Cisco Systems,Inc: Implementing ERP : Case Analysis
Harvard Business Case Analysis
Cisco Systems, Inc.: Implementing ERP
Management Information Systems
2014 SU – 18531 - MGMT 6352
Christine Nada
July 30, 2014
Table of Contents
Executive Summary………………………………………………………………….. 3
Case Synopsis………………………………………………………………………... 4
Strategy Analysis…………………………………………………………………….. 5
Problems in Business Processes and Operations…………………………………….. 6
Firm Based Value Chain Model……………………………………………………... 7
Model Application…………………………………………………………………… 7
Implementation Opportunity Analysis………………………………………………. 9
Implementation Effectiveness……………………………………………………….. 11
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………….... 11
References…………………………………………………………………………… 13
Appendix…………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Executive Summary In 1994, Cisco Systems, Inc. was on the verge of an internal breakdown. The company experienced exponential growth in response to businesses’ demand for Internet technologies and data systems. Unfortunately, the UNIX-based software package the company used at the time couldn’t keep up with its sudden growth. After a system failure that caused Cisco to shut down for two days, the management team decided to proceed with plans to implement a new ERP system. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the process used to implement the new system, and an assessment of its overall effectiveness.
Case Synopsis
Cisco Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and IT industry and provides services associated with these products and their use. (Datamonitor) It offers technical solutions that encourage collaboration, provides virtualization, and creates enterprise networks in small, midsize and large businesses
The company established a competitive advantage in the early 90s, shortly after it was founded due to the rapid rise in Internet technologies and demand for
Cisco Systems, Inc.: Implementing ERP
Management Information Systems
2014 SU – 18531 - MGMT 6352
Christine Nada
July 30, 2014
Table of Contents
Executive Summary………………………………………………………………….. 3
Case Synopsis………………………………………………………………………... 4
Strategy Analysis…………………………………………………………………….. 5
Problems in Business Processes and Operations…………………………………….. 6
Firm Based Value Chain Model……………………………………………………... 7
Model Application…………………………………………………………………… 7
Implementation Opportunity Analysis………………………………………………. 9
Implementation Effectiveness……………………………………………………….. 11
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………….... 11
References…………………………………………………………………………… 13
Appendix…………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Executive Summary In 1994, Cisco Systems, Inc. was on the verge of an internal breakdown. The company experienced exponential growth in response to businesses’ demand for Internet technologies and data systems. Unfortunately, the UNIX-based software package the company used at the time couldn’t keep up with its sudden growth. After a system failure that caused Cisco to shut down for two days, the management team decided to proceed with plans to implement a new ERP system. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the process used to implement the new system, and an assessment of its overall effectiveness.
Case Synopsis
Cisco Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and IT industry and provides services associated with these products and their use. (Datamonitor) It offers technical solutions that encourage collaboration, provides virtualization, and creates enterprise networks in small, midsize and large businesses
The company established a competitive advantage in the early 90s, shortly after it was founded due to the rapid rise in Internet technologies and demand for
References: Chen, I. J. (2001). Planning for ERP systems: analysis and future trend. Business process management journal, 7(5), 374-386. Nolan, R. L., Porter, K., & Akers, C. (2001). Cisco Systems architecture: erp and web-enabled it. European Case Clearing House.