bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Different Strategies to Enterprise System Adoption
Authors: Newell Sue , Cooprider Jay G. , David Gary , Edelman Linda F. , Logan Traci A.
Published: February 2011

The literature on enterprise system (ES) adoption suggests that companies use different strategies for implementation — some opting to radically reengineer business processes up-front, while others employ a quick-deployment strategy on the assumption that organizational change will follow. In this article we explore how these two different strategies play out in practice and also consider the factors that influence which approach is taken. We use exploratory data from interviews with consultants who have been involved in multiple ES implementations in external companies, as well as interviews with project members involved in an internal ES implementation. Analysis of the data suggests that some level of reengineering is an inevitable outcome of ES implementation. However, attempts to reengineer up-front is difficult and can be problematic. Much of this stems from how the ES is actually used versus its envisioned (or planned) use. The implications for post-implementation exploitation opportunities are explored.
Applying the FAP Model to the Evaluation of Strategic Information Technology Projects
Authors: Lefley Frank , Sarkis Joseph
Published: February 2011

Over the past two decades, we have seen a growth in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems adoption by organisations. Even with the many benefits offered by such systems, there have also been many failures. One of the important reasons for these failures is inappropriate project evaluation and selection. In order to reduce the level of project failures, we introduce an innovative methodology, the Financial Appraisal Profile (FAP) model, which seeks to address some of the issues and limitations posed by standard appraisal and evaluation approaches for strategic technologies and programs. By making the right decision in the first place and involving senior managers in the appraisal process, the organisation will be better placed to achieve project success. The adoption of a management team approach to investment appraisals will not only enhance the information base, but will also result in greater managerial commitment to a project. We believe by adopting the FAP model, greater awareness to strategic issues and goals will also be achieved, which should lead to a more focused top management team — with all members pulling in the same direction.
A Three-Dimensional Approach in Evaluating ERP Software Within the Acquisition Process
Authors: Verville Jacques , Bernadas Christine , Halingten Alannah
Published: February 2011

This paper is based on an extensive study of the evaluation process of the acquisition of an ERP software of four organizations. Three distinct process types and activities were found: vendor’s evaluation, functional evaluation, and technical evaluation. This paper provides another perspective on evaluation and sets it apart as modality for action, whose intent is to investigate and uncover by means of specific defined evaluative activities all issues pertinent to ERP software that an organization can use in its decision to acquire a solution that will meet its needs (i.e., the assessment of the vendor, technology, and fit of a specific ERP software to a given organization).
Capability Maturity Model and SAP
Authors: Lui Kim Man , Chan Keith C.C.
Published: February 2011

AcceleratedSAP is a methodology developed for cost-effective SAP R/3 installation. Numerous project managers have adopted AcceleratedSAP for SAP implementation in a range of industries around the world. The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is, similarly, a software model that improves software processes in software organizations so that software projects run successfully and deliver quality products. AcceleratedSAP and CMM were developed independently with completely different objectives but share two important characteristics: good engineering and good management practices. Given the high failure rates in software projects, organizations have adopted well-established software models, such as AcceleratedSAP and CMM. This paper describes how AcceleratedSAP and CMM can be aligned in terms of software project management practices. By combining their unique features, ERP managers can easily adopt CMM for ERP installations so that the advantages that can be realized through CMM KPAs (Key Process Areas), and can be exploited for business process re-engineering.
IT Adoption and Industry Type
Authors: Khalil Omar E.M. , Mady Tawfik
Published: February 2011

This paper reports on the influence of industry type on information technology (IT) adoption and its barriers in the Kuwaiti manufacturing companies operating in two different industries: food and refractors. With the exception of database, e-mail, finance and accounting, and inventory control, the findings suggest a low level of IT adoption in support of internal and external information sharing and in support of the operations function in the investigated companies. Surprisingly though, most of the proposed barriers to IT adoption were not perceived as “real” barriers. In addition, few significant differences between the two industries as to IT adoption and its barriers were found. The findings and their implications are further discussed in the paper.
Tool Support for Performance Modeling and Optimization
Authors: Syrjakow Michael , Syrjakow Elisabeth , Szczerbicki Helena
Published: February 2011

