Enterprise Resource Planning Training Research Articles

A South African institution perspective of a framework for enterprise resource planning systems

Background: Public sector organisations encounter many challenges because of their complex legislative requirements, social responsibilities and higher public expectations. In the early 1980s, governments worldwide started experimenting with improving functions and processes through enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Objective: This study investigated the feasibility of South African government institutions in adopting a guideline that will assist in implementing a sustainable ERP system to improve their information systems strategy. Method: This study followed the qualitative dominating mixed research methodology. A survey was distributed to 20 participants with closed-ended questions to collect quantitative data and open-ended questions to collect qualitative data. Results: Thirteen factors that allow ERP systems to be successfully implemented were identified. Some of the factors included effective change management policies, end-user specialised knowledge, organisation culture fit, top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, visibility of activities throughout the workflow, and willingness to change. Sixteen issues that restrict ERP implementation were also identified. Some of the restricting factors include ERP system complexity, high levels of customisation, inadequate flexibility, budget, maintenance costs, lack of vendor support, implementation delays and cost overruns. The current state of ERP implementation in the investigated organisation is of acceptance with growth being achieved gradually and steadily. Conclusion: The proposed framework provides core competencies such as top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, and effective change management policies among others, that can be used to establish corrective measures before and during the installation of ERP systems. Contribution: This study contributed to the body of knowledge by identifying the success and hindering factors of ERP system implementation. The proposed framework outlines guidelines for organisations to successfully adopt and implement ERP systems.

A South African institution perspective of a framework for enterprise resource planning systems

Background: Public sector organisations encounter many challenges because of their complex legislative requirements, social responsibilities and higher public expectations. In the early 1980s, governments worldwide started experimenting with improving functions and processes through enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Objective: This study investigated the feasibility of South African government institutions in adopting a guideline that will assist in implementing a sustainable ERP system to improve their information systems strategy. Method: This study followed the qualitative dominating mixed research methodology. A survey was distributed to 20 participants with closed-ended questions to collect quantitative data and open-ended questions to collect qualitative data. Results: Thirteen factors that allow ERP systems to be successfully implemented were identified. Some of the factors included effective change management policies, end-user specialised knowledge, organisation culture fit, top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, visibility of activities throughout the workflow, and willingness to change. Sixteen issues that restrict ERP implementation were also identified. Some of the restricting factors include ERP system complexity, high levels of customisation, inadequate flexibility, budget, maintenance costs, lack of vendor support, implementation delays and cost overruns. The current state of ERP implementation in the investigated organisation is of acceptance with growth being achieved gradually and steadily. Conclusion: The proposed framework provides core competencies such as top management support, ERP training before and post-implementation, and effective change management policies among others, that can be used to establish corrective measures before and during the installation of ERP systems. Contribution: This study contributed to the body of knowledge by identifying the success and hindering factors of ERP system implementation. The proposed framework outlines guidelines for organisations to successfully adopt and implement ERP systems.

Development and validation of an improved DeLone-McLean IS success model - application to the evaluation of a tax administration ERP

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is critical to an organization’s success. However, the factors that contribute to the success and usage of these ERP systems have received little attention. This study developed and validation of an improved DeLone-McLean IS success model. Additionally, we examined the factors which influence ERP system usage, employee satisfaction, information quality, service quality, and system quality, as well as the factors that influence the system’s overall success. The proposed model is based on a mixed-methods case study (MM-CS). The results show that the proposed model significantly measures the success of an ERP system. The organizational climate, the information quality, the system quality, and the service quality all have an impact on the usage of an ERP system. The proposed model also shows that the use of an ERP system, training and learning, and the three information (IS) quality constructs are all significant predictors of user satisfaction. The results also indicate that gender and years of ICT use on the path of ERP users have a moderating effect on the relationship between teamwork & support and use.

Investigating the motivational antecedents of training transfer at the post-implementation phase of enterprise systems

PurposeDespite recognising the importance of training on the successful implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, there is a shortage of research on mechanisms that facilitate the effective use of ERP implementation training in business environments. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing post-implementation transfer behaviours as a measure of training effectiveness among ERP users.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model based on related theories was developed to explain the effectiveness of post-implementation ERP training. The study analysed collected data from ERP users drawn from finance, customer relationship management, marketing, sales and logistics units in some organisations in New Zealand.FindingsFindings reveal that 42.7% of the variance in ERP training transfer (TT) can be explained by mastery goal orientation (MGO), computer self-efficacy (CSE) and transfer motivation (TMO). Furthermore, CSE and TMO acted as vital mechanisms by which MGO affects the TT.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies are implored to address the limitation of cross-sectional research design by using more objective measures and multiple data sources.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the underlying mechanisms of training effectiveness at the post-implementation phase can facilitate the development of strategic interventions to sustain effective transfer behaviours in ERP task environments.Originality/valueBuilding on the self-determination theory, this study demonstrates the interrelationship among MGO, CSE, TMO and TT at the post-implementation phase of ERP.

