Postgraduate education--- is this course worth the money??

[Former Member]

Hi all,

I would like to further my education and found this ERP Systems course being given at the University of Victoria in Melbourne. I would like some opinions on the curriculum. It seems like a great course, but it it enough to get me a job when i graduate?

Thanks to all who reply

Marc

Canada

Any input on other course being offered in N. America or elsewhere is also appreciated

www.BusinessAndLaw.vu.edu.au

COURSE STRUCTURE

Masters: The Masters course may be offered on a full-time basis over three semesters or part-time equivalent. All subjects carry a value of 15 credit points. The thesis component (if undertaken) equals 45 credit points. Students must complete 180 credit points through academic study in order to graduate. The course comprises:

Six core subjects:

· Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

· Business Process Engineering

· Supply Chain and Logistics Management

· Organisation Change Management

· Enterprise Resource Planning Systems Implementation

· Strategic Use of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

Two (2) specialisation subjects from:

· Enterprise E-Commerce

· Management of Information Technology

· One approved elective subject

Plus four electives:

· Applications Programming Techniques (SAP’s ABAP programming language)

· Transaction Programming Techniques (Advanced ABAP programming)

· Client Server Technology (Install/Configure SAP)

· ERP Systems Administration

· Enterprise Project Systems (SAP’s PS module)

· Planning & Control through ERP Systems (SAP’s PP module)

· Human Resource Information Systems (SAP’s HR module)

· Computerised Accounting in an ERP System (SAP’s FI module)

· Enterprise Applications Integration

· Information Systems Applications Development (Work Experience placement into an SAP project)

· Or alternative approved by the course co-ordinator.

SUBJECTS

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: This unit allows students to develop an appreciation of the impact of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems on businesses and to understand the issues involved in the design, implementation and maintenance of these systems. Students also develop practical skills in the use of SAP R/3 as an example of an Enterprise Resource Planning System.

Business Process Engineering: the strategic and organisational issues of process and workflow management and the use of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERPs) to realise efficient processes. The subject describes the major strategic approaches, process modelling techniques, procedure models and the current possibilities offered by SAP R/3 as an example of ERPs software that students are likely to encounter in identifying, reorganising and implementing processes in a typical business organisation.

Management Information Technology: a framework for the management of information technology. Management issues may include: the strategic use of information technology; information technology architectures; information systems planning; information technology investments; and security and privacy and outsourcing.

Supply Chain and Logistics Management: the concept of supply chain management in the context of movement and storage of components and goods in the spheres of material management, physical distribution and transport and its practical business application.

Organisation Change Management: organisational design; organisational changes processes and organisational development and change; and skills and competencies in the diagnostic processes for assessing the need for change and the development, implementation and evaluation of change strategies at all organisational levels.

Enterprise E-Commerce: the integration of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems with E-Commerce and the issues involved. Many large organisations have implemented Enterprise Resource Planning Systems to integrate their business processes. These same organisations are now attempting to extend their supply chain via E-Commerce business solutions.

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems Implementation: the basic methodologies, techniques and tools that are used in the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems using SAP R/3 as an example. Many large organisations are making decisions to implemented Enterprise Resource Planning Systems but the implementation is complex and requires specific project management skills and knowledge.

Strategic Use of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: the strategic features of ERP systems and how these features can be utilised within an implementation. Many large organisations have implemented Enterprise Resource Planning Systems to integrate their business processes and are now attempting to gain further benefits by utilising the strategic features of these systems such as supply chain optimisation, customer relationship management, and data warehousing.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

I did my masters in just computer sciences, but if I had something like this available I would have gone for it. But there are a couple of factors to consider. One is will there be good campus recruitments and what is the rate absorption of candidates for this course. Second question, do I really want to persue this field as my career. ERP is the concept that revolves around the business. So you should have an aptitude for learning how a business operates and functions.

The course curriculum looks good particularly because it includes topics on Supply Chain Management and Business Process Engineering which are relatively new.

Another good aspect of it is that it is giving this course with SAP as an example tool. SAP is the leading ERP software company(and many more products are added to its portifolio now).

Is it worth the money? That you have to decide. You can do a regular masters in computer science, but get a job in a company that trains you in SAP, and learn everything on the job or take some traning from SAP training academies and then start on job. That is one option. But if you want to persue a career in building products in the ERP/SCM areas, then a formal education in that area will be useful. But if you are just interested in implementing existing products then it is not a must.

Hope I gave you some information that is useful. Please don't forget to reward appropriately for helpful answers and close when completely answered.

Srinivas

[Former Member]

Hi Marc,

I guess I am facing the same dilemma as you faced last year regarding this course-- Masters of Business in ERP (Victoria university). I'd like to know whether you decided to go for it or not. And, if anybody else, reading this post, has knowledge about this particular course or has done it or is currently pursuing it, please do let me know asap. It will be a great help.

thanks

nikitasha

(I can be contacted at niikkitasha@yahoo.com.au)