Most of the available modeling and simulation tools for performance analysis do not support model optimization sufficiently. One reason for this unsatisfactory situation is the lack of universally applicable and adaptive optimization strategies. Another reason is that modeling and simulation tools usually have a monolithic software design, which is difficult to extend with experimentation functionality. Such functionality has gained on importance in recent years due to the capability of an automatic extraction of valuable information and knowledge out of complex models. One of the most important experimentation goals is to find model parameter settings, which produce optimal model behavior. In this paper, we elaborate on the design of a powerful optimization component and its integration into existing modeling and simulation tools. For that purpose, we propose a hybrid integration approach being a combination of loose document-based and tight invocation-based integration concepts. Beside the integration concept for the optimization component, we also give a detailed insight into the applied optimization strategies.
Testing, Measuring, and Diagnosing Web Sites from the Users' Perspective
Authors: Borzemski Leszek
Published: February 2011

Users perceive good Internet performance as characterized by low latency, high throughput and high availability. When browsing the Web, users are concerned with the performance of entire pages. Understanding and identifying the sources of the performance problems are very important issues, especially for e-business. Therefore, there is the need to have a service for testing and measuring e-business Web site performance from the perspective of the end-users. We present our contribution in this area, that is, the Wing free service that has been developed for the purpose of Web transaction visualization. Our Web client that probes a target Web site is a real Web browser (MS IE), so the user can observe how a particular browser uses the network. Such known tools use their own Web browsing methods. Therefore, the solutions can be different from that used by real browsers, and the results can be inadequate. Wing helps identify inefficient network usage by the browser and helps to tune Web pages to use the network efficiently. Therefore, Wing can be a good analysis tool for Web page and network application developers.
Project Management in Enterprise
Authors: Orlowski Cezary , Kowalczuk Zdzislaw
Published: February 2011

The article discusses how the knowledge of management and artificial intelligence can be used for controlling the budgets and schedules of software projects. The first part of this paper gives an outline of the problems involved in software project management regarding the planning and control of processes and project teams. Next, an overview of changes in management is presented, followed by a description of a method for how these ideas can be used to solve software engineering problems. Consequently, an example is presented of a decision-support system, designed to aid project-team managers in planning and controlling budgets and schedules and helping the team members to adjust.
Granular Analysis of Traffic Data for Turning Movements Estimation
Authors: Bargiela Andrzej , Kosonen Iisakki , Pursula Matti , Peytchev Evtim
Published: February 2011

The paper discusses the principles and the algorithm of granular analysis of data in a specific context of urban traffic monitoring and control (EIS). The proposed granular information processing enables extraction of information on the pattern of journeys from the detailed traffic counts. This facilitates progression from the local optimisation of traffic on individual crossroads to the more holistic optimisation of traffic in a road network. The proposed EIS makes use of readily available stop-line queue data, which is used for adaptive tuning of traffic signals, and adds a data processing layer referred to as granular analysis. It is argued that granular analysis is preferred to statistical data processing since it does not require any assumptions about statistical characterisation of traffic. The granulation algorithm has two distinctive features: (1) the information granules are formed by means of hierarchical optimisation of information density, and (2) the granules are created as hyperboxes thus being readily interpretable in the pattern space. The granular estimates of turning movements are calibrated using an HUTSIM micro-simulator.
Using Set of Experience in the Process of Transforming Information into Knowledge
Authors: Sanin Cesar , Szczerbicki Edward
Published: February 2011

Some of the most complicated issues about knowledge are its acquisition and its conversion into explicit knowledge. Nevertheless, among all knowledge forms, storing formal decision events in a knowledge-explicit way becomes an important advance. The set of experience knowledge structure can help in achieving this purpose. Explicit knowledge of formal decision events emerges to help managers in decision-making because, usually, they use previous similar or equal decisions to help themselves in new decision-making processes. The Knowledge Supply Chain System (KSCS) is a platform proposed to administer formal decision events in a knowledge-explicit way. It is supported by Sets of Experience Knowledge Structure in the effective process of transforming information into knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to show how the set of experience knowledge structure is implemented into the KSCS. Fully developed, KSCS certainly would improve the quality of decision-making and could advance the notion of administering knowledge in the current decision-making environment.
Maintaining Meaning of Information when it is Shared amongst Information Systems
Authors: Aisbett Janet , Zhao Shuxin , Gibbon Greg , Dampney C. N.G.
Published: February 2011