Enterprise systems knowledge, beliefs, and attitude: A model of informed technology acceptance

Fostering positive attitudes and increasing knowledge are key success factors for enterprise systems. Training can improve knowledge, but little research has investigated the effects of domain-relevant knowledge on salient cognitive beliefs and attitude in technology acceptance. We highlight the critical role of domain-relevant knowledge in the formation of beliefs and the shaping of attitude by developing a model of informed technology acceptance. We hypothesize the positive effects of multi-dimensional enterprise resource planning (ERP) knowledge on salient cognitive beliefs (i.e., ERP self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness) and general affective attitude toward an ERP system. Using survey data from gamified ERP training of 248 professionals from three different organizations, results support the proposed model, suggesting that ERP knowledge is an important antecedent of ERP self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude. We find that ERP knowledge exhibits both direct and indirect effects on attitude. Moreover, we find that gamified training is an effective means of improving ERP knowledge.

Social Support, Computer Self-Efficacy, Transfer Motivation and ERP Training Transfer

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system has been acknowledged as a major driver of seamless and integrated operations. Implementing ERP is a challenging task, requiring configuration, migration from legacy systems. Therefore, the successful assimilation of ERP within an organisation requires building the requisite skills and knowledge to support both the implementation and post-implementation challenges. This study investigates the relationships among supervisor support, computer self-efficacy, transfer motivation and training transfer in an enterprise system environment. The sequential mediating effects of computer self-efficacy and transfer motivation was assessed in this study. Data collected from 170 users who previously attended an ERP system training program were analysed in this study using the SPSS version 24 and Hayes Macro Process. Findings from the analysis revealed direct relationships among the variables, and the full mediation effects influence of computer self-efficacy and transfer motivation in the relationship between supervisory support and training transfer.

Student Satisfaction and Continuance Model of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Usage

The rapid growth through the use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems by Indonesian companies has been responded by ERP vendors in providing skilled human resources in ERP environment by cooperating with universities. SAP as one of the ERP vendors has also cooperated with Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia Jakarta, particularly for accounting students, training is conducted since 2013. This study will test the satisfaction model for the students after they complete the ERP training using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Continuance Model framework. This research is an explorative study that examines student satisfaction models in using ERP system. The Technology Acceptance Model and Expectation Continuance Model used to build a proposed model. Data collection was done by distributing questionnaires to 319 trainees at the end of the session. The result of analysis using Partial Least Square SEM method shows that confirmation variable, perceived ease of use, satisfaction with class, and satisfaction with an instructor have affected student satisfaction in using ERP system. Furthermore, satisfaction with class and instructor influence perceived ease of use, and, finally, students 'satisfaction effect on students' intention to keep using. Based on the analysis results can be concluded that students feel satisfied with ERP training and this affects their intentions in using ERP in the future.

An m-learning framework for ERP systems in higher education

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors of m-learning approaches which can be used for enterprise resource planning (ERP) system training and to propose a theoretical framework for m-learning of ERP systems. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review of several theories relating to success factors for mobile learning (m-learning) and electronic learning (e-learning) are analysed and a theoretical framework of success factors for m-learning of ERP systems is proposed. Two field studies are undertaken to identify the features of e-learning and m-learning systems which users enjoyed and which related to the factors identified in the theoretical framework. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to evaluate the acceptance, usefulness and perceived ease of use (PEOU) of the two systems evaluated in the field study, the openSAP e-learning application and the SAP Learn Now m-learning application. Findings – The results confirmed several of the theoretical elements identified in the framework and the m-learning system was rated positively for PEOU and perceived usefulness (PU). The findings confirmed other studies showing the importance of the quality of course content in e-learning and m-learning projects. Research limitations/implications – The empirical study was limited to a small number of participants in higher education. However, a deeper understanding of the factors influencing m-learning for ERP systems was obtained. Practical implications – The study provides a valuable practical contribution because the framework can be used in the improved design of an ERP m-learning approach, which in turn can lead to an improvement in ERP training and education programmes and ultimately ERP project success. Originality/value – Several studies propose the use of m-learning systems. However, research related to the factors impacting on m-learning projects for ERP system training is limited. The paper presents original work and the results provide a valuable contribution to several theories of m-learning.

