Provide immediate data
analysis
Mobile Strategy
6.3

Learning
Outcome
Factors to Consider When Deploying
Mobile Strategies
6.3
Step
Defining Risk Define potential risk to the organization of a GO
or NO GO decision.
Knowing the Limits
Of Technology
Set realistic expectations regarding needed
functionality, about the IT resources deploying
it and the capabilities of ultimate users.
Protecting Data
From Loss
Security must be a multi-faceted approach
covering all areas of exposure.
Compliance in the
Mobile Enterprise
More mobility, more devices, more potential for
security breaches.
Staying flexible &

Embracing Change
Once implemented, monitor and modify
strategy on a regular basis.
From Figure 6.10
5/28/2015
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Learning
Outcome • 3G cellular networks are designed for
high-speed transmission of multi-media
data and voice.
• 4G networks are set up to integrate radio
and television transmission and to
consolidate the world’s phone standards
into one high-speed technology.
• Convergence of voice, video, and data
allow users to make calls, surf the Web,
use touch controls, access music,
audiobooks, videos, TV shows and movies
on mobile devices.
Cellular Technologies
6.3

Learning
Outcome
Cellular Technology Overview
Figure 6.11
6.3
Learning
Outcome
Cellular Technology Advantages &
Disadvantages
6.3
Figure 6.12
5/28/2015
10
Learning
Outcome • Smartphone

Make calls, surf the Web, email a photo and
download an enormous variety of “apps”
• Tablets
Small, flat computer with a touch-screen
and virtual keyboard. Mobile office
applications have spurred rapid business
adoption.
• Bluetooth
A telecommunications industry
specification that allows mobile devices to
use a short-range wireless connection.
Cellular Technologies
6.3
Figure 6.13
The Bluetooth
Virtual Keyboard
Learning
Outcome Communication Satellite
• A large, expensive, microwave
repeater in the sky

• Cost-effective for transmitting
large quantities of data
Microwave Transmitter
• Uses the atmosphere (or outer
space) as a transmission medium
to send signals to a microwave
receiver
• Communications satellites
Facilitate data transmission
Communication Satellite Technologies
Figure 6.14
6.4 Satellite Microwave Link
Learning
Outcome Applications that use the geographic location of the
device
to provide location-specific data to the mobile user.
Privacy Issues
• Subject geographically targeted for promotions without prior
consent
• Customer’s knowledge of another’s location may lead to
embarrassing situations
• Location data can be used for harassment or attack

• Service denial because a location for delivery is deemed
unsafe
• Legal restrictions
Location-Based Services (LBS)
6.4
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Learning
Outcome
Mass Market LBS Market Segments
6.4
Market
Emergency -Locate emergency call
-Roadside Assistance
Navigation -Directions to points of interest
-E-tourism
-Avoidance of traffic jams

Tracking -Tracking of children or elderly
-Find-a-friend
Location Advertising -Located video push
Gaming -N-Gage (allows multiple gamers to play
against each other over Bluetooth or
wireless phone network connections.)
From Figure 6.15
Learning
Outcome
Professional Market LBS Market Segments
6.4 Market
Workforce Organization -Field force management
-Optimization of routes
-Logistics
-Enterprise Resource Planning
Security -Field tracking
-Worker protection
From Figure 6.15
Learning
Outcome Global position systems (GPS)

• A constellation of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the Earth
and
make it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint
their
geographical location.
Global Positioning Systems
6.4
Global Positioning System Architecture
Figure 6.16
5/28/2015
12
Learning
Outcome Geographic information system (GIS)
• Consists of hardware, software, and data that provide location
information for display on a multidimensional map.
• Some Common Uses:
– Locating businesses or points of interest in a specific area
– Routing from departure to destination

– Mapping population densities
Geographic Information Systems
6.4
Learning
Outcome • Wireless LAN (WLAN) - A local area network that
uses radio
signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few
hundred feet
• Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) - A means by which portable devices
can connect without a cable to a local area network, using
access points that send and receive data via radio waves
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
6.5
Learning
Outcome
Wi-Fi in the Sky
Figure 6.17

6.5
5/28/2015
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Learning
Outcome Worldwide Interoperability
for Microwave Access
• A communications technology
aimed at providing high-speed
wireless data over
metropolitan area networks
(MANs)
• Requires a tower & a receiver
• Wide range capability
provides service to remote
area
• Line-of-site and non-line-of-
site operability
WiMAX
Figure 6.18
6.5

