BU selects third-party auditor for ERP review
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/04/2025 (205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Brandon University has selected BDO Canada LLP to carry out an external review of its incomplete Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project.
The project, launched in 2020 under the “Renew BU” initiative, was intended to modernize the university’s academic and administrative systems by replacing its outdated 1978 homegrown software. After four years of development and more than $6 million in spending, the project was officially halted in early 2024, leaving BU without a functional system.
The project faced significant hurdles, including its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic, which added logistical difficulties and contributed to delays.
The audit will focus on the decision-making processes, project management and vendor performance leading up to the collapse.
The university’s board of governors, in an email shared with staff, announced the selection of the external review firm after a prior attempt was halted due to a conflict of interest.
“BDO Canada was chosen through a public bidding process on MERX, ensuring transparency and fairness,” the email said. “A kickoff meeting between BDO Canada and Brandon University’s implementation steering committee is scheduled for later this week.”
The review process will be conducted over about 18 weeks and will follow three key phases.
The scoping and planning phase will involve gathering input from key stakeholders, including faculty, staff and students, through a short survey.
According to the board, the goal is to refine the scope of the review and identify critical areas of focus.
The conduct phase will serve as the main investigative stage. BDO Canada will assess the project’s implementation strategy, challenges and overall execution.
In the reporting phase, findings and recommendations will be compiled into a report for the board of governors and the implementation team, followed by a presentation to the wider university community.
When contacted Tuesday for details, BU spokesperson Grant Hamilton provided a statement.
“The independent review will employ BDO Canada’s proprietary ‘Seven Sources of Success’ methodology, focusing on key project management areas such as scope management, schedule management, stakeholder management, resource management, risk management, finance management and benefits management,” it read.
In addition to reviewing the project’s timeline, decision-making processes and financial allocations, BDO Canada is expected to evaluate the role and contributions of the external consultant who guided BU’s ERP software selection and implementation.
“A final report detailing key findings, gaps and expert recommendations will be submitted to the Board of Governors before being shared with the broader campus community,” the statement said.
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