After finishing your Bachelor of Accounting, you joined a multinational enterprise in 2007. During the last thirteen years in a multinational enterprise, you have performed various roles, including:

Evaluating the systems development methodologies and the role of accountants in system development projects, and

Appraising the risks inherent in the Enterprise Resource Planning and analysing the role of ethics and the various internal control processes that need to be in place.

Recently, you joined a mid-size company for a senior role as a chief information officer. You are excited to perform this senior role. Mark (the head of your organisation) has decided to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Recently, Mark has met with a consulting ERP firm based on a friend's recommendation at his club. During a recent meeting, Mark introduced the chief consultant, charming, personable, and seemed very knowledgeable. The CEO's first instinct was to sign a contract with the consultant, but he decided to hold off until he had received your input.

Required:Mark wants your opinion on this issue. In particular, he asked you to write memo presenting the issues and the risks associated with consultants. Your discussion should be based on the relevant, interactive tutorial. Further, outline a set of procedures that could be used as a guide in selecting a consultant. [7 Marks.]