Learning
Outcome • Radio frequency identification (RFID)
– Uses active or passive tags that store information and relay it
to
electronic readers
• RFID tag
– Contains a microchip and an antenna, and typically works by
transmitting an item’s numerical identifier via radio waves to a
network for tracking purposes
Radio Frequency Identification
6.5
RFID
Architecture
Figure 6.19
Learning
Outcome • RFID codes can be:
– Linked to the purchase of a particular product by a specific
customer

• A loyalty promotion code identifies the customer and the
purchase is saved towards a discount but also becomes data in
the
customer’s record
– Read at greater distances than bar codes allowing surveillance
• For example, reading what is in someone’s shopping bag in a
mall
can be done without the target being aware
• There are proposals to require all RFID products to be labeled
• RSA Blocker Tags are used to restrict reading of the tags to
within the store’s premises
RFID Privacy Issues
6.5
5/28/2015
14
Learning
Outcome
Challenges of Business Mobility
6.5

Figure 6.21
Learning
Outcome Mobility creates a large number of remote
access points into a network
• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
– A wireless security protocol to protect Wi-Fi
networks
• War chalking
– The practice of tagging pavement with
codes displaying where Wi-Fi access is
available
• War driving
– Deliberately searching for Wi-Fi signals
while driving by in a vehicle
Protecting Wireless Connections
6.5
Learning
Outcome • Direct marketing only to
contracted entities

• Electronic messages identify
senders
• Solicitation only with target’s
consent
• LBS indicates to user how the
data will be used
• Opportunities provided for user
to reject marketing initiatives
Privacy Policies for Location-based services
(LBS)
6.5
5/28/2015
15
Learning
Outcome • Social networking is pre-loaded on mobile devices.
• Mobile TV, real-time video streaming and cost-
effective content downloads are a reality with 4G
devices.
• Multi-function devices cheaper and more
versatile.

• Availability of increased bandwidth supports
expansion of Location-based services.
• Marketing and logistics applications are growing to
take advantage of Location-based services.
Mobile Business Trends
6.5
The Ironman
6. How is WTC using mobile (cellular) technologies to
improve its operations?
7. How is WTC using satellite technologies to improve its
operations?
8. Explain how WTC is using WiMAX and RFID wireless
technologies in its operations. To what extent do these
technologies offer business value?
9. Identify the ethical and security dilemmas that WTC
faces in using wireless technologies in its business
operations.
CLOSING CASE ONE:

Wireless Bikes
1. What advantages does a wireless network provide
Denver B-cycle?
2. What challenges does a wireless network create for
Denver B-cycle?
3. What information not described in the case can Denver
B-cycle use with RFID and LBS data?
4. How could Denver B-cycle use other wired or wireless
network technologies to gain a competitive advantage?
5/28/2015
16
CLOSING CASE TWO: Geoblogging for
Chimpanzees and More
1. Now just imagine what you could do with Google Earth if
you added GPS. What other types of research might be
accomplished using GPS?
2. How could other nonprofits use geoblogs and GPS to
help their cause?

3. How could a business use Google Earth and GPS to create
a competitive advantage?
4. Are there any ethical or security concerns with this type
of geoblog?
CLOSING CASE THREE:
Crash Pads
1. How else can wireless devices be used to prevent injury?
2. Should all football teams, including professional,
academic, and recreational, use wireless sensors in
helmets?
3. Should other sports such as hockey and cycling start using
this technology? Why or why not?
4. How would you suggest that coaches and staff be trained
so that they don’t become over-reliant on these devices as
the primary indicator of a potential head injury?
BDT - Lecture Style Format Sample 1
Rights Reserved
CHAPTER 7
Enterprise
Computing

Challenges and
Enterprise Resource
Planning
Opening Case:
Shell Canada Fuels
Productivity with ERP
4-2
Copyright © 2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited
Chapter 7 Overview
• SECTION 7.1 - ENTERPRISE COMPUTING
CHALLENGES
– Innovation: Finding New
– Social Entrepreneurship: Going Green
– Social Networks: Who’s Who
– Virtual Worlds: It’s a Whole New World
4-3
Chapter 7 Overview