Continuity of healthcare refers to the ability for multiple points of care to deal seamlessly with a patient. Tools for improving continuity of care, such as patient Electronic Health Records, need to draw on information from diverse information systems. However, reliable sharing of information across systems is known to be a difficult problem. An approach to information integration that is possible when there is a controlling organisation or a consensus amongst partners is to enforce compliance of new information systems with a master model. This requires a feasible and reliable way to check whether the data structures of a target information system conform to those of the master system. A method based on the mathematical category theory has been previously proposed. This paper describes the underlying model and investigates a stricter definition of compliance that could be employed with Electronic Health Records. It then outlines implementation in a semi-automated compliance checking system.
The Critical Success Factors Across ERP Implementation Models
Authors: Lai Ivan K.W.
Published: February 2011

It is very important to identify what are the key factors across different steps within Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation models. This study consists of two phases. The first phase involves a questionnaire survey among experienced ERP consultants in order to identify the key successful factors of each step within ERP implementation models. In the second phase, experienced ERP consultants are interviewed to examine why these factors are important at each of the implementation steps and what are the difficulties of using Western ERP implementation models in China. The results suggest that ERP implementation is likely to be more successful if ERP implementation models address implementation challenges and leverages. This study provides guidance to ERP consultants on how to utilize their limited resources by considering these factors at each step within the ERP implementation models.
An Artificial Neural Network Based Metamodel for Analysing a Stochastic Combat Simulation
Authors: Alam Fasihul M. , McNaught Ken R. , Ringrose Trevor J.
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we discuss the use of multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural networks to predict the outputs from a stochastic combat simulation model. The use of a faster, auxiliary model to approximate the input-output relationships of a complex simulation model is known in the simulation community as metamodelling. Since many simulation models contain a large number of input parameters, however it is necessary to reduce the set considered and determine the most important ones to include in a metamodel given a particular modelling context. This paper employs a two-stage experimental design — first, Morris’ randomised one-at-a-time (OAT) design is used as a factor screening method, and then a Latin Hypercube design is employed to select the set of input configurations which defines the required runs of the simulation model. The set of input configurations together with the associated simulation outputs provide the training data for the development of the MLP networks. The approach is illustrated with reference to a stochastic combat simulation called SIMBAT. The paper then investigates a number of aspects relating to the development of neural network-based metamodels of stochastic combat simulations. It shows that using the outputs from each replication of a stochastic simulation is generally better than only using the mean output.
The Evolution of ERP and Its Relationship with E-Business
Authors: Alwabel S. A. , Zairi M. , Gunasekaran A.
Published: February 2011

Every technical invention is initially designed and eventually applied to solve a real-world problem. The evolution of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is no exception. Owing to its well-organised success to effectively integrate isolated multiple information systems and its ability to significantly improve businesses efficiencies, ERP systems have emerged as the core of successful accounting information systems and the enterprise backbone of organisations and e-business. An ERP system in itself does not offer competitive advantage in an organisational environment. Competitive advantage comes not from the fact that companies have adopted an ERP system, since all other major companies have done this. Competitive advantage will be developed from how they interface that system with their customers, and how their customers perceive it. Thus, companies must attract their customers into self-service. This paper will mainly focus on the evolution of ERP and its relationship with e-business.
Quantitative Analysis of Service-Oriented Architectures
Authors: Iacob Maria-Eugenia , Jonkers Henk
Published: February 2011

In this article we address the integration of functional models with non-functional models in the context of service-oriented enterprise architecture. Starting from the observation that current approaches to model-driven development have a strong focus on functionality, we argue the necessity of including non-functional aspects as early as possible in the service design process. We distinguish two modelling spaces, the design space and the analysis space, which can be integrated by means of model transformations. Quantitative results obtained in the analysis space, using special-purpose analysis techniques, can be related back to the design models by means of a reverse transformation. This provides a framework for incorporating non-functional analysis into methodological support for e-service development. While, for detailed design models, performance analysis is more or less covered by existing techniques, there is still a gap at the architectural overview level. Therefore, we propose an approach for performance analysis of layered, service-oriented architecture models, which consists of two phases: a ‘‘top-down’’ propagation of workload parameters, and a “bottom-up’’ propagation of performance or cost measures. By means of an example, we demonstrate the application of the approach and show that a seamless integration with detailed performance analysis methods (e.g., queueing analysis) can be achieved.
The Role of Managerial Attitudes in the Adoption of Technological Innovations
Authors: To March L. , Ngai Eric W.T.
Published: February 2011

