Maria Argyropoulou

Enterprise Resource Planning implementation at Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: an initial study of the Greek market

The research reported in this article is part of a larger project involving Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) adoption in Greece aiming at the investigation of the criteria that affect actual implementation. A structured questionnaire has been developed based on a combination of two frameworks: the first one is an extension proposed to the Markus and Tanis model, and the second one is based on a previously developed methodology (the six imperatives) for ERP evaluation, selection, and implementation. The paper discusses the frameworks, methodology, and preliminary findings from 40 companies of various industries. The results indicate a number of factors affecting ERP implementation and some differences in choices and activities between Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and larger companies concerning ERP adoption. One important finding is that many SMEs do not follow a structured methodology for ERP system implementation and they are not familiar with techniques such as business process reengineering and change management.

Managing ERP system evaluation and selection in SMEs using the six-imperatives methodology

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) adoption involves initiating the appropriate business process changes and information technology upgrades to enhance enterprise performance, quality, costs, flexibility and responsiveness. While the number of articles in ERP implementation is substantial, limited attention has been given to the ERP adoption by Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Motivated by the organisation fit of the ERP concept, we propose a structured methodology for ERP system evaluation and selection which can be easily used by SMEs, as it provides the necessary information for their decision-making process. This article describes the ERP evaluation and selection methodology followed by an industrial Greek company. The proposed methodology consists of a framework built upon six imperatives, which generate a number of ERP objectives materialised through a set of levers. The analysis results in the identification of tailor-made ERP objectives, which, in turn, are used in a multiple criteria model as part of the decision-making process to select, from a list of alternatives, a suitable ERP vendor.

Corporate Governance and the Information Systems Excellence Factor

Corporate Governance (CG) and Enterprise Systems (ESs) have attracted a great deal of attention from academics and practitioners. Financial scandals (Enron, WorldCom, etc.) and information system breakdowns are common nowadays. This paper argues that these failures are closely correlated. It shows the correlation and makes some suggestions about how the information systems should be designed and implemented and how corporate governance can benefit from the new design approach. Regulation, voluntary codes and good practices as a motive for adopting new systems (organisational and informational) play a crucial role in selecting the course of action and strategy. The synergies between CG and ESs can lead to a more stable corporate environment and improved organisational performance.

ERP implementation by US, Indian and Greek companies: a comparative analysis

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in ERP adoption and diffusion in countries all over the world. However, not all firms have been successful in their ERP implementations. Using a case study methodology grounded in business process change theory, we examine the generic and unique factors (both cultural and non-cultural) that affect ERP implementation success in United States, India and Greece. Understanding such effects will enable managers to be more proactive and better prepared for ERP implementation. Managerial implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.

A Cross-cultural Analysis of ERP Implementation by US and Greek Companies

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems play an important role in integrating information and processes across departmental boundaries (Reimers, 2003; Klaus et al., 2000; Sankar et al., 2005). Organisations, especially in developing countries, have adopted these information systems extensively to overcome the limitations of fragmented and incompatible stand-alone and legacy systems (Huang and Palvia, 2001; Sharma et al., 2002; Robey et al., 2002). Even though the inherent appeal of ERP systems has not gone unnoticed in developing countries (Xue et al., 2005), ERP is still in its early stages in countries in Asia/Pacific, Latin America and Eastern Europe (Huang and Palvia, 2001; Rajapakse and Seddon, 2005).

Professional accreditation: an investigation into the case of online

The purpose of this article is to examine the application of professional accredited postgraduate programmes in the fields of business, management, operations and supply chain management. The approach adopted here is a reflective one, looking at the recent trends in postgraduate education and focusing in particular on the professional accreditation process, such as programme design, learning goals, mode of delivery of e-learning model and the criteria of assessment. The aim of the research is to discover the real-time dynamic of professional accreditation, from both objective and subjective perspectives with a particular focus on two major accreditation bodies: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). The article also highlights the dynamic character of professional bodies and on whether an e-learning format is being considered as an obstacle by institutions with their accreditation agenda. The paper also presents a second case study on the uptake and delivery of specialised degree programmes offered across a selection of UK universities accredited by CIPS.

