Supply Chain Management

SCM 4380

Enterprise Resource Planning

and Technology Enablement

Course Overview

SCM 4380 introduces students to the strategic and operational role of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in managing complex, global supply chains. Students explore how ERP platforms integrate core business functions — such as procurement, production, finance, and distribution — into a unified system that supports real-time decision-making and performance management. Through hands-on experience with SAP S/4HANA and a competitive business simulation, students learn to navigate the full cash-to-cash cycle and leverage business intelligence tools to drive enterprise strategy.

Course Purpose

This course prepares students to operate and lead in digitally enabled organizations by developing fluency in ERP systems and business process integration. Students will gain a deep understanding of how data flows across functional areas, how to model and improve business processes, and how to use ERP-generated insights to inform strategic decisions. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of ERP tools in dynamic, team-based environments that simulate real-world business challenges.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the structure and purpose of ERP systems and their role in enterprise integration.
• Map and analyze business processes using standardized modeling techniques.
• Execute core business functions within an ERP environment, including fulfillment, procurement, production, and financial reporting.
• Extract and analyze operational data to support strategic decision-making using business intelligence tools.
• Develop and communicate enterprise strategies based on performance metrics and financial outcomes reported on the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows
• Apply principles of game theory and competitive strategy in a simulated business environment.

Selection of Topics Covered

• Business Process Modeling and Integration
• ERP System Architecture and Functionality
• Fulfillment, Procurement, Production, and Finance Processes
• Business Intelligence and Data-Driven Decision Making
• KPI Management and Dashboard Design
• Financial Statement Analysis and Reporting
• Enterprise Strategy and Competitive Positioning
• Game Theory in Business Simulation Environments

Course Pedagogy and Experiential Activities

SCM 4380 is built around a competitive, real-time business simulation in which student teams manage a virtual manufacturing company using SAP S/4HANA. Teams must coordinate supply chain operations, respond to market dynamics, and make strategic decisions that impact profitability and performance. Throughout the simulation, students analyze transactional data, adjust business strategies, and present their outcomes in a formal Annual Report including all Business Financials.

Additional experiential components include:

• In-class ERP exercises and labs using SAP
• Business process mapping and modeling workshops
• Data analysis using Excel, pivot tables, and regression tools
• Strategy development sessions based on real-time performance metrics

Course Format and Assessment

Students engage with course content through lectures, readings, software labs, and team-based simulations. Assessment is based on a combination of:

• Performance in a large-scale ERP simulation that emphasizes strategic thinking, adaptability, and operational execution
• Progressive assignments that build technical and analytical skills
• Exams that assess conceptual understanding and applied knowledge
• Team presentations and written reports that demonstrate communication and decision-making capabilities