Managerial attitudes play an important role in facilitating the championship of innovation adop-tion. However, there are few empirical studies which show the mediating role of managerial attitudes as a link between innovation determinants and adoption. Based on innovation theory (Rogers, 1983), we posit a conceptual model to show how managers evaluate internal (relative advantage and compatibility of adopting an innovation) and external (competitive pressure and partner conflict) determinants that affect the intention to adopt technological innovations. We focus on empirical tests conducted on B2C e-commerce. Data collected from 109 differ-ent enterprises indicate that managerial attitudes, through perceived relative advantage and compatibility of adopting a technological innovation, have indirect effects on the intention to adopt the innovation. In addition, competitive pressure has a direct influence on the adoption of an innovation.
Critical Factors for Implementation Success of ERP Systems
Authors: Kamhawi Emad M.
Published: February 2011

Research on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems implementation has drawn much at-tention, in the last decade. Identifying and testing the critical factors that affect implementation success for this type of systems is one of the important streams of research in this field. Based on data gathered from a sample of 70 respondents, actively involved in their companies’ ERP implementation process, this study aims to extend this stream of research with another framework of success factors based on a developing country setting, namely Bahrain. The influences of some selected critical factors were examined on two success dimensions: project success and business metrics success. Results support previous research findings in this area concerning the impact of factors such as project planning, organizational resistance, and ease of use on ERP project success metrics. Also, the study results show that project planning, business process reengineer-ing, and organizational fit have significant influence on business success metrics. However, no significant impact was found for some classical success factors such as top-management support, technical fit, training, competitive pressure, and strategic fit on both project and business success. The article ends with implications for these findings and possible extensions for the study.
Patterns for Organizational Modeling
Authors: Kolp Manuel , Faulkner Stéphane
Published: February 2011

Organizational modeling is concerned with analyzing and understanding the organizational context within which a software system will eventually function. This paper proposes organizational patterns motivated by organizational theories intended to facilitate the construction of organizational models. These patterns are defined from real world organizational settings, modeled in i* and formalized using the Formal Tropos language. Additionally, the paper evaluates the proposed patterns using desirable qualities such as coordinability and predictability. The research is conducted in the context of Tropos, a comprehensive software system development methodology.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Authors: McGaughey Ronald E. , Gunasekaran Angappa
Published: February 2011

Business needs have driven the design, development, and use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Intra-enterprise integration was a driving force in the design, development, and use of early ERP systems, but increased globalization, intense competition, and technological change have shifted to focus to inter-enterprise integration. Current and evolving ERP systems thus reflect the expanded scope of integration, with greater emphasis on things like supply chain management and customer relationship management. This manuscript explores the evolution of ERP, the current status of ERP, and the future of ERP, with the objective of promoting relevant future research in this important area. If researchers hope to play a significant role in the design, development, and use of suitable ERP systems to meet evolving business needs, then their research should focus, at least in part, on the changing business environment, its impact on business needs, and the requirements for enterprise systems that meet those needs.
The Impact of Enterprise Systems on Business and Audit Practice and the Implications for University Accounting education
Authors: Arnold Vicky , Sutton Steve G.
Published: February 2011

The recent Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) sponsored monograph on the state of accounting education and the need for radical change (Albrecht & Sack, 2000) provides a solid foundation for understanding the failures of contemporary accounting education. In this article, the concepts outlined in the Albrecht and Sack monograph are expanded in order to provide a more detailed look at how contemporary enterprise systems integration is impacting the manner in which organizations perform their business and the necessary audit processes to evaluate such businesses. Analysis of these contemporary systems highlight the specific failures of contemporary accounting education in providing the knowledge and skills required to succeed in this new business environment. We use this analysis as the springboard for the development of a framework for revolutionary accounting education change.
ERP Training and User Satisfaction
Authors: Bradley Joseph , Lee C. Christopher
Published: February 2011

Training is still a neglected part of most ERP implementation projects. This case study investigates the relation between training satisfaction and • the perceptions of ease of use, • the perception of usefulness, • effectiveness and • efficiency in implementing an ERP system at a mid-sized organization. Training satisfaction is viewed as a necessary condition for technology acceptance. A survey of 143 employees involved in the implementation of ERP in a mid-sized university was conducted. ANOVA and t-tests were used to explore differences in training satisfaction among groups of users by gender, job type, and education level. We found that training satisfaction differed based on job type and gender but not education level. Multiple regression analysis found (1) post implementation training satisfaction related to ease of use and (2) current training satisfaction and user participation related to perceived efficiency and effectiveness of the ERP systems in doing respondents’ jobs.
An ASP-Based Product Customization Service Systems for SMEs
Authors: Su Yan , Liao Wenhe , Guo Yu , Gao Shiwen
Published: February 2011

