Evaluating Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) financial management practices in preparation for implementing ERP

Abstract

This thesis examines the current financial management processes in place at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and the impact an implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system would have on these processes. The Department of the Navy is committed to bringing current best business practices within its organizational structure in order to meet reduced budget guidelines. NAWCAD has embraced the best practices principle by changing their structure to a Competency Aligned Organization (CAO). Currently, an ERP implementation is under consideration as another means to applying a current business practice that will make NAWCAD a more efficient and effective organization. The objective of this thesis was to evaluate the financial management processes and how ERP would affect them. Research on ERP definition and implementation in the private and public sector was conducted. Interviews with NAWCAD financial management managers and analysts were used to compare and contrast the current processes in place with those processes that would be developed as the result of implementing ERP. This thesis is part one of a two- part study. Part one provides the necessary background for a follow-up study that will examine the financial management system used by NAWCAD after ERP is implemented