Page 12 -

x Preface

RUNNING CASE STUDY
Many key examples, demonstrations, and assignments incorporated through-
out the book are based on a fi ctional company, Global Bike, Incorporated
(GBI). GBI exists virtually in the GBI ERP system, which is used to provide
students with hands-on experience with executing the various processes in
SAP ERP. Students will become intimately familiar with GBI’s operations and
will develop a deep appreciation for the real-world importance of the process
concepts in the course.

REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES
In addition to the integrated approach and the GBI case study, Integrated
Business Processes with ERP Systems includes multiple scenarios from compa-
nies in diverse industries that demonstrate how businesses actually utilize ERP
capabilities. Real-world experiences associated with enterprise systems—both
positive and negative—are integrated throughout the chapters to illustrate the
key concepts.

GLOBAL APPROACH
The textbook content, GBI running case study, and real-world examples have
all been designed from a global perspective. Differences between U.S. and
European business practices are highlighted within the context of process
execution to illustrate the global capabilities of ERP systems. In addition, the
real-world stories are based on familiar global companies.

®
SAP ERP SOFTWARE
This textbook and its associated demos and exercises were prepared using the
most current version of the software, at the time of printing: SAP ERP 6.0,
Enhancement Pack 4. The key concepts contained in this textbook are unlikely
to change in any signifi cant way. Nevertheless, as SAP continues to innovate
and update the core SAP ERP solution, it may become necessary to adjust
classroom content in minor ways to better refl ect the capabilities of the lat-
est version of the software. Please speak with your SAP University Alliances
contact to obtain additional information on utilizing SAP ERP software in
your classroom.

PEDAGOGICAL STRUCTURE

Consistent with this textbook’s focus on the integration of business processes
with ERP systems, we have divided the book into two key areas. The fi rst area,
which consists of Chapters 1–3, focuses on the integrated nature of business
processes and the enterprise systems that businesses use to manage them.
Chapters 1–2 introduce the foundational concepts, which are subsequently
developed in the process chapters in the remainder of the book. Chapter 3
examines the basic concepts in fi nancial and management accounting, which
are integrated into the subsequent chapters.
The second part of the book contains the process chapters, which are
structured based on a standard template that is comprised of two main parts.

01/02/11 9:00 PM
FPREF.indd x
FPREF.indd x 01/02/11 9:00 PM