“Think about all of the various processes that are essential to running a business, including inventory and order management, accounting, human resources, customer relationship management (CRM), and beyond,” explains NetSuite.com.
ERP software connects every employee across all departments to share a database and access the same information within an enterprise.
Lamar University offers an online Master of Business Administration in Enterprise Resource Planning that gives you a flexible schedule and the opportunity to graduate in as few as 14 months. Each course — taught by nationally recognized faculty — lasts eight weeks.
All six specialized classes are 100 percent online, which means you can participate virtually around your busy schedule. Many students maintain full-time employment while they study to achieve their next career goal.
What Are the Courses Like?
MISY 5350: ERP E-Commerce provides “students with the conceptual foundation as well as hands on experience at developing” custom applications to make systems more functional and user friendly. The course teaches SAP NetWeaver, a program in which you can integrate internal and external web content, databases and collaboration tools.
In this course you’ll also work with SAP Visual Composer. This design tool helps with the creation of content using a graphical user interface instead of manually written code.
MISY 5360: Business Intelligence is an exploration of data and trends. This course helps with decision-making by teaching you how to access and analyze data using SAP Business Information Warehouse. You will derive insights, draw conclusions and communicate findings.
MGMT 5370: Supply Chain Management gives students “an integrative view of the purchasing and logistic functions and the role they play in the overall operations of the organization.” SAP ECC provides “a foundation for the understanding of the integrative nature of the business organization today.”
Learn more about the Lamar University online MBA courses in ERP.
Why Should I Specialize in ERP?
As corporations grow, it becomes difficult to maintain databases. Information is often duplicated and can be inconsistent across departments. ERP tools help businesses “overcome these hurdles by providing an integrated platform for all the processes, resulting in a quick access to the information within the departments along with maintaining the uniqueness,” reports BusinessWire.com
Within the next couple years, the global ERP market is expected to reach more than $40 billion. As companies choose to integrate their systems with ERP, they’ll turn to trained professionals who can install the software and coach employees on how to use it.
What Careers Can I Pursue?
Several types of organizations use ERP. With an MBA in Enterprise Resource Planning from Lamar University, you can find opportunities in healthcare, retail, aerospace and defense, telecom, and government utilities. Here are two rewarding careers you can look forward to:
ERP developer: Create software and applications, and help train new users. Developers are also responsible for resolving functionality issues, preventing data loss, entering sensitive information into encrypted databases, and resolving software problems and program bugs. According to PayScale, developers “generally work in fast-paced office environments and must utilize their multitasking skills to participate in a variety of projects.” A developer with experience, skills and training can make more than $113,000 a year.
ERP business analyst: Maintain a company’s program. You will “study the effectiveness of the system and coordinate with the team members from other departments,” reports Business Research Guide. “Incorporating the business’ finances, operations, and marketing, analysts focus on successfully developing new business opportunities and fulfilling customers’ needs.” Business analysts can make more than $105,000 a year.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online MBA program in Enterprise Resource Planning.
Sources:
Business.com: Managing Resources: ERP Industry Trends That Impact Bottom Line
PayScale: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Developer Salary
Business Research Guide: What Does an ERP Analyst Do?