A product customization system with integrated application services is helpful for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The mode of application service provider (ASP) particularly targets SMEs by providing integrated applications. The current product customization system seldom considers integrating with ASPs and orienting product lifecycle. In this article, an ASP-based product customization service system operating in lifecycle-oriented customization mode is proposed. Resource share, product data transform, and product configuration are three important aspects for effectively supporting lifecycle-oriented product customization service. A resource collection method for distributed resource share is put forward. An XML-based data mapping model for isomeric/ isomorphic product data transform is presented. A new algorithm for rapid product configuration is designed, and an interactive virtual environment for collaborative configuration is suggested. Using this system, SMEs can develop their Internet-based sales and customization systems smoothly, in a short time, and at low cost. A construction machinery oriented product customization service platform is introduced as a case study.
Enhancing Traditional ATP Functionality in Open Source ERP Systems
Authors: Christou Ioannis T. , Ponis Stavros
Published: February 2011

Available-to-promise (ATP) procedures in today’s enterprise information systems usually involve a simple search for available or planned inventory of a particular product in a particular depot at a particular time. In this article, ATP is viewed as a dynamic and more complex problem of deciding whether to accept a customer order request given the available inventory and planned production plus the remaining production capacity and business rules for covering demand from certain customer classes, for given products and time window. Whenever this is not possible, the production schedule is modified, by utilizing “reserved” capacity and resources, to cover extra demand. A prototype tool has been designed and implemented based on this approach, that can be easily integrated into existing ERP systems enhancing their functionality and increasing the level of customer service. The elaborated prototype is pilot tested in a case company in the food industry and is loosely integrated within the Open Source Compiere 2, ERP system extended to handle manufacturing. The prototype produces almost real time results on modern commodity-off-theshelf computers, thus enhancing sales personnel performance and efficiency and increasing the level of customer service and satisfaction.
A Procedure Model for a SoA-Based Integration of Enterprise Systems
Authors: Lämmer Anne , Eggert Sandy , Gronau Norbert
Published: February 2011

Enterprise systems are being transferred into a service-oriented architecture. In this article we present a procedure for the integration of enterprise systems. The procedure model starts with decomposition into Web services. This is followed by mapping redundant functions and assigning of the original source code to the Web services, which are orchestrated in the final step. Finally an example is given how to integrate an Enterprise Resource Planning System and an Enterprise Content Management System using the proposed procedure model.
IS Success Factors and IS Organizational Impact
Authors: Alshawaf Abdulrida , Knalil Omar E.M.
Published: February 2011

This research investigated the possible ownership type effect on the information systems (IS) success factors and IS impact on organizational performance in Kuwaiti organizations. Four IS success factors—IS strategy and resources, end user support, IS sophistication and IS organizational level & user involvement—and three IS organizational impact factors—improving work efficiency, improving decision making, and improving work effectiveness—were identified. Ownership type was found to affect the profiles of the IS success factors and IS organizational impact. Public organizations tend to commit less IS resources; their managers get less involved in IS strategy formulation, and their users get less involved in systems development. Yet, they tend to rate their IS organizational impact higher. This “IS expectation-performance gap” is further explained in the article, along with research implications, limitations, and future research.
Influence of Product and Organizational Constructs on ERP Acquisition Using an Extended Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Uzoka Faith-Michael E. , Abiola Richard O. , Nyangeresi Rebecca
Published: February 2011

The article examines the selection of ERP by organizations using an extension of the technology acceptance model (TAM) using elements of the information systems (IS) success model. The study evaluated the impact of system quality, information quality, service quality, and support quality as key determinants of cognitive response, which influences ERP system purchase/use. Industry, firm size, buying center, and product experience were introduced as organizational constructs. The results of the study indicate that system quality has a very high influence on the ERP purchase decision (ß = 0.497, p = 0.000), followed by information quality (ß = 0.425, p = 0.000) and software support (ß = 0.286, p = 0.006). Among the organizational constructs, only firm size was found to be statistically significant (ß = 0.217, p = 0.016). The results also indicate that multi-department committees and the IT department are the major buying centers responsible for vendor selection. In terms of information source, vendor reference and advertisements are major information sources, while government standards and popularity/experience of vendors are important considerations in vendor selection.
Elements of Perception Regarding the Implementation of ERP Systems in Swiss SMEs
Authors: Equey Catherine , Fragnière Emmanuel
Published: February 2011

