Mohamed Zairi

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.

Business process management: a boundaryless approach to modern competitiveness

Discusses the concept of business process management as an approach which relies on cross‐functional contributions to organizational performance. Presents arguments on the importance of “hard” and “soft” elements which are all required for determining effective competitiveness. A review of the literature suggests that although the term “process management” is increasingly being used in everyday business language, the practical experience so far is very limited. Presents the concept of business process management through its various key elements, supported by practical examples. Discusses the methodological approaches used in various contexts for creating a culture based on process management. Concludes with some useful guidelines to support efforts in establishing a business process management culture.

BPR implementation process: an analysis of key success and failure factors

This paper provides a holistic view of the Business Process Re‐engineering (BPR) implementation process. It reviews the literature relating to the hard and soft factors that cause success and failure for BPR implementation, classifies these factors into subgroups, and identifies key factors of success and failure. Finally, it explains how these factors influence the process of BPR implementation.

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.

Business process re‐engineering and process management

Business process re‐engineering (BPR) is the latest addition to the armoury of management techniques available. BPR purports to produce quantum improvements in performance by radically redesigning organizational processes. There is, however, some confusion as to what exactly constitutes BPR and how, if at all, BPR should be integrated with other approaches such as total quality management (TQM) and benchmarking. Uses a survey of 65 organizations from different industrial sectors to examine the industry understanding and use of BPR, and its integration with other management techniques.

Measuring Performance for Business Results

Part 1: the meaning of performance measurement systems in a quality context measuring total quality performance in all functions the strategic management of quality: negative vs positive quality measurement for total customer satisfaction: the role of quality function deployment (QFD) measuring for competitiveness - the role of benchmarking measurement for quality culture - the role of self-assessment tools performance improvement through performance appraisal quality policy deployment - the key driver for performance measurement implementing effective performance measurement systems linking performance measurement to bottom line results - where is the evidence? Part 2 Case studies in performance measurement: Florida Power and Light Philips Taiwan Motorola IBM Rochester Rank Xerox Corporation Federal Express Cadillac Motor Company Milliken & Co Wallace Co Global Metallurgical Inc Marlow Industries Inc Solectron Zytech Co Granite Rock Co Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co Texas Instruments - Rank Xerox Ltd.

Revisiting BPR: a holistic review of practice and development

This paper presents a holistic review of the literature related to business process re‐engineering (BPR). It reviews some definitions of BPR and clarifies confusion around its concepts, traces the evolution of BPR and identifies its main drivers, and discusses issues of integrating BPR with TQM, benchmarking and change management. It then provides a strategic view of BPR implementation, conceptualises the major role of IT in BPR, reviews BPR approaches, methodologies, techniques and software tools, and discusses the scope of BPR and level of radicalness as indicators of degree of change. Aspects of improving business through BPR and the impacts of IT‐enabled change on organisations are identified and, finally, current and future development of BPR concepts and practice are also reviewed.

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.

Knowledge management critical success factors

Knowledge management (KM) is one of the growing interests in todays business, and the number of enterprises turning to knowledge management is increasing quickly, as they have found there are definite benefits. Therefore, with the importance of KM being realized, businesses are viewing KM as a critical success factor in todays dynamic borderless society. In the light of this, it is easy to understand why a multitude of factors become considerations in implementing a knowledge management function.

Measurement practice for knowledge management

Knowledge management (KM) has become part of common vocabulary in academic circles as well as in the business world. Whilst an increasing number of companies have embarked upon knowledge management initiatives, a large proportion of these initiatives remain technically focussed. The problem with this type of focus is that it excludes and neglects the true potential benefits that can be derived from knowledge management. In this paper we present a holistic model of KM which dynamically incorporates both tactical as well as strategic elements. Secondly in this paper we address a very important gap in the field of KM, namely how to measure KM by developing a framework which systematically allows for screening and evaluation. The measurement framework proposed enables leveraging knowledge assets effectively and efficiently. Without a holistic perspective which captures all the key elements and dimensions, KM initiatives will create marginal gains at best and failure at worst.