• SECTION 7.2 – ENTERPRISE RESOURCE
PLANNING
– Enterprise Resource Planning
– Core ERP Components
– Extended ERP Components
– Integrating SCM, CRM, and ERP
– Measuring ERP Success
– Choosing ERP Software
– ERP and SME Markets
4-4
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain what enterprise computing challenges are
happening in organizations today (e.g. innovation, going
green, social networks, and virtual worlds).
2. Describe enterprise resource planning as a
management approach and how information systems

can help promote ERP.
3. Describe the components of ERP systems and the
differences between them.
4-5
Learning Outcomes
4. Explain the business value of integrating supply chain
management, customer relationship management, and
enterprise resource planning systems together.
5. Explain how an organization can measure ERP
success, choose ERP software, choose ERP software,
and use ERP in SME markets.
Rights Reserved
SECTION 7.1
ENTERPRISE
COMPUTING
CHALLENGES

4-7
Warren Buffet
• Buffett believes in focused investing and believes that all
investors should
look at five features:
1. The certainty with which the long-term economic
characteristics of the
business can be evaluated
2. The certainty with which management can be evaluated, both
as to its
ability to realize the full potential of the business and to wisely
employ its
cash flows
3. The certainty with which management can be counted on to
channel the
reward from the business to the shareholders rather than to
itself
4. The purchase price of the business
5. The levels of taxation and inflation that will be experienced
and that will

determine the degree by which an investor’s purchasing-power
return is
reduced from his gross return
• .
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-8
Social Entrepreneurship:
Going Green
• When left on continuously, a single desktop computer
and monitor can consume at least 100 watts of power
per hour.
• To generate that much energy 24 hours a day for a year
would require approximately 714 pounds of coal.
• When that coal is burned, it releases on average 5
pounds of sulfur dioxide, 5 pounds of nitrogen oxides,

and 1,852 pounds (that is almost a ton) of carbon
dioxide.
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-9
Social Entrepreneurship:
Going Green
• Social Responsibility implies that an
organization has a responsibility to
society.
• Corporate Policy reflects the position a
company takes on social and political
issues.
• Sustainable or ―Green‖ describes
systems that minimize damage to the
environment.

4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-10
Energy Consumption
• Computer servers in the United States account
for about 1 percent of the total energy needs of
the country.
• Put in perspective, this is roughly equivalent to
the energy consumption of Mississippi.
• Computers consume energy even when they
are not being used.
4-1
Learning

Outcomes
4-11
Energy Consumption
Breakdown of Power Usage in The Typical Data Centre
Figure 4.2
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-12
Energy Consumption
Some initiatives to improve sustainability include:
• Ontario offers energy rebate programs.
• Hewlett-Packard introduced several programs to
improve energy efficiency and recycling of
computer components.

• Sun Microsystems create servers that consume
30-80% less energy for the amount of work
processed.
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-13
E-waste
• Ewaste - Refers to discarded, obsolete or broken electronic
devices.
• Ewaste includes CDs, DVDs, thumb drives, printer cartridges,
cell phones, iPods, external hard drives, TVs, VCRs, DVD
players, microwaves, and so on
• Sustainable IT disposal - Refers to the safe disposal of MIS
assets at the end of their life cycle

• Electronic Product Stewardship Canada (EPSC) – an
industry association that educates and encourages e-waste
control
• Recent International laws restrict the use of hazardous
materials.
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-14
Greener IT
Ways to Save Energy in a Data Centre
Figure 4.4
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-15

Organizational Social Networking
Passive Search—Finding people for new jobs
who are happy and productive where they
through business networking sites.
Boomerangs—Former employees returning to
old jobs.
Marketing Networks—
Using business networks
for marketing and events.
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-16
It’s a Whole New World!
• Virtual World—An Internet

resource which presents a 3D
virtual community.
• Virtual Organizations–
interactive web presence for
businesses and their
customers.
• Virtual Workforce—working
from home…or anywhere via
the Internet.
Figure 4.5
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-17
Tools for the Virtual Workforce
• Mobile commerce (m-commerce)—ability to
purchase goods and services through a mobile
device.

