MIS 404: Introduction to ERP and Business Processes

Textbook Information

Business Process Integration with SAP S/4HANA (Book access order site: https://epistemypress.com/books/bpi/). Publication Date: June 1st, 2020. ISBN: 9780997209235.

Published Remarks

None

Hardware Requirements

None

Software Requirements

This course uses SAP Fiori which can be run in most internet browsers on PC and MAC (as well as iPad and other tablets). It is advisable to run on a PC or a MAC using the latest version of your browser. For the most recent system requirements please refer to SAP Fiori Technical Requirements.

Proctored Exams

None

Course Description

This is a problem-based, interdisciplinary business course on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) concepts and related business processes. ERP systems contain a group of integrated software modules used to run virtually all core business processes within large to medium size modern organizations. The course explains how various business processes such as Fulfillment, Production, Procurement, and Inventory and Warehouse Management work individually and together, and demonstrates how these processes are executed using SAP, one of the World's leading ERP software packages.
 
The course will be administered online through a series of modules which include hands-on lab activities, quizzes, and applied case studies using SAP. The course progression and submission due dates are detailed on the course schedule page.

Course Objectives

At the time of completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe enterprise systems in terms of their architecture, ERP systems, application platforms, and analysis and report functions. (Module 2-5)
  • Given a real-world scenario, identify the trigger points, activities, and major output for various business processes, including Procurement, Fulfillment, Production, and Inventory & Warehousing Management. (Module 6-9)
  • Given a real-world scenario, in SAP, display, create, convert, process, or generate orders or reports to document major output for various business processes, including Procurement, Fulfillment, Production, and Inventory & Warehousing Management. (Module 6-9)
  • Given a real-world scenario, use the data output documents to explain how various business processes, particularly Fulfillment, Production, Procurement, and Inventory & Warehouse Management, span functional areas. (Module 6-9)
  • Given a real-world scenario, execute the various business processes, including Fulfillment, Production, Procurement, and Inventory & Warehouse Management. (Module 6-9)
  • Given a real-world scenario, use the data output documents to explain how the executed business processes, including Fulfillment, Production, Procurement, and Inventory & Warehouse Management, are supported by the ERP system. (Module 6-9)
  • Given a real-world scenario, explain the changes in data during the execution of business processes (Module 10), including:
    • the impact on financial accounts
    • inventory/material quantity and valuation changes
    • transactional document data flows (purchase orders, sales orders, production orders, etc.)
  • Given a real-world scenario, execute a series of integrative business processes which may include the Fulfillment, Procurement, Production, and Inventory & Warehouse Management business processes. (Module 10)

SAP Certification

This course is one of the three required courses needed to attain SAP certification.

Prerequisite Policy

The prerequisite policy is designed and required to ensure your success. YOU MUST DROP this course if you don’t have one or more of the following prerequisites:
  • MIS 204: Introduction to business information systems or
  • 1st Level Programming Course
This prerequisite policy assumes that you are computer literate for a business major. This means you are familiar and competent in using IBM PC-compatible computers, the Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and others), and the World Wide Web.

Method of Instruction

Course instructions and communications will be conducted fully online, in an asynchronous format. Course content is supplemented with integrated lab activities using SAP and a semester case study based on a fictional bike company.  Canvas, the Penn State Learning Management System, will be used to administer all quizzes, lab activities, and applied case studies. All assignments will be submitted to Canvas–no hard copy assignments will be handed to the instructor. In addition, Canvas will also provide the communication needed between the student and instructor (via Canvas Inbox and/or discussion forum). Note: Each module folder contains a detailed explanation of the module’s assignments. A comprehensive list of all course assignments and due dates can be found on the Course Schedule page. The calendar in Canvas also provides reminders for when assignments are due.  These communication methods should be enough for you to know when and which assignments are due. I will also post course announcements and send reminders in Canvas. All official communications from Penn State are sent to students’ Penn State e-mail accounts. Be sure to check your Penn State account regularly, or forward your Penn State e-mail to your preferred e-mail account so that you don’t miss any important information.

Communication Expectations

As part of this online course, you will be using e-mail and discussion forums to interact with a diverse group of faculty and students. All online communications should follow the rules of “Netiquette” that govern the Internet. Here are a few ground rules to get you started.

  • Subject Lines. Whenever you post a message in a forum or send course mail, use a short yet descriptive subject line.
  • Stay on topic. When in a discussion forum, stay on topic. Start a new discussion when appropriate.
  • Proofread. Email and discussion posts are written communication (not spoken) and should contain correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
  • Never use all CAPS. Using all CAPS is equivalent to shouting.
  • Language. Use professional language. Avoid slang and text acronyms and never use vulgar or inappropriate language.
  • Basic Courtesy. Be courteous and respectful in all of your course communications.
  • Consider your tone. A poorly worded note can easily be misunderstood or misconstrued. Remember, recipients can’t see your body language or the expression on your face, nor can they hear the intonation in your voice. If you have a suspicion that something you wrote might be taken the wrong way, it probably will.
  • Remember your audience. Your classmates come from all over the country and the world. Remember that language, humor, and idioms are not universal. Be especially careful with sarcasm.
  • When reacting to someone else’s message, address the ideas, not the person.

Course Assignments

SAP Labs Activities (Ungraded)

SAP Labs Activities have been embedded throughout the course. The use of SAP is an integral part of this course designed to aid student learning of the technical aspects of ERP systems. Thus, students not only learn the concepts associated with each business process but will also gain hands-on experience using the most popular ERP system for managing and executing business processes. SAP Lab Activities do vary in their difficulty but all incorporate screenshots and detailed instruction illustrating the necessary SAP functionality. The SAP Lab Activities have been designed to be repeatable, thus students may repeatedly perform the lab to develop proficiency. Students are encouraged to use the Module Q&A discussion forums if they have any questions or trouble with the SAP Lab Activities.

Module Quizzes (Graded)

Nine (9) Module Quizzes are associated with this course and each is to be completed as an individual assignment with no collaboration among other students. It is advisable to read the assigned module content and related book chapter and complete the various SAP Lab Activities before taking the Module Quiz. Module Quizzes are open book and open notes. Module quizzes will be disabled on Canvas after the due date and time. There will be NO opportunity to complete a Module Quiz after the posted date and time without a University-approved excuse.

Applied Case (Graded)

Applied cases will constitute the major assessment activities for the course. These seven (7) case studies build off the knowledge and skills you developed throughout a module. Applied cases integrate business process concepts and SAP Lab Activities, giving you an opportunity to apply what you have learned to a given business scenario. All course assignments are to be completed as individual assignments.

Grading

Syllabus Table 1 – Graded Assignments
Graded Elements Points
Module Quizzes (9 total, 20 pts. each) 180 pts
Applied Cases (7 total)  
Inventory Creation 50 pts
Procurement 100 pts
Fulfillment 100 pts
Production 100 pts
Inventory and Warehouse Management (IWM) 100 pts
Process Integration – Scenario A 120 pts
Process Integration – Scenario B 150 pts
Total 900 pts

 

Syllabus Table 2 – Grading Scale
Grade Percentage Range
A 93-100%
A- 90-92.99%
B 87-89.99%
B+ 83-86.99%
B- 80-82.99%
C+ 77-79.99%
C 70-76.99%
D 60-60.99%
F <60%