Enterprise Systems Software in the Business Curriculum: Aligning Curriculum with Industry Requirements

Abstract

An integrated view of business and multidisciplinary perspectives are considered essential for business graduates in today’s workplace. Recognizing the increasing importance of enterprise systems (ES) in business and the pedagogical value in imparting the above, several universities have incorporated ES software solutions into their business school curricula. This chapter presents a review of literature on the inadequacies of business education, the pedagogical value of incorporating ES in the curricula, and an analysis of the effectiveness of curriculum design and delivery. Expansion and regular updating of the curriculum, more interaction with industry practitioners, more case studies that deal with post-implementation issues, better alignment with other prerequisite courses, and improvement in the knowledge of academic staff are some of the challenges faced. Varying student mix, significantly higher cost of providing access to software, difficulty in obtaining a sustainable industry support and involvement, inadequate administrative support in schools, limited interest by academic staff and the lack of perceived career benefits, however, are found to be problematic. Appropriate administrative policies, top management commitment and encouragement to align curriculum with industry requirements and industry support are essential for the successful integration of ES software solutions in the business curricula.