Brandon University’s Failed ERP Project Sparks Call for Oversight

Brandon University’s recent failure of its $5 million Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project has prompted calls for enhanced oversight in future post-secondary initiatives. Manitoba’s Advanced Education Minister René Cable emphasized the need for improvements following a consultant’s report that identified key factors contributing to the project’s collapse.

The ERP project, which aimed to modernize the university’s outdated administrative and academic record systems, was initiated in 2020 under the “Renew BU” initiative. After spending four years and considerable funds, the project was officially halted in early 2024, leaving the university without a functional system.

According to the report from BDO Canada, the primary reasons for the failure included flawed software selection, inadequate vendor assessment, and weak governance. Despite the challenges, Cable noted that the provincial government would not interfere directly with the operations of Brandon University. Instead, it is focused on reinforcing the oversight responsibilities of university boards.

“From day one, we’ve respected the autonomy of our institutions. They have a board of governors for oversight, and engaging a third-party review was necessary,” Cable stated. She added that the insights gained from the project would not only guide Brandon University but also inform practices across the post-secondary sector.

Cable stressed the importance of effectively managing public resources. “Every Manitoban has the right to expect that with public institutions and public dollars, projects move forward in the best way possible and that they’re managed properly,” she said. The ERP initiative had been initiated under the previous Progressive Conservative government, which Cable criticized for not adequately preparing the project for success.

In addition to addressing the ERP project, Cable highlighted ongoing investments in the region, including renovations at Brandon University’s Brodie Science Centre and expansions at Assiniboine College. These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure.

Despite the halt of the ERP project, students at Brandon University continue to pay a “Renew BU fee” of $35.70 for the 2024-25 academic year, which was intended to partially fund the now-defunct initiative. University spokesperson Grant Hamilton clarified that the fee has always been public since its introduction in January 2020 and is aimed at covering ongoing operational costs related to the ERP project.

“There are a couple of misconceptions,” Hamilton mentioned. “Firstly, students do not pay secret fees. The ‘Renew BU’ fee has always been public since its inception in January 2020, and all students pay the fee.” He added that despite the overall project’s failure, some technology upgrades had been implemented thanks to the efforts of the Information Technology Services staff at BU.

Brandon University Students’ Union president Charles Adamu did not respond to requests for comment regarding the ongoing fees. Meanwhile, Cable expressed optimism about the university’s future as it welcomes incoming president Christine Cnossen, who is set to begin her tenure this month. “It’s an exciting time for Brandon University and for students in Westman,” she remarked.

As the review of the ERP project unfolds, the lessons learned may pave the way for more effective governance and management of future educational projects in Manitoba. The university’s leadership, alongside provincial support, will be crucial in ensuring that similar issues do not arise again.