Case study one 15 marks Robert Smith is the manager of a manufacturing and trading company. Robert would like to improve the purchasing process design; he has had a suggestion from an employee that the company should switch to an ERP system due to the benefits of the best practice of ERP systems. Robert is not sure if his company needs to invest in an ERP system. In his view organisations has sound systems in place for inventory management. Robert also finds that their systems are unique and can be altered to meet changes in their business. Hence, he is not convinced that moving to an ERP system had its benefits. Rather he wants to try using a TQM approach to redesign their ordering and inventory management process. You are required to conduct your own research using internet and books and see which option is better for Robert. Two questions will be asked during the timed assessment

Question 1 Robert would like advice about the benefits and risk that his company could encounter if they adopted the processes in an ERP system. Should they change to and ERP system?

Question 2 Do you think based on the few facts available that Robert should be considering TQM? if so, Which do yo think is appropriate for his business? Explain your reasoning