ERP systems are more and more adopted in large companies. It appears that this trend is also being followed by small- and medium-sized companies. We have conducted a questionnaire-based survey to identify how Swiss SMEs perceive this phenomenon. The sample size is 687 of which 125 have actually implemented an ERP. Our main findings are twofold. First, SMEs that have not implemented an ERP invoke concerns (e.g., costs), which are typically not perceived as major problems by SMEs that actually went through an ERP implementation. Indeed the latter companies generally acknowledge that, ultimately, benefits significantly exceed the costs and difficulties of implementation. Second, this survey brings out new empirical knowledge of the satisfaction and benefits derived from the implementation and utilization of ERP systems in Swiss SMEs.
Time, Attitude, and User Participation
Authors: Pries-Heje Lene
Published: February 2011

Assimilation of a standard ERP system to an organization is difficult. User involvement seems to be the crux of the matter. However, even the best intentions for user involvement may come to nothing. A case study of a five-year ERP implementation process reveals that a main reason may be that the perception of usefulness of the system in any given phase of the implementation is heavily dependent on preceding events—the process. A process model analysis identifies eight episodes and nine encounters in the case showing that the user’s attitude towards the ERP system changes between acceptance, equivocation, resistance and rejection depending on three things: (1) the dynamic between user and consultants, (2) the dynamic between different user groups, and (3) the understanding of technical, organizational and socio-technical options. When relating the empirical findings to existing theory on user participation, it is argued that the changes could be explained as a slide from influential user participation toward pseudo participation and back to influential participation, and that user participation in the context of ERP implementations raises new issues regarding user participation. Thus further research regarding new approaches and/or new techniques and tools for user participation in the context of ERP implementations is needed.
Authority and Its Implementation in Enterprise Information Systems
Authors: Sharpanskykh Alexei
Published: February 2011

The concept of power is inherent in human organizations of any type. As power relations have important consequences for organizational viability and productivity, they should be explicitly represented in enterprise information systems (EISs). Although organization theory provides a rich and very diverse theoretical basis on organizational power, still most of the definitions for power-related concepts are too abstract, often vague and ambiguous to be directly implemented in EISs. To create a bridge between informal organization theories and automated EISs, this article proposes a formal logic-based specification language for representing power (in particular authority) relations. The use of the language is illustrated by considering authority structures of organizations of different types. Moreover, the article demonstrates how the formalized authority relations can be integrated into an EIS.
Managing the Implementation of Business Intelligence Systems
Authors: Yeoh William , Koronios Andy , Gao Jing
Published: February 2011

The implementation of a BI system is a complex undertaking requiring considerable resources. Yet there is a limited authoritative set of CSFs for management reference. This article represents a first step of filling in the research gap. The authors utilized the Delphi method to conduct three rounds of studies with 15 BI system experts in the domain of engineering asset management organizations. The study develops a CSFs framework that consists of seven factors and associated contextual elements crucial for BI systems implementation. The CSFs are committed management support and sponsorship, business user-oriented change management, clear business vision and well-established case, business-driven methodology and project management, business-centric championship and balanced project team composition, strategic and extensible technical framework, and sustainable data quality and governance framework. This CSFs framework allows BI stakeholders to holistically understand the critical factors that influence implementation success of BI systems.
Eliciting User Input for Requirements on Personalization
Authors: van Velsen Lex , Huijs Corrie , van der Geest Thea
Published: February 2011

For small and medium-sized companies, the fit between their business processes and their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a critical success factor. The functions and features for essential tasks must be geared to the demands and skills of the individual users. This article reports on the usefulness of several methods for eliciting user input which served as a basis for requirements for a personalized ERP system. It describes the yield of heuristic evaluations, both by experts and by developers, and a focus group with six users representing the main user types. The focus group consisted of an identification of the most important functions, task demonstrations, and a mini design workshop. As a demonstration of the results of the various user-focused methods, some noteworthy findings on the personalization of ERP systems are presented.
Information System Conversion Strategies
Authors: Mallach Efrem G.
Published: February 2011

