Management Information and Communication Systems

Business information and communication flow
Produce a formal report in which you provide a critical evaluation of the role of ERP and CRM systems in an organisation of your choice (MUST BE UK BASED ORGANISATION).

Describe the role played by wireless networks and other types of networks in involving different parts of the organisation, or other organisations.
Outline and critically discuss the business functions performed by the ERP and CRM systems, the flow of data and information in the ERP and CRM systems.
Evaluate how management, and other users, can use the information from these systems both tactically and strategically and state what form the information may take, and address issues with mobile devices and BYOD.
State your conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment:
1. Understand the nature and content of MICS and how they improve management decision-making.
2. Evaluate the strategy of MICS in different types of organisations.
3. Demonstrate how MICS are able to integrate the various management functions to enhance the overall performance of organisations.

Assessment criteria Explanatory comments on the assessment criteria Maximum marks for each section
Content, style, relevance, originality Employs a wide range of recent journal literature to provide a clear and detailed picture of the current situation 30
Format, referencing, bibliography Structured as a professional report, fully using the Harvard Reference System 20
Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion Shows clear analysis and evaluation of the findings and clearly indicates how management decisions impact the results 50

Students should conform to the conventions of the above assessment format in the preparation of their assignments. The relevant assessment criteria have been stated to enable and guide students in the preparation of their work. Achievement of the learning outcomes and the application of relevant theories to the assessment task should be demonstrated.
How to structure the assignment report
Title Page
Assignment title, module code, full name and student code, as well as submission date.
Table of Contents
A list all the chapters, sections, headings and sub-headings. Appendices and Figures should be provided as well as all page numbers as clearly as possible.
Introduction
This provides an overview of the topic being considered and how you will approach it.
Findings and Analysis
• This is the substance of your report. The structure will vary depending on the material being presented. Headings and sub-headings should be used to indicate clearly the different sections
• The following headings may help to add structure: situation; problem; solution; evaluation. It is not sufficient simply to describe a situation. Analysis and a critical approach are essential
• Charts, diagrams and tables can be used to reinforce your arguments, although it may be better to include the more complex ones as an appendix.
Conclusions
These draw out the implications of your findings. Deductions are based on the facts described in the findings and analysis. Remember not to include any new material here.
Recommendations
Indicate what you think should be done to improve or develop the situation in specific ways. Highlight the steps for action.
References
This is a record of all the named sources you have quoted from or reproduced in your report. Please use The Harvard System for all references
Bibliography
It contains all reading you have conducted in preparation for writing the report but have not used in reference. It allows the reader to assess whether the background reading undertaken was balanced and a variety of courses utilised.
Appendices
Detailed documentation of points made in the findings. Examples include: technical data, questionnaires, letters sent, tables, charts or leaflets. An appendix contains supplementary information that you consider to be too long, complicated or not quite relevant to include in the main section of the report, but is still relevant to your reader. Each appendix should be referred to in your text. You should not include something as an appendix if it is not discussed in the report.

Management Information and Communication Systems

Business information and communication flow
Produce a formal report in which you provide a critical evaluation of the role of ERP and CRM systems in an organisation of your choice (MUST BE UK BASED ORGANISATION).

Describe the role played by wireless networks and other types of networks in involving different parts of the organisation, or other organisations.
Outline and critically discuss the business functions performed by the ERP and CRM systems, the flow of data and information in the ERP and CRM systems.
Evaluate how management, and other users, can use the information from these systems both tactically and strategically and state what form the information may take, and address issues with mobile devices and BYOD.
State your conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment:
1. Understand the nature and content of MICS and how they improve management decision-making.
2. Evaluate the strategy of MICS in different types of organisations.
3. Demonstrate how MICS are able to integrate the various management functions to enhance the overall performance of organisations.

Assessment criteria Explanatory comments on the assessment criteria Maximum marks for each section
Content, style, relevance, originality Employs a wide range of recent journal literature to provide a clear and detailed picture of the current situation 30
Format, referencing, bibliography Structured as a professional report, fully using the Harvard Reference System 20
Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion Shows clear analysis and evaluation of the findings and clearly indicates how management decisions impact the results 50

Students should conform to the conventions of the above assessment format in the preparation of their assignments. The relevant assessment criteria have been stated to enable and guide students in the preparation of their work. Achievement of the learning outcomes and the application of relevant theories to the assessment task should be demonstrated.
How to structure the assignment report
Title Page
Assignment title, module code, full name and student code, as well as submission date.
Table of Contents
A list all the chapters, sections, headings and sub-headings. Appendices and Figures should be provided as well as all page numbers as clearly as possible.
Introduction
This provides an overview of the topic being considered and how you will approach it.
Findings and Analysis
• This is the substance of your report. The structure will vary depending on the material being presented. Headings and sub-headings should be used to indicate clearly the different sections
• The following headings may help to add structure: situation; problem; solution; evaluation. It is not sufficient simply to describe a situation. Analysis and a critical approach are essential
• Charts, diagrams and tables can be used to reinforce your arguments, although it may be better to include the more complex ones as an appendix.
Conclusions
These draw out the implications of your findings. Deductions are based on the facts described in the findings and analysis. Remember not to include any new material here.
Recommendations
Indicate what you think should be done to improve or develop the situation in specific ways. Highlight the steps for action.
References
This is a record of all the named sources you have quoted from or reproduced in your report. Please use The Harvard System for all references
Bibliography
It contains all reading you have conducted in preparation for writing the report but have not used in reference. It allows the reader to assess whether the background reading undertaken was balanced and a variety of courses utilised.
Appendices
Detailed documentation of points made in the findings. Examples include: technical data, questionnaires, letters sent, tables, charts or leaflets. An appendix contains supplementary information that you consider to be too long, complicated or not quite relevant to include in the main section of the report, but is still relevant to your reader. Each appendix should be referred to in your text. You should not include something as an appendix if it is not discussed in the report.