Using E-learning in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Training: A Case Study to Assist Curriculum Designers in Turkey

This article presents results of a research on integration of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) e-Learning model into the university curriculum. The study presented in this article aims to propose ERP e-Learning models to curriculum designers in Turkey. For this purpose, developed ERP e-Learning models are gathered from the literature although there only few ERP e-Learning models exist in the open literature. Presented ERP e-Learning models are compared, similarities and differences are discussed. From the results, ERP e-Learning models provide an innovative and effective education. This means, these technological models provide greater flexibility to the students and maximizes student learning outcomes when compared to ordinary learning. It seems that utilization of an e- Learning model in ERP training should be started from the universities.

An empirical identification and categorisation of training best practices for ERP implementation projects

Although training is one of the most cited critical success factors in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems implementations, few empirical studies have attempted to examine the characteristics of management of the training process within ERP implementation projects. Based on the data gathered from a sample of 158 respondents across four stakeholder groups involved in ERP implementation projects, and using a mixed method design, we have assembled a derived set of training best practices. Results suggest that the categorised list of ERP training best practices can be used to better understand training activities in ERP implementation projects. Furthermore, the results reveal that the company size and location have an impact on the relevance of training best practices. This empirical study also highlights the need to investigate the role of informal workplace trainers in ERP training activities.

An Applied Approach to Teach Hospital Information Systems Development Using an Open Source ERP Framework

The objective of the paper is to represent an international pilot project to teach development of free and open source hospital Information systems at the national level using a live pre installed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System. We have developed live image with pre installed free and open source ERP framework -Tryton® (A fork of openERP®) and a free and o pen source health and hospital information system GNU Health® that supports electronic medical records (EMR) which is developed on top of the ERP framework as the second layer. We considered the two layer system as a domain specific application development framework for further agile development of information systems in the healthcare information technology area. Participants were health informatics professionals invited from ministry of health from selected developing countries to participate in the ERP training program at United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNUIIGH) to learn agile development of open source hospital information system based on the ERP concept to adopt the solution in pub lic hospitals and clinics in their respective country. During three days extensive course, participants used a live image of pre installed ERP system and a cloud hosted ERP configured as a distributed clinical information system to support the training and they learned how to configure the solution in a practical and step by step procedure. We have evaluated the course including feedback from the participants through a questionnaire and interview. The result showed a great potential of live open source ERP tools to support the training. It is expected that the results can be used for improvement of development of the other courses in other universities and institutions especially for subjects covering implementation procedures and critical success factors of free and open source ERP framework adoption in hospitals and Health centers with more focus on rural areas. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. S election and peer-review under responsibility of the Faculty of Information Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Ma laysia.

From training to learning in enterprise resource planning systems

The information systems' literature outlines how training is a critical factor to successful Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations. Yet, types of training are not discussed in the literature and there is little indication if existing training is effective and whether relevant contextual factors have been considered. Without understanding how learning is connected to training processes and outputs, answers related to which training frameworks are required for successful ERP implementation are difficult to determine. Using a case study approach, this study finds that traditional ERP training is too focused on a methodical learning culture that restricts the effectiveness of training. While the importance of methodical learning is outlined, it is posited that emergent learning behaviour is much more likely to improve the overall effectiveness of ERP training and implementation.

Improving training in enterprise resource planning systems implementation through communities of practice

The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) literature suggests that effective training is one of the key reasons for success in ERP implementations. However, limited research has been conducted on what constitutes effective training in an ERP environment. A case study approach was used to explore the effectiveness of traditional training and to consider if a community based approach could enhance successful training outcomes. There were two major findings. First, the effectiveness of traditional ERP training approaches was limited due to an overreliance on simplistic transmission models and poor appreciation of the role played by organisational context. Second, Communities of Practice (CoPs) allowed ERP implementation training to be more effective through a better dissemination of the training material to the majority of staff who found formal training less effective. This was achieved through the employment of a range of spontaneous strategies including work–a–rounds to overcome perceived weaknesses in the formal information systems.

An Effective End-User Knowledge Concern Training Method in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Based on Critical Factors (CFs) in Malaysian SMEs

Nowadays, many companies are using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) as one of the comprehensiveintegrated systems. This study focuses on various aspects of the ERP utilized in Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) in Malaysia in three phases. The success and the failure factors of ERP in SMEs were identified in thefirst phase. A comparison between different ERP training methods was carried out in the second phase. Based onthe findings in the first two phases, a new training method was developed in the third phase, so that ERP usersmay have a more effective ERP training system in the SMEs in Malaysia. The research method applied to thecurrent research is case study in which the required data was collected from different SMEs in Malaysia. Thedata collection was mainly based on the surveys and interviews, and the results of the data analysis were used toimprove a client-based training system. The achieved results indicate that the application of this kind of systemwhich is based on a combination of On-the-job training and Computer-based training system would considerablyreduce the time and money spent on learning and training plans, while, at the same time, it would increase theuser’s proficiency and knowledge concerning in the ERP system.