Information system conversion has been with us since users of punched-card tabulating systems first moved to vacuum-tube computers. However, it has generally been seen as an afterthought: once the “interesting” development stages of analysis, design and so on are done, it will just happen. This article attempts to view the process holistically, from both the technical and human viewpoints, reflecting the fact that information systems have both technical and human components. It shows how ignoring one side or the other can lead to problems, which can be avoided if all aspects are considered together. It proposes a systematic approach to considering these issues and points out benefits to both researchers and practitioners from using it.
Lessons Learned During a Decade of ERP Experience
Authors: Wenrich Kristi , Ahmad Norita
Published: February 2011

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) literature concentrates on critical success factors for implementation. More recently, published work relates to ERP maintenance and upgrade practices. In papers concerning all phases of the ERP lifecycle, researchers commonly gather material via case studies of organizations comparatively new to ERP implementation, maintenance, or upgrade projects. This article uses a literature review detailing critical success factors and best practices during all phases of the ERP lifecycle to frame a case study on a large company with a decade of experience in supporting an ERP system through implementation, two major upgrades, one major domestic business merger, and two international business acquisitions. This article catalogs the company’s departures and concurrences with the published best practices and success factors over time, as well as the positive and negative consequences of its decisions. The company’s experience shows that straying from generally accepted best practices can lead to a successful outcome, and that portraying some success factors too well can exacerbate problems in other areas.
Information Technology Interventions for Growth and Competitiveness in Micro-Enterprises
Authors: Qureshil Sajda , Kamal Mehruz , Wolcott Peter
Published: February 2011

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to enable these businesses to grow through access to new markets and administrative efficiencies. However, the growth of the smallest of these SMEs which are micro-enterprises is hindered by their inability to adopt ICTs. This article investigates how micro-enterprises can adopt ICTs to grow and achieve competitiveness. It investigates a set of seven micro-enterprises through an interpretive field study in which action research was used to diagnose and treat the micro-enterprises. This was done using interventions through a process called “Information Technology (IT) Therapy”. This process involved providing individualized IT solutions to pressing problems and opportunities. The increase in competitiveness of these micro-enterprises was assessed using the Focus Dominance Model and their growth through a modified model of micro-enterprise growth. This research contributes to assisting micro-enterprises achieve sustained growth and competitive advantage.
Measuring the Impact of an ERP Project at SMEs
Authors: Argyropoulou Maria , Ioannou George , Koufopoulos Dimitrios N. , Motwani Jaideep
Published: February 2011

This article analyses and tests a novel framework for the evaluation of an ERP project. The framework incorporates specific performance measures, which are linked to a previously developed model, (the ‘six-imperatives’ framework) and are relevant to ERP implementation Two case studies illustrate the use of the framework in two Greek companies aiming to measure, in practical terms, the impact of the ERP project on their operations. The main results indicate that the “six-imperatives” provide a comprehensive methodology based on the profound exploration and understanding of specific business processes and objectives that should be met in order to assess an ERP project.
Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solution Implementation in SMEs
Authors: Sternad Simona , Bobek Samo , Dezelak Zdenko , Lampret Ana
Published: February 2011

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution implementation is a complex process, that requires substantial resources and efforts, and yet the results are very uncertain. The ERP hype has already reached SMEs, so the authors have examined the strategies, methods and critical success factors from SMEs point of view. The results of our survey in SMEs in Slovenia have shown that SMEs have to pay attention to different critical success factors in different phases of the implementation process. Moreover, there are differences in implementation process as opposed to large companies. Case studies of two SMEs have shown similar results. Recommendations for future SME implementations and comments of our findings can be found in conclusion.
Message-Based Approach to Master Data Synchronization among Autonomous Information Systems
Authors: Yu Dongjin
Published: February 2011

The evolution of networks and large scale information systems has led to the rise of data sources that are distributed, heterogeneous, and autonomous. As a result, the management of Master Data becomes more complex and of uncertain quality. This paper presents a novel message-based approach to the synchronization of Master Data among multiple autonomous information systems. Different than traditional approaches based on database triggers, the author adopts the optimistic bidirectional strategy with the process of two synchronization phases. By means of data service buses, it propagates synchronized Master Data through messages being passed along star-like cascading routes. Moreover, this approach could resolve possible data conflicts automatically using predefined attribute confidences and deducible current value confidences respectively. Finally, this paper presents the real case about synchronizing datasets among four separate but related systems based on the author’s novel message-based approach.
Critical Success Factors in Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation A Case-Study Approach
Authors: Zarei Behrouz , Naeli Mina
Published: February 2011

