How to use Why ERP? as a classroom supplement.

            For those of you that have used The Goal in the past, Why ERP? can be used the same way.  Why ERP? is a short novel that introduces the reader to some of the issues involved in implementing and using enterprise resource management (ERP) software.  This is done through the eyes of the operations manager in a furniture factory in North Carolina.  The book also provides an introduction to the objectives, concepts and some of the details of ERP, using SAP’s R/3 as the vehicle.  Students learn about problems with non-integrated legacy software, doing an ERP implementation and using the new system.

            There are two distinct ways of using the book.  The first is to simply assign the book as quick read and use some of the questions on this site as discussion questions in the class.  A second method (our preference) is to assign the book and ask for a one-page write up of the following questions:

1.  What three things were best about the implementation of SAP R/3 at the North Carolina plant?

2.  What three things were the worst about the implementation of SAP R/3 at the North Carolina plant?

3.  What are the first three things that Billy should do next?

            Notice that these questions are neutral with regard to the outcomes of the book, yet they give the students some things to look for while they are reading and something to reflect on when they are done.  Since the lists will differ among the students, a class discussion of the first two questions should get a pretty comprehensive list of “principles” on the board.  The last question will enable you to structure responses by type to show the students the breadth of actions needed.  A mock-up of the blackboard structure is provided below: