Implementing Specialized Management Information Systems in the Post-Secondary Program

Undergraduate students are computer-literate and learn to use software quickly but may not grasp the underlying concepts of cross-departmental problem solving, integration, communication, and collaboration, without actual industry experience. When implemented properly and assignments well thought out, MIS systems may help overcome these hurdles. Larger ERP systems such as SAP are taught through business schools. Curriculum support is provided by the large ERP vendors who have created modules specifically for the university curriculum. Vendors of smaller systems are not usually afforded this "luxury." As a result, smaller systems are not usually taught in the post-secondary curriculum. This paper identifies some of the challenges, critical success factors and lessons learned from implementing a smaller second-tier system tailored for a specific industry, within an undergraduate course. This study is valuable because of the applicability to other similar school programs and challenges.