Critical Challenges in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementation

Sreekumar A. Menon,Clifford Butler,Tony Pizur,Marc Muchnick

doi:10.5539/ijbm.v14n7p54

Abstract

This research paper explores critical challenges in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation based on insights from an exploratory qualitative single case study in the Canadian Oil and Gas Industry. The study was conducted in a Canadian case organization using twenty interviews from members of four project role groups of senior leaders, project managers, project team members, and business users. The study further collected and reviewed project documents from the ERP implementation for triangulation. The research evoked a comprehensive list of sixty critical challenges and out of which, the top twelve challenges discussed in detail were drawn from the responses of participants from all four project role groups. The study findings indicated that critical challenges were significant during ERP implementation. This research is one of first case studies in the Canadian oil and gas industry that focuses on critical challenges in ERP implementation projects.

Highlights

The challenges that face global organizations continue to grow increasingly severe and complex
Information technology is capable of fundamentally changing the way business works; many organizations use the solution of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to improve their competitiveness (Davenport, 1998; Erkan & Rouyendegh, 2011)
Senior leader and project manager role groups did not respond with the critical challenges of stress on people, interface issues, and quick disbandment of the project team; the researcher did not anticipate this omission from these role groups

Summary

Introduction

The challenges that face global organizations continue to grow increasingly severe and complex. Operating businesses in a highly competitive environment is challenging; to enhance competitiveness and to satisfy customer needs, organizations seek to improve efficiency and agility (Erkan & Rouyendegh, 2011; Motwani, Subramanian, & Gopalakrishna, 2005; Stanciu & Tinca, 2013). Information technology is capable of fundamentally changing the way business works; many organizations use the solution of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to improve their competitiveness (Davenport, 1998; Erkan & Rouyendegh, 2011). Understanding and applying critical challenges during an ERP implementation is crucial for ensuring organizational success (Momoh, Roy, & Shehab, 2010; Laukkanen, Sarpola, & Hallikainen, 2007; Stanciu & Tinca, 2013)

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion