Difficulties in enterprise system implementation in emerging economies: Insights from an exploratory study in Poland

Abstract

This article examines the difficulties experienced by organizations in emerging economies during the process of enterprise systems (ES) implementation. Building on research conducted among a few dozen experts representing ES suppliers and dealing with numerous ES implementations in Poland, this exploratory study discusses the characteristics of ES projects in emerging economies. After the incorporation of the Polish adopters' perspective, the analysis relates its findings with the results of prior research conducted in highly developed countries as well as in emerging economies. This study's findings suggest that the main difficulties in ES implementation in emerging economies are connected to the human resources involved in the project and the high costs incurred. The findings also illustrate the need for incorporating multiple stakeholders' perspectives in ES projects research. On the basis of the research, conclusions are drawn for the researchers and practitioners dealing with ES implementation projects in emerging economies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.