Exploring the Factors Affecting Student Academic Performance in Online Programs: A Literature Review

Online education has been receiving an increasing interest, and there are several studies focusing on student satisfaction with fully online or blended learning models. This paper has been written with a view to explore the recent developments and literature in the field of online courses and e-learning education, in general, focusing on pertinent published research. Aiming at an understanding of the factors that have an impact on student performance in the online education, a literature review of the pertinent publications has been conducted. Sixty papers have been carefully reviewed to provide a synthesis of previous and recent findings. To our understanding, this is the first systematic review focusing on student performance in the online setting, and this work will help teachers and institutions develop an understanding of what drives academic performance of online students so that they can create the appropriate e-environment for e-teaching and e-learning.

Supply Chain Management Information Systems and Organisational Performance in economic turbulent environments

Supply Chain Information Systems (SCIS) and their impact on organisational performance has been studied by a number of studies. This research seeks to extend this body of knowledge by adopting a fresh lens to explore empirically the relationship between organisational performance and SCIS in circumstances of economic downturn and financial turbulence. The statistical relationship between Supply Chain Information Systems (SCIS) “Effectiveness” and “Organisational Performance” is tested and measured by financial and non-financial variables. So, even though complexities associated with measuring SCIS efficiency and Organisational Performance continue to dominate research discussions, these are somewhat limited to just explaining the phenomenon without addressing the misalignment of the information provided by SCIS, business expectations and Organisational Performance. In consequence, this paper reports findings from a large survey of 168 SCIS managers in Greek SMEs where, even during economic downturn, a strong correlation between SCIS and non-financial Organisational Performance is evidenced. In considering the findings, this study proposes guidance to enhance SCIS Effectiveness and Organisational Performance.

Strategic Planning Approaches in Greek SME’s

Numerous articles in academic publications as well as practitioner-oriented journals have emphasized the importance of strategic planning, not only for large firms but for small businesses as well. However, research findings regarding planning come principally from industrialized countries characterized by big conglomerates, creating models and frameworks, which are not necessarily appropriate for specific cultural and national environments. Given that small firms are considered to be one of the principal driving forces of the Greek economy, a growing amount of research attention devoted to indigenous SMEs would have been expected. Nevertheless, there is little or no empirical data concerning the diffusion and practice of strategic planning within Greece. This study, through a research based on a random sample of 30 Greek small-medium companies, investigates the use and nature of strategic planning adopted by the Greek SMEs and aims to develop a more complete picture of their planning practices. The main findings of the study derive from a model that incorporates a number of dimensions like the organizational characteristics of the firm-age, size (i.e. Ibrahim, Angelidis & Parsa, 2004), its strategic posture (i.e. Covin & Slevin, 1989), the type of ownership (i.e. Upton, Teal & Felan, 2001), and individual characteristics such as owner’s age, gender, and education. These are associated with the level of planning sophistication (i.e. Bracker & Pearson, 1986), business objectives (i.e. Rue & Ibrahim, 1996) and performance (i.e. Venkatraman & Ramanujam, 1986). Furthermore, the paper reports the results of the study, highlighting the extent to which Greek family or non-family owned small firms engage in entrepreneurial activity via strategic planning. It has been suggested that family owned small firms - the vast majority of Greek SMEs - do not adopt strategic plans, despite their entrepreneurial orientation. Finally, the paper contributes to the existing literature on planning diffusion by discussing sophistication, formulation and effectiveness of strategic planning in Greek SMEs.

Enterprise Systems and Corporate Governance: Parallel and Interconnected Evolution

We review the basic information requirements for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and the OECD’s Principles of Corporate Governance (CG). The fundamental proposition of the paper is that information flow is a critical factor for the CG success or failure and information flow is dependent on the information system that the firm is using. The flaw is not the technology itself but in Enterprise Systems’ design. This analysis reveals that corporate governance principles cannot be implemented without the implementation of modern enterprise systems that can secure disclosure and transparency. Information dissemination and information control are essential to comply with SOX and OECD principles.