Enterprise resource planning: technology acceptance in Thai universities

The primary objective of this paper is to identify the factors associated with computing satisfaction for existing legacy systems and the perceptions of usefulness and ease of use of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for Thai university staff. Questionnaires were used as a means to gain insights and perspective of ERP systems in Thai universities. The results found significant relationships between university tenure and system satisfaction, and that computer experience, age, prior knowledge and education were significantly related to ERP perceptions. Diversity is also required in administration staff to allow new ideas to be recognised and exploited. This study has investigated ERP as a new innovation at a very early stage in Thai universities. This research study has shown that potential adopters of ERP do have uncertainty about a new innovation and this compels them to find out more information about the innovation. Any efforts at persuasion should be staged over a period of time to allow a build-up of knowledge to occur in organisations that implement ERP. ERP training could then focus on explaining the advantages of ERP over the existing system, while providing users with ‘hands on’ experience of an ERP system.

ERP training with a web-based electronic learning system: The flow theory perspective

Whilst the importance of end-user training is recognized as a factor in the success of information systems, companies have suffered from relatively low information system training budgets and an insufficient number of trainers. However, technological innovations in computers, telecommunications and the Internet, e-learning has made it possible to overcome many constraints. In this study, we suggest an e-learning success model based on flow theory. A questionnaire-based empirical study was used to test the model. It used data from e-learners who participated in a program on Enterprise Resource Planning training with a web-based e-learning system supported by the Korea Ministry of Information and Communication. Results confirm the significant interdependent relationships between the characteristics of e-learning, flow experience, learners’ attitude towards e-learning, and the resulting learning outcomes. In particular, it was revealed that flow experience plays a critical role as a central part of our research model, having direct and indirect impact on learning outcomes (i.e., the technology self-efficacy in ERP system usage in this study). This study should be of relevance to both researchers and practitioners alike, as a step towards a better understanding of e-learning, especially in the context of information system training.

The integration of ERP into a logistics curriculum: applying a systems approach

The area of logistics and enterprise resource planning (ERP) have a natural bond in that both deal explicitly with identifying working with business processes. This also generates concerns. For example, typical education and training paradigms implementations are often task‐oriented (scientific management) not process‐oriented (systems management). This creates a paradoxical situation where those taught to work with logistics and ERP systems tend to focus only on and understand a limited role within the business. We examine the process‐oriented versus task‐oriented approach used in a high‐tech manufacturing organization to validate the conjecture. In addition, we propose that students exposed to the integration of ERP topics in their logistics coursework develop more process‐oriented thinking than do those students exposed to more traditional or functional area education. The foundations for a preferred model for ERP education and training are proposed.

An ERP-client benefit-oriented maintenance taxonomy

The worldwide installed base of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems has increased rapidly over the past 10 years now comprising tens of thousands of installations in large- and medium-sized organizations and millions of licensed users. Similar to traditional information systems (IS), ERP systems must be maintained and upgraded. It is therefore not surprising that ERP maintenance activities have become the largest budget provision in the IS departments of many ERP-using organizations. Yet, there has been limited study of ERP maintenance activities. Are they simply instances of traditional software maintenance activities to which traditional software maintenance research findings can be generalized? Or are they fundamentally different, such that new research, specific to ERP maintenance, is required to help alleviate the ERP maintenance burden? This paper reports a case study of a large organization that implemented ERP (an SAP system) more than three years ago. From the case study and data collected, we observe the following distinctions of ERP maintenance: (1) the ERP-using organization, in addition to addressing internally originated change-requests, also implements maintenance introduced by the vendor; (2) requests for user-support concerning the ERP system behavior, function and training constitute a main part of ERP maintenance activity; and (3) similar to the in-house software environment, enhancement is the major maintenance activity in the ERP environment, encompassing almost 64% of the total change-request effort. In light of these and other findings, we ultimately: (1) propose a clear and precise definition of ERP maintenance; (2) conclude that ERP maintenance cannot be sufficiently described by existing software maintenance taxonomies; and (3) propose a benefits-oriented taxonomy, that better represents ERP maintenance activities. Three salient dimensions (for characterizing requests) incorporated in the proposed ERP maintenance taxonomy are: (1) who is the maintenance source? (2) why is it important to service the request? and (3) what––whether there is any impact of implementing the request on the installed module(s)?