Majed Al-Mashari

Enterprise resource planning: A taxonomy of critical factors.

Abstract This paper presents a novel taxonomy of the critical success factors in enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation process. ERP benefits cannot be fully realised unless a strong alignment and reconciliation mechanism is established between technical and organisational imperatives based on the principles of process orientation. It is suggested in the taxonomy that measurement takes place in a balanced perspective, and for the purpose of providing useful information that can enable the decision making process and, which can help deliver the corporate objectives and therefore lead the business competitively forward. Upon this premise, the taxonomy is based on a comprehensive analysis of ERP literature combining research studies and organisational experiences. The taxonomy reflects the essential features of ERP systems, as being built based on the principles of business process management. Furthermore, it illustrates that ERP benefits are realised when a tight link is established between implementation approach and business process performance measures.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems: a research agenda

The continuing development of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems has been considered by many researchers and practitioners as one of the major IT innovations in this decade. ERP solutions seek to integrate and streamline business processes and their associated information and work flows. What makes this technology more appealing to organizations is increasing capability to integrate with the most advanced electronic and mobile commerce technologies. However, as is the case with any new IT field, research in the ERP area is still lacking and the gap in the ERP literature is huge. Attempts to fill this gap by proposing a novel taxonomy for ERP research. Also presents the current status with some major themes of ERP research relating to ERP adoption, technical aspects of ERP and ERP in IS curricula. The discussion presented on these issues should be of value to researchers and practitioners. Future research work will continue to survey other major areas presented in the taxonomy framework.

ERP software implementation: an integrative framework

ERP implementation is a socio-technical challenge that requires a fundamentally different outlook from technologically-driven innovation, and will depend on a balanced perspective where the organisation as a total system is considered. ERP implementation is considered to rely on behavioural processes and actions. It is a process that involves macro-implementation at the strategic level, and micro-implementation at the operational level. This therefore means that implementation in the context of ERP systems is not possible through an ON/OFF approach whereby deployment of the new systems will necessarily yield the desired and expected results. Understanding the implementation process through a balanced perspective will therefore prevent any unpleasant surprises, and will ensure and guide the change process to be embedded in a painless fashion. The balanced perspective means that socio-technical considerations must be borne in mind; the strategic, tactical and operational steps clearly defined; and the expected benefits evaluated and tracked through creating seamless and solid integration. This paper proposes an integrative framework for ERP implementation based on an extensive review of the factors and the essential elements that contribute to success in the context of ERP implementation.

ERP implementation: lessons from a case study

Many organizations have moved from stand‐alone business information systems applications to integrated enterprise‐wide systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP). The implementation of ERP packages has created an opportunity to re‐engineer business processes within and beyond the organizational scope. Most notably, SAP R/3 has been widely implemented to create value‐oriented business processes that enable a high level of integration, improve communication within internal and external business networks, and enhance the decision‐making process. Though many organizations have reported dramatic improvements from SAP R/3 implementation, others have experienced difficulties in getting the R/3 modules aligned with other business components and systems. This paper describes a case study of a failed implementation of SAP R/3 to re‐engineer the business processes of a major manufacturer. Lessons in terms of factors that led to failure and their future implications are discussed in the light of the contrasting experiences of several best practice companies.

Business process reengineering: a survey of international experience

Despite the widespread adoption of business process re‐engineering (BPR), it has in many cases repeatedly failed to deliver its promised results. The lack of integrated implementation approach to exploiting BPR is seen as one of the important reasons amongst others, behind BPR failures. Yet, a relative void in the literature remains the scarcity of suitable models and frameworks that address the implementation issues surrounding BPR. This motivates the presented study to attempt to provide a “frame of reference” with which current practices can be re‐positioned. A survey was therefore designed to collect data from a sample of organizations in the USA and Europe. The survey assesses the level of importance placed on the essential elements of integrated BPR implementation. In doing so, the study was also able to identify the level of maturity of BPR concepts within organisations. Empirical findings are then discussed in the context of other studies.

A study of the Critical Success Factors of ERP implementation in developing countries

This paper presents two cases of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation in two middle-eastern companies. The objective of this case-based research is to investigate qualitatively the ERP implementation process, with a focus on the critical factors that contribute to its success. The ERP Critical Success Factor (CSF) model for medium-sized organisations in developing countries is explained and assessed. The discovery from the field study of the companies is analysed in the context of the literature and sample secondary cases. This analysis is expected to provide valuable guidelines and directions for organisations undertaking or planning similar initiatives.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation: a useful road map

Many enterprises have improved their productivity, cost structure, and organisational culture by implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). However, there are also many enterprises under estimating or misunderstanding the risks in ERP project. This study surveys the essential issues that maximise ERP benefits and minimise its risks. The paper covers various aspects of the literature related to ERP implementation, and proposes a road map for successful implementation.

Key enablers for the effective implementation of QFD: a critical analysis

Purpose – This paper presents the concepts and principles of quality function deployment (QFD) as they have been implemented by Ford company. The paper illustrates the essential linkages between external and internal customers to suppliers (i.e. “Voice‐Quality‐Satisfaction” Chains).Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers some of the details of changes that are occurring to support the “Breakthrough in Quality”. One of the key elements of the Ford Motor Company engineering quality improvements program (EQIP) within Europe has been the linking of some seven‐quality tool techniques including QFD as the core link. For the purpose of improving QFD, it is both useful and rational to look at ways in which it can be linked to, or integrated with other quality tools. The Ford EQIP training process argues that QFD, within a customer focused engineering (CFE) process is a key tool in linking all other tools, through the QFD process itself.Findings – The paper also looks at discussions on QFD linkages with ...

A benchmarking study of experiences with electronic government

Purpose – This paper aims to analyse several reported case studies of electronic government (EG) application to uncover the driving forces behind EG application, the approaches and methods adopted and the levels of success of their associated initiatives.Design/methodology/approach – Six countries were chosen as potential cases for this study. The selection was made so that the cases can be comparable to each other, whilst in the same time provide richness to the study in terms of their coverage of the different EG dimensions.Findings – This study shows comparison of various EG methodologies employed by a selected group of six countries and concludes with criteria for improvement in EG services implementation based on a thorough study of EG strategies and past major project implementations.Practical implications – The level of success posted by selected cases is different amongst implementers, which leads to the need for benchmarking a variety of EG experiences in different contexts and cultures.Originali...

Electronic commerce: A comparative study of organizational experiences

The significant growth of electronic commerce (EC) application is notable. More and more organizations are switching to online business to achieve better positions in the digital‐based competitive market. The process of EC is complex in nature and involves changes to business models and procedures. It is therefore worthy to study this new business phenomenon based on the experience of the organizations that have embarked on EC‐induced business change initiatives. This paper analyses several reported case studies of successful EC application to uncover the driving forces behind EC application, the approaches and methods adopted and the key critical factors that contribute to the success of the initiatives.