15-1. Which accounting software features are likely to be the most important for the following businesses? Search the Internet for an example of an AIS that you would recommend for each of these owners and include your rationale for that product.

1. boutique shop that sells trendy ladies clothing
2. A small business specializing in custom golf clubs, replacement shafts for clubs, replace-

ment grips for clubs, and similar repairs

3. A local CPA firm with three partners, five associates, and two administrative employees
4. A pet breeder that specializes in Burmese kittens
5. AbusinessthatsellsandrentsSegwaysinWashington,DC,whichislocatedonConstitution Avenue, near the Lincoln Memorial
6. A high-end mens clothing business that has 4 stores that are all located in the same large metropolitan city (56 employees), and the owner is contemplating additional locations for stores in nearby cities

15-2. The difference between the price tag for middle-market accounting software versus an ERP system can be millions of dollars. What can these high-end systems do that the less expensive enterprise accounting packages cannot?

15-3. Discuss the differences between traditional ERP and extended enterprise systems.

15-4. Discuss some of the basic features of an ERP. How do these features distinguish an ERP from

an integrated accounting software program?

15-5. What are some of the benefits of a centralized database architecture? What are some of the difficulties in moving from multiple databases or files to a centralized database structure?

15-6. A new company will have no business processes in place. How would the owner go about selecting an appropriate AIS for the new company? Should the owner consider acquiring an ERP package immediately?

15-7. Find an article about a company that has adopted a business application suite. Identify the company and its basic characteristics (such as location, products, and number of employees). What are some cost savings realized by the company? Were there specific efficiencies identified as a result of the ERP implementation? Were there problems implementing the system? How long did it take for the company to complete the implementation? Were there cost or time over-runs?

15-8. While you are likely to purchase a middle-end accounting software package from a value- added reseller (VAR), why should you be cautious about hiring one to recommend a software package for your business?

15-9. What are some of the consequences to a company that makes a poor decision in selecting a

new AIS?

15-10. Why do businesses typically need to engage in business process reengineering when they adopt an ERP? Identify at least four key aspects of a successful BPR project.