Objectives and competences
Students will
1. Understand Business Information Solutions (BIS) as a key enabler of digital transformation, process integration, and strategic decision-making.
2. Gain knowledge of modern architectural approaches and frameworks that support the design of secure, scalable, and interoperable solutions.
3. Develop the ability to analyze the complexity and adaptability of BIS, considering their lifecycle, including ERP, CRM, and DMS systems.
4. Acquire methodological expertise to research BIS architectures and implementation, using relevant models (TAM, UTAUT, HOT-fit, etc.) and approaches (case studies, simulations).
5. Reflect on the ethical, security, and sustainability aspects of information systems, recognizing their impact on organizations, users, and the broader environment.
Content (Syllabus outline)
This course focuses on an in-depth understanding of Business Information Solutions (BIS) as foundational elements for digitalization, process integration, and strategic decision-making in organizations. Students explore core types of BIS (ERP, CRM, SCM, BI, DMS, HRM) and their role in creating business value.
Special emphasis is placed on architectural approaches (monolithic, multi-tier, SOA, microservices) and the use of frameworks such as TOGAF and ArchiMate for designing scalable, secure, and reliable solutions. The full lifecycle of BIS implementation is covered, including methodologies (SureStep, Activate, Agile/DevOps), stakeholder roles, and managing complexity.
ERP systems are analyzed in detail (modules, configuration, integration), supported by vendor comparisons (SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics). CRM and DMS solutions are also explored in-depth, including their integration into broader enterprise architectures.
Further topics include data platforms (BI, data lakes), integration mechanisms (ETL, API, ESB), data standards, and interoperability models. Students learn the distinctions between on-premise and cloud models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), as well as challenges related to hybrid and edge computing architectures.
The course also addresses the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation (RPA, IPA) in BIS, including ethical, security, ESG, and regulatory considerations (e.g., GDPR). The research-oriented part includes modeling and evaluating architectures, analyzing flexibility and innovativeness, and applying adoption models (TAM, UTAUT, TOE, DOI, HOT-fit), including their methodological limitations.
Deatailed Course Description:
1.Fundamental Concepts of Business Information Solutions (BIS)
• Definition and classification of BIS: ERP, CRM, SCM, BI, DMS, HRM
• BIS as the foundation of process digitalization and organizational integration
• The role of BIS in strategic decision-making and value creation
2. Architectural Approaches in Information Solution Design
• Architectures: monolithic, multi-tier, service-oriented (SOA), microservices (MSA)
• Enterprise Architecture Frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman, ArchiMate)
• Architectural patterns and guidelines for scalability, reliability, and security
3. Lifecycle and Implementation of BIS
• Phases: from requirements to production use and upgrades
• Roles of the client, users, and vendor – responsibilities and communication
• Connection with standard methodologies (SureStep, Activate, Agile/DevOps)
• Managing complexity and adaptability
• Maturity models for BIS implementation
4. ERP Solutions – Characteristics, Structure, and Challenges
• Key modules and process coverage (finance, manufacturing, logistics, HR)
• Embedded business logic, configuration, and extensions
• Customization and integration with external systems
• Vendor comparison (SAP, MS Dynamics, Oracle, open-source)
5. CRM, DMS, and Supporting Solutions
• Strategic role of CRM: personalization, 360° view, marketing integration
• Document Management Systems (DMS): document lifecycle, standards (ISO 15489)
• Integration of CRM/DMS with ERP – synergies and architectural solutions
• Data and Analytical Platforms
7. Cloud and Hybrid BIS Architectures
• Differences between on-premise, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS models
• Hybrid approaches, edge computing, and cloud solution integration
• SLAs, security, availability, and data control in the cloud
8. Artificial Intelligence and Automation in BIS
• Use of AI in ERP and CRM: predictive analytics, recommendation systems, chatbots
• Process automation (RPA, IPA) and intelligent decision-making
• Link between AI and process optimization
9. Sustainability, Ethics, and Security in BIS Architectures
• ESG and sustainable practices in BIS development and use
• Algorithmic ethics and business logic transparency
• Architectures for secure data processing and legal compliance (GDPR)
10. Research Approaches and Development of Architectural Concepts
• Modeling and evaluation of information architectures
• Researching adaptability, sustainability, and innovativeness of architectures
• Examples of comparative analyses, case studies, simulations
11. Adoption and Implementation Models of BIS
• Overview of key models: TAM, TAM2, UTAUT, UTAUT2
• Organizational models: TOE, Diffusion of Innovations (DOI),
• Use of models in ERP, CRM, DMS implementation research
• Integration with IS success models (e.g., DeLone & McLean + UTAUT)
• Criticisms and methodological limitations of existing approaches
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Development of Knowledge and Understanding
The learner
1. Understand the fundamental characteristics and classifications of Business Information Solutions (e.g., ERP, CRM, DMS) and their role in digitalization and integration.
2. Explain various architectural approaches and frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, ArchiMate, SOA, microservices) and their role in BIS development.
3. Describe the phases of the BIS lifecycle and the responsibilities of different stakeholders in the implementation process.
4. Explain the relationship between BIS and strategic business objectives, including the creation of organizational value.
5. Understand the role of artificial intelligence, automation, ethics, and sustainability in the context of modern BIS architectures.
Cognitive and Intellectual Skills
The learner:
1. Analyze the architectural complexity and adaptability of different BIS configurations in real-world scenarios.
2. Critically evaluate the suitability of architectural models and implementation methodologies for various organizational contexts.
3. Synthesize knowledge of ERP, CRM, and DMS systems into integrated architectural and process frameworks.
4. Formulate research questions and hypotheses related to BIS adoption, implementation, and architecture.
5. Assess the methodological strengths and limitations of adoption models (e.g., TAM, UTAUT) when applied in empirical BIS research.
Key / Transferable Skills
The learner:
1. Effectively communicate professional and research content on BIS architecture and implementation to various stakeholders.
2. Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams in the development of complex information solutions and their organizational integration.
3. Independently use scientific and professional literature to design their own research frameworks and architectural concepts.
4. Adapt existing architectural and implementation approaches to specific organizational needs.
5. Approach strategic decisions on BIS implementation from the perspective of business value, risk, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
Practical Skills
The learner:
1. Design information system architectures using modern architectural approaches and frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, ArchiMate).
2. Apply BIS implementation methodologies (e.g., Agile, SureStep, Activate) and develop implementation project plans.
3. Analyze ERP, CRM, and DMS solution cases and prepare architectural scenarios with different configurations.
4. Use adoption and implementation models (e.g., UTAUT) to plan or evaluate implementation projects.
5. Conduct a research project using comparative analysis, modeling, or simulation of business information system architectures.
Readings
Sternad Zabukovšek, S., Tominc, P., Štrukelj, T., Bobek, S. (2021). Digitalna transformacija in poslovne informacijske rešitve. Harlow: Pearson Education. Sternad Zabukovšek, S., Tominc, P., Štrukelj, T., Bobek, S. (2021). Management zrelosti digitalne transformacije in poslovnih informacijskih rešitev. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Recker J.: Scientific Research in Information Systems, Springer 2013
Shanks G., Seddon P.B., Willcocks L.P. (ed.): Second-Wave Enterprise Resource Planning Systems, Cambridge Univeristy Press, 2013
Skroch O.: Developing Business Application Systems: On the Specification and Selection of Software Components and Services, Springer 2010
