Date of Defense

4-22-2020

Date of Graduation

4-2020

Department

Business - Interdisciplinary

First Advisor

Bret Wagner

Second Advisor

Sime Curkovic

Abstract

This chapter will discuss the relevance and importance of information technology and its integration into several business models. The term Information Technology encompasses all types of technology used to create, store, exchange, and utilize data and information in all shapes and forms. This chapter will primarily focus on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technology, which refers to a type of software that organizations use to manage day-to-day busy-ness activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management, and supply chain management. In more simpler terms, ERP systems tie together a variety of business operations, enabling a smooth flow of data and interconnectedness between them by using a common database and shared management reporting tools. Some of the benefits of ERP include, elimination of data duplication, more financial transparency, data integrity, and improved business insight. This chapter’s fictional company, Three Rivers Hot Sauce, will demonstrate the importance of ERP integration through a small case study highlighting the before and after picture of an ERP implementation. In today’s business world, the utilization of information technology is becoming more and more important in everyday business transactions, as well as big shifts in business operating strategies. Moreover, it acts as a change agent on many platforms. This chapter will go through the history of ERP from its first developments in the 1960s to its full first implementations in the 1990s. Later on, the chapter will go over current and future trends that embody such transitions and how they will transform tomorrow’s workforce and workplace, including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Technology, and Internet of Things. Being in the middle of the 4th Industrial Revolution, technology is everywhere and evolving faster than ever. Leading companies are putting a lot more emphasis on technological innovations that constantly change the way companies operate internally, externally, and conduct business.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

Download

Share

COinS