Effectiveness of the integrated system

The Institute of Accounting Technicians (IAT) was established in December 1987 on the model of IAT(UK). Since inception,IAT has registered40 000 students and 4000 members. The Institute conducts examinations at three levels, namely foundation, intermediate and final, biannually. The opportunity to sit for these examination in any of the three national languages of Sri Lanka (Sinhala, Tamiland English) is a vital factor which has influenced the large registration numbers for the same with IAT over the years. Many students register after their General Certificate of Examination - Ordinary Level(GCE-O/L), as the entry qualification is six passes in GCE-O/L), which on the other hand also influences studentsto score good marks at theGeneral Certificate of Examination - Advanced Level.

At the age of 18 students could complete the IAT as a professional qualification alongside their secondary education at school. (IAT, 2014)

At present,IAT has registration, examination, finance, membership and inventory systems as an integrated system. When a new student registers at IAT the registration system updates the record, and an exam application form will be sent to him at the time of calling for examinations.

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Around 10 000 students sit fortheIAT examination biannually. All the payments related to registrations and examinations will be entered in the finance module. Once a student completes all three stages of IAT he/she is entitled to apply for membership with two years of practical training. Inventory system will have the information of sales items such as student guides, past papers and other relevant study packs. In order to manage high volume of data and to cater tothe increasing customer demand all these modules have been integrated.

(IAT,2014)

The branches located in Kandy, Galle, Jaffna and Kurunegalla are functioning as information centres where students could register and obtain information regarding IAT examinations. But these centres do not process data where the activities are de-centralized.(IAT,2014)

Project research problem

Operations strategy is the pattern of decisions and actions that shape the long-term vision, objectives and capabilities of the operation and its contribution tooverall strategy (Slack et al, 2012, p. 34).Perry (2008) states that organisations face operations issues due to their processes, which are not managed to fulfil demand conditions in the market. Quality, speed, dependability, flexibility and cost are the five aspects of operation performance which need to be considered in an integrated system.

IAT strategically aligns its operational activities toERP to perform better. In order to provide expeditious, accurate and quality services,IAThas introduced an ERP system. But now the organization faces some issues in terms of speed, quality and dependability. Customers complain that waiting time has gone up and sometimes it takes quite a lot of time to get information from the system. In addition due to negligence, wrong information is beingentered and dependability of the system is not up to the satisfactory level. Source :IAT management and staff meeting minutes. During my initial inquiry it was noted that IATremained unaware of the effectiveness of ERP, and reasons for the drop in quality and service.

Focus of the study

Purpose of research project

The purpose of the research project is to investigate the effectiveness of the integrated system and how it would impact on strategic operations of the IAT.

Key areas of investigation will be:

• an in-depth evaluation of the present integrated system pursued by IAT;
• an evaluation of the reasons for the staff and customer complaints and
• ananalysis of the employee dissatisfaction towards the ERP solution.