Question:
(a) ERP systems are designed to provide the information, analysis tools and communication abilities to support efficient and effective business processes. Process mapping is one process modelling tool that uses graphical symbols to document business processes. SAP has developed graphical models for many of these business processes using the Event Process Chain (EPC).
Develop an EPC diagram for the following Human Resources process:
(i) The current recruitment process for B&H Company takes approximately 90 days. It begins when a manager has a need for a position. The manager must complete a requisition and send it to the HR department. The HR reviews and assigns a number to the requisition and returns it to the manager for approval. He approves it, obtains the appropriate signatures and then returns it to the HR.
(ii) Next, HR creates a job posting and announces the position internally first through the company's intranet, bulletin boards, or a binder of current job openings. They collect responses for eight days. HR also solicits resumes from external source s by advertising. HR pre-screens resumes and forwards data on qualified candidates to the hiring manager for review. The hiring manager notifies HR of candidates to interview. She also conducts phone screens; if the phone screen is promising, HR coordinates and schedules an on-site interview.
Candidates interview with the hiring manager and with HR. HR records the interviews in an applicant flow log.
(b) E-Commerce is transforming the way companies do business. ERP is an essential component for all forms of e-commerce.
(i) Assume you have just graduated and you land a job at a large manufacturing company as its new purchasing agent. The person you replaced has just retired after 35 years in the job. You are eager to use some of the skills you learned at school. Write a memo to your new boss, the vice president of Supply Chain Management, on the virtues of e-commerce and why the company should now do Internet procurement.
(ii) Define Application Service Provider.