Integrating MS/OR Modeling into an ERP Course

ERP is a subject with widespread applicability in industry, and one that presents challenges for companies to successfully implement. In this paper, I describe a graduate course in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems that integrates a whole series of MS/OR based case studies into the course, where all the cases are from the same company. The cases range from detailed and operational issues such as the bill of material explosion to more strategic issues such as hierarchical production planning and distribution network design. The data rich environment that ERP systems create is very fertile ground for the development and implementation of decision support systems via MS/OR modeling. This is an opportunity our profession should not overlook. This integrated set of case studies is facilitated via the use of one multi-function modeling package that makes it easy for students to use for the semester long course. The course is highly rated in the teaching evaluations that students complete, and the anecdotal feedback is that it is good preparation for the business world.