Reference no: EM133150852 , Length: word count:2500

HI5019 Strategic Information Systems for Business and Enterprise - Holmes Institute

Assessment - System Analysis and Selection

Learning outcome 1: Critically evaluate the purpose and role of accounting information systems in today's business environment,
Learning outcome 2: Evaluate systems development methodologies and the role of accountants in system development projects and
Learning outcome 3: Appraise the risks inherent in computer-based systems/ERP, including the role of ethics and the various internal control processes that need to be in place.

Assignment Details

Part A. The Conversion Cycle. [Up to 500 words]

The Strategic Information System for Business and Enterprise HI5019 T1 2022 provide sufficient background knowledge to understand accounting information systems and analyse the transaction processing system. Based on the same strict assumption we apply in the HI5019 T1 2022 individual assignment, we assume that this knowledge enables you to start an accounting consultancy. You are passionate to provide consultancy services in your area. To pursue your passions, you started your consultancy services. Luckily, you got your first client, Mrs Maria, head of the accounting department of ERPGATO Manufacturing Limited (EML). She requested you to provide her with an expert opinion on the components of overhead and the logical cost driver. For this expert opinion, she forwarded you the following information.

For years, EML has allocated overhead based on total machine hours. A recent assessment of overhead costs has shown that these costs are now more than 45 per cent of the company's total costs. Sara is specifically worried about this variance, and as a managing director, she is trying to control overhead better. For this purpose, the head of the management accountant adopted an activity-based costing system. Each cutting board goes through the five processes. These processes are elaborated on in the following paragraph.

To better control overhead, EML is adopting an activity-based costing system. Each cutting board goes through the following processes. The given data reveals that cutting is the first process. In this process, boards are selected from inventory and are cut to the required width and length. Imperfections in boards (such as knots or cracks) are identified and removed. The second process is assembly. In this process, cut wooden pieces are laid out on clamps, a layer of glue is applied to each piece, and then glued pieces are clamped together until the glue sets. The third process is shaping. Once the glue has been set, the boards are sent to the shaping process, where they are cut into specific shapes. After being shaped, the cutting boards must be sanded smooth. In this setting, sanding is the fourth process. The fifth process is finishing. In this process, sanded cutting boards receive a coat of mineral oil to help preserve the wood. The last process is packing. In the packing process, finished cutting boards are placed in boxes of 12. The boxes are sealed, addressed, and sent to one of the kitchen stores.

Required: Suggest the most suitable component of overhead for EML. Further, determine a logical cost driver for each process.

Part B. System Analysis and Selection Report. [Up to 2000 words]

Note: Part B is an independent part. Please do not relate it with Part A.

Background
You are running an Accounting Information System consultancy firm. One of your clients is currently evaluating its information systems. The managing director of your client thinks that they need to invest in an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system to support the growth of the business. During your first meeting, the managing director of your client requested you to evaluate their business and recommend ERP software.

Client/Company Selection
You must select a listed company of your choice (your firm's client). The company chosen should be a manufacturing firm listed on either The Australian Stock Exchange or the Stock Exchange of your home country. The selected company is your firm's client.

Note: Please choose the company that best suits the situation mentioned above while selecting the company for this assessment.

The framework of Analysis [Requirements]
The report should include the following components:

1. Background of the Selected Business

Evaluate your client's business process to identify potential weak internal controls and the risk associated with these potential weak controls. And recommend the control techniques that will reduce or eliminate the potential risks. [Hint: your response should be based on our discussion in interactive tutorials 4 to 6.]

2. Systems Requirements

Briefly discuss the software features and functionalities your client should consider supporting its business activities. [Hint: your response should be based on Section 1.1 above.]

3. Software Selection

Compare and contrast the features and functionalities of three ERP software packages offered by the ERP vendors. [Hint. Try to apply the general functionalities and critical elements of ERP systems we discussed in the week ten interactive tutorial].
In the end, identify the most suitable vendor and ERP software package for your client and explain why it is the best option.

Assignment Structure
The report should include the following components.

Holmes Institute Assignment Cover Sheet
The Holmes Institute Assignment Cover Sheet is available at the end of menu item Assessments on the Blackboard.

Table of Contents
This needs to show a logical listing of all the sub-headings of the report. Note this is excluded from the total word count.

Part A. Purchases and Cash Disbursement System
Do not include the executive summary and introduction here. You must answer three specific requirements given above in Part A's "Required" section.

Part B. System Analysis and Selection Report.

Executive Summary
The executive summary should be concise and not involve too much detail. It should make commentary on the main points only and follow the sequence of the report. Write the executive summary after the report is completed, and once you have an overview of the whole text.

Table of Contents
This needs to show a logical listing of all the sub-headings of the report's contents. Note this is excluded from the total word count.

1. Introduction
Typically, the introduction is a short paragraph that includes background, scope and the main points raised in the order of importance. There should be a brief conclusion statement at the end of the introduction.

2. Main Body Paragraphs with Numbered Sub-headings
This section contains detailed information which elaborates on the main points raised in the introduction. Each paragraph should begin with an exact topic sentence, then supporting sentences with facts and evidence obtained from research and finish with a concluding sentence at the end.

3. Conclusion
This section contains a logical and coherent evaluation of the work you have performed during this assessment.

4. References
Please see the "Assessment Design - Adapted Harvard Referencing" section for the referencing guidelines.

5. Appendices
This section includes any additional explanatory information, which is supplementary and graphical to help communicate the main ideas made in the report. Refer to the appendices in the main body paragraphs as and where appropriate. (Note this is excluded from the total word count.)

Note: The report should be grounded on relevant literature, and all references must be cited appropriately and included in the reference list.

Assessment Design - Adapted Harvard Referencing
As a pilot program, Holmes implements a revised Harvard approach to referencing. The following guidelines apply:

1. Reference sources in assignments are limited to sources that provide full-text access to the source's content for lecturers and markers.

Attachment:- Strategic Information Systems.rar