Although introducing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to an organization has enormous benefits, it may entail new hazardous challenges if it cannot be well managed. This research focuses on the critical ERP success factors from a case study involving the Esfahan Steel Company, which started ERP implementation in September 2002. An in-depth research of ERP implementation processes and the level of adhering to five chosen ERP critical success factors—project management, top management supports, business process reengineering, and change management and Training—are conducted. Research results revealed that the five critical success factors (CSFs) are highly interdependent and the strengths and weaknesses of each have influenced the quality of ERP implementation to a large extent.
Drivers of Organizational Participation in XML-based Industry Standardization Efforts
Authors: Mendoza Rubén A. , Ravichandran T.
Published: February 2011

XML-based vertical standards are an emerging compatibility standard for describing business processes and data formats in specific industries that have emerged in the past decade. Vertical standards, typically implemented using eXtensible Markup Language (XML), are incomplete products in constant evolution, continually adding functionality to reflect changing business needs. Vertical standards are public goods because they are freely obtained from sponsoring organizations without investing resources in their development, which gives rise to linked collective action dilemmas at the development and diffusion stages. Firms must be persuaded to invest in development without being able to profit from the output, and a commitment to ensure the diffusion of the standard must be secured from enough potential adopters to guarantee success. In this paper, the authors explore organizational drivers for participation in vertical standards development activities for supply- and demand-side organizations (i.e., vendors and end-user firms) in light of the restrictions imposed by these dilemmas.
Extending the Technology Acceptance Model to Investigate the Utilization of ERP Systems
Authors: Mouakket Samar
Published: February 2011

The implementation of Enterprise Recourse Planning (ERP) systems has grown rapidly, but limited research has been conducted to investigate the utilization of ERP systems. By extending the Technology Acceptance Model, this paper provides a research model for examining the impact of computer self-efficacy and ERP systems design features on the utilization of ERP systems. To test the proposed research model, data are collected through a questionnaire survey distributed among employees in different organizations that have implemented an ERP system in the United Arab Emirates. Structural equation modeling techniques are used in this study to verify the causal relationships between the variables. The results strongly support the extended TAM in understanding employees’ utilization of ERP systems. The implications of this study and further research opportunities are also discussed.
When the Virtual and the Real Clash
Authors: Livermore Celia Romm
Published: February 2011

This paper focuses on two related aspects–the politics of social networking communities and the impact that clashes between real and virtual spheres on relationships in social networking communities. The starting point for this paper is a series of events that took place in a social networking community involving a dominant member of the community attempting to overpower others, leading to several of the most active members, including the dominant member himself, leaving the community. Following a review of the literature on social networking and politics, the Virtuality/Reality Conflict (VRC) model is presented. The model is used in this paper as a basis for explaining the events in the case and for discussing the implications from this study to research politics of the virtual communities.
ICT as an Enabler for Small Firm Growth
Authors: Costin Yvonne
Published: February 2011

The advancing pace of women’s entrepreneurial activity across the globe is a promising trend to fuel economic development and social progress (Fitzsimons & O’Gorman, 2005). Analysis of the reasons why women start a new business, the choice of product/service, and industry sector highlight the home-based female entrepreneur. These entrepreneurs constitutes a segment referred to as the mompreneurs—mothers who establish a business operated from home. Thus, although mompreneurs gain benefits of operating their business from home, they also experience additional challenges. One such issue is their dependence on ICT. To succeed and grow, mompreneurs’ businesses must use ICT as a backbone for the business in an integrated manner. In this article, the author examines the adoption and application of ICT in the mompreneur business, as well as the challenges encountered in its effective use. A specific emphasis is placed on the issue of ICT and its use by the mompreneur in undertaking business transactions and as a means of facilitating small firm growth.
Gender Segregation and ICT
Authors: Dhar-Bhattacharjee Sunrita , Takruri-Rizk Haifa
Published: February 2011

Gender segregation in science, engineering, construction, technology (SECT) is a persistent feature, both in India and the UK. Although culturally the two countries differ, under-representation of women in SECT is widespread and a cause for general apprehension, and in recent years, this has gained recognition in the study of gender, work, and family. In this paper, the authors discuss findings of a comparative study undertaken between India and Britain in the ICT sector. Using 27 interviews with ICT professionals in the two countries, the authors discuss views on ICT education, recruitment, and employment practices, work-life balance, changing gender relations, opportunities for progression, and retention in the two countries. The authors take into consideration women’s role in power and politics and how the “public” and “private” patriarchy shapes women’s position in the labour market, with an essential backdrop of “patrifocality” in the Indian context.