• Telematics—The blending of wired and
wireless technologies for efficient electronic
communication.
• Electronic tagging—the use of RFID (radio
frequency identification) and other systems to
identify and tracking digital assets.
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-18
Virtual World—Second Life
• Most popular virtual world, logging just over
100 million user-hours per month.
• Over 40 competitors with a wide variety of
objectives:
– Warner Bros. Records launching new artists.
– Logo hosting Big Robots events in

cyberspace.
– Adidas market testing new gym shoes.
– Major League Baseball simulcasting its
homerun derby.
4-1
Learning
Outcomes
4-19
Shell Canada Fuels Productivity
with ERP
1. How can large organizations like Shell Canada use
innovation to fuel productivity?
2. What advantages are there for Shell Canada to
recycle its IT equipment? How could recycling IT

equipment be potentially threatening to Shell Canada?
3. How could Shell Canada use social networking to
boost productivity and increase profits?
4. How could Shell Canada use virtual worlds such as
Second Life to make the company more successful?
Give specific examples
Rights Reserved
SECTION 7.2
ENTERPRISE
RESOURCE PLANNING
4-21
Enterprise Resource Planning
• Enterprise resource planning –
integrates all departments and functions
throughout an organization into a single IT
system (or integrated set of IT systems)
so that employees can make enterprise-

wide decisions by viewing enterprise-wide
information on all business operations
4-2
Learning
Outcomes
4-22
ERP—Powerful Organizational
Tools
ERP is:
•
Solution
to incompatible applications.

• Addresses the need for global information
sharing.
• Avoids the expense of fixing legacy systems.
Legacy Systems—are older computer
technology still in use.
Functional Systems—serve single business
departments or units.
4-2
Learning
Outcomes
4-23

Enterprise Resource Planning System
Figure 4.9
4-2
Learning
Outcomes
4-24
ERP Integration
Data Flow
• At the heart of all
ERP systems is a
database; when a
user enters or
updates
information in one

module, it is
immediately and
automatically
updated
throughout the
entire system
Figure 4.10
4-2
Learning
Outcomes
4-25

ERP Process Flow
Figure 4.11
4-2
Learning
Outcomes
4-26
The organization before ERP
Figure 4.12
4-2
Learning
Outcomes

4-27
The organization after ERP
Figure 4.13
4-2
Learning
Outcomes
4-28

Core and Extended ERP
Components
The Evolution of ERP
Figure 4.14
4-2
Learning
Outcomes
4-29
Components
Figure 4.15
4-2

Learning
Outcomes
4-30
Components
4-2
Learning
Outcomes
• City of Winnipeg had had problems with inconsistent
data and poor communications, wasted purchasing
power due to non-integrated procurement, lack of

coordination in payroll, and functional areas that
needed to interact but had few touch points.
• It used ERP to streamline and integrate more than
100 diverse systems in its various departments
• The new system aligned finance, HR, and
information technology across the service
departments saving the tax payer money and
improving satisfaction levels in customers and
employees.

4-31
Components
Core ERP component – traditional components
included in most ERP systems and they
primarily focus on internal operations
Extended ERP component – extra components
that meet the organizational needs not covered
by the core components and primarily focus on
external operations

4-2
Learning
Outcomes
4-3
4-32
Core ERP Components
• Three most common core ERP
components
1. Accounting and finance
2. Production and materials management
3. Human resource
4-3

Learning
Outcomes
4-33
Accounting and Finance ERP
Components
• Accounting and finance ERP
component – manages accounting data
and financial processes within the
enterprise with functions such as general
ledger, accounts payable, accounts
receivable, budgeting, and asset

management
4-3
Learning
Outcomes
4-34
Accounting and Finance ERP
Components
• Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada (DHDC), the exclusive
Canadian distributor of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, has
improved inventory, turnaround time, margins, and customer

satisfaction—all with the implementation of a financial ERP
system.
• The system has opened up the power of information to the
company and is helping it make strategic decisions when it
still has the time to change things.
• The ERP system provides the company with ways to
manage inventory, turnaround time, and utilize warehouse
space more effectively.
• Credit-management feature set limits on how much a
customer can owe at any time
4-3
Learning

Outcomes
4-35
Production and Materials
Management ERP Components
• Production and materials management ERP
component – handles the various aspects of
production planning and execution such as
demand forecasting, production scheduling, job
cost accounting, and quality control
4-3
Learning
Outcomes
4-36

• Grupo Farmanova Intermed, located in Costa Rica, is a
pharmaceutical marketing and distribution company that
markets nearly 2,500 products to approximately 500
customers in Central and South America.
• The company identified a need for software that could unify
product logistics management in a single country.
• It decided to deploy PeopleSoft financial and distribution ERP
components allowing the company to improve customer data
management, increase confidence among internal and
external users, and coordinate the logistics of inventory.

