Comparison of SAP ERP and Microsoft Dynamics (AX) in Teaching Workflow and Process Management Systems

Abstract

Teaching undergraduate students to use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is important as over 60% of multinational corporations had implemented ERP systems by 1998 (O'Leary, 2004). By 2010 that number reached 84% among manufacturing corporations (Prouty & Castellina, 2011). Thus, universities must educate students to use, configure, and develop ERP system applications. This study proposes that learning outcomes are similar regardless of the ERP system used to teach enterprise processes. In this study, Microsoft Dynamics (AX) and SAP were compared to determine whether learning outcomes differed when different ERP systems were used to teach a specific skill (financial accounting). Students in a Management Information Systems class completed similar hands-on labs using Microsoft Dynamics (AX) and SAP. These students were then asked questions regarding their perceptions of the two ERP systems along with questions to assess learning outcomes. These questions were derived using the concepts of the generally accepted Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Responses were then analyzed to provide an analysis of both ERP systems used. Results were fairly similar for both systems tested; thus leading to the conclusion that either ERP system could be used in the classroom.