• With the new PeopleSoft software the company enhanced its
capabilities for handling, distributing, and marketing its
pharmaceuticals.
4-3
Learning
Outcomes
4-37

Figure 4.16
4-3
Learning
Outcomes
4-38
Human Resource ERP Component
• Human resource ERP component – tracks
employee information including payroll, benefits,
compensation, performance assessment, and
assumes compliance with the legal
requirements of multiple jurisdictions and tax

authorities
4-3
Learning
Outcomes
4-39
Extended ERP Components
• Extended ERP components include:
– Business intelligence – describes information that people use
to support their decision-making efforts
– Customer relationship management – involves managing all
aspects of a customer’s relationships with an organization to
increase customer loyalty and retention and an organization's

profitability
– Supply chain management – involves the management of
information flows between and among stages in a supply chain
to maximize total supply chain effectiveness and profitability
– E-business – means conducting business on the Internet, not
only buying and selling, but also serving customers and
collaborating with business partners
4-3
Learning
Outcomes

4-40
E-Business Components
• E-business components include e-logistics and e-
procurement
– E-logistics – manages the transportation and
storage of goods
– E-procurement – the business-to-business (B2B)
purchase and sale of supplies and services over the
Internet
• Best Buy checks inventory levels at each of its 750
stores in North America as often as every half-hour with
its SCM system, taking much of the guesswork out of

inventory replenishment
4-3
Learning
Outcomes
4-41
Integrating SCM, CRM and ERP
Primary Users and Business Benefits of Enterprise
Applications
Figure 4.17
4-3
Learning

Outcomes
4-4
4-42
Integration Tools
• Middleware – Several different types
of software that sit between and
provide connectivity for two or more
software applications
• Enterprise application integration
middleware – Takes a new approach
to middleware by packaging commonly

used applications together, reducing
the time needed to integrate
applications from multiple vendors
4-3
Learning
Outcomes
4-4
4-43
The Connected Corporation

• SCM, CRM, and ERP are the backbone of
e-business
• Integration of these applications is the key
to success for many companies
• Integration allows the unlocking of
information to make it available to any
user, anywhere, anytime
4-2
Learning
Outcomes
4-4
4-44

Choosing ERP Software
Successful ERP projects share 3 attributes
1. Overall fit
• Off the rack
• Off the rack and tailored to fit
• Custom made
2. Proper business analysis
• Successful companies spend up to 10 percent of
the project budget on a business analysis
3. Solid implementation plans
• A plan is needed to monitor the quality, objectives,
and timelines
4-5

Learning
Outcomes
4-45
ERP and SME Markets
• ERP is no longer the purview of large
organizations.
• In the hopes of expanding their client
base, many large-scale ERP vendors,
such as SAP and Oracle, are attempting
to enter the small to medium enterprise
(SME) market

4-5
Learning
Outcomes
4-46
Shell Canada
5. How did ERP help improve business operations at Shell
Canada?
6. How important was training in helping roll out the system to

Shell Canada personnel?
7. How could extended ERP components help improve
business operations at Shell Canada?
8. What advice would you give Shell Canada?
9. How can integrating SCM, CRM, and ERP help improve
business operations at Shell Canada?
4-47
CLOSING CASE ONE
Confusing Carbon
1. How can companies help reduce carbon

emissions?
2. How can finding alternative energy sources
help reduce IT energy consumption?
3. How can labelling IT equipment green help
promote green initiatives?
4. Why do global organizations need to be
concerned with green or social
entrepreneurship initiatives?
5. What ethical issues are associated with green
technology?
4-48

CLOSING CASE TWO
Campus ERP
1. How could core ERP components help improve
business operations at your school?
2. How could extended ERP components help
improve business operations at your school?
3. How can integrating SCM, CRM, and ERP help
improve business operations at your school?
4. What lessons for dealing with the challenges of
implementing an ERP information system at your
school can be learned from this case?

4-49
CLOSING CASE THREE
Intuitive ERP
1. How well do the components of the Intuitive
ERP software product align with the ERP
components described in this chapter?
2. What advantages did Fibre Connections and
Westwinn Group Corp. realize with the
introduction of Intuitive ERP? How well do these
advantages resonate with the benefits of ERP
described in this chapter?
4-50
CLOSING CASE THREE

Intuitive ERP
3. The successful implementation of Intuitive ERP
described above does not speak of any negative
outcomes or drawbacks of introducing a new
enterprise-wide information system in an
organization.
• What challenges do you envision would occur in a
company that decides to introduce such large-scale
change? What drawbacks, if any, are there in
adopting a software solution from a single vendor that
serves such a critical and important role in an
organization? How could one mitigate or lessen these
drawbacks?

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