An FCM–FAHP approach for managing readiness-relevant activities for ERP implementation

Any organization which plans to introduce a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system will carry out a range of activities to improve its readiness for the new system. This paper develops a new approach for managing these interrelated activities using fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) and the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). This approach enables the organization to (1) identify the readiness-relevant activities, (2) determine how these activities influence each other, (3) assess how these activities will contribute to the overall readiness and (4) prioritize these activities according to their causal interrelationships to allocate management effort for the overall readiness improvement. The approach first uses FCMs and a fuzzy connection matrix to represent all possible causal relationships between activities. It then uses FAHP to determine the contribution weights and uses FCM inference to include the effects of feedback between the activities. Based on the contribution and interrelationships between activities, a management matrix is developed to categorize them into four management zones for effective allocation of limited management efforts. An empirical study is conducted to demonstrate how the approach works.     

Determining ERP customization choices using nominal group technique and analytical hierarchy process

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is an information system that supports and integrates many facets of a business. A critical issue in ERP implementation is how to bridge the gap between the ERP system and an organization's business processes by customizing either the system, or the business processes of the organization, or both. Literature review shows that customization is a major hindrance in most of the ERP implementation projects. This research applies nominal group technique (NGT) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) techniques to Luo and Strong's framework to help organizations determine feasible customization choices for their ERP implementation initiatives. A case study is presented to illustrate its applicability in practice. The study has theoretical and practical implications for our understanding of ERP implementation process.     

支持ERP实施的CBR系统的研究

提出了支持ERP实施的CBR系统的框架，并重点研究了其中的关键技术。在案例表示片面，根据ERP实施过程的阶段划分，自顶向下对案例内容进行分解，采用状态-过程-状态的链状结构来表示事件发展的历程和情境信息。在此基础上，采用知识引导策略和最近邻法相结合的混合检索策略进行案例检索。最后给出了一个应用实例进行分析。     

Developing a practical framework for ERP readiness assessment using fuzzy analytic network process

Previous studies report unusually high failure in enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects. Thus, it is necessary to perform an assessment at the initial stage of an ERP implementation program to identify weaknesses or problems which may lead to project failure. No definite practical solution could be found for these kinds of problems in the literature. In this paper, a new look at the determinants of a firm’s readiness to implement an ERP project is presented and using fuzzy analytic network process a practical framework is developed. The firm’s current conditions regarding ERP project can be determined and necessary changes prior to implementation of ERP system can be specified. The readiness for ERP implementation is decomposed into project management, organizational, and change management areas and the assessment factors are identified after comprehensive study of critical success factors on ERP implementation. The proposed framework is applied to a real case and the advantages are illustrated.     

支持中小企业动态联盟的企业资源计划体系

在讨论ERP系统与应用企业的匹配性、中小企业动态联盟的特点及其ERP系统特征的基础上，提出一个基于盟主企业和盟员企业两大层面的ERP结构体系，并阐述了中小企业动态联盟在所设计的ERP环境下协同工作的业务流程．     

Implementing enterprise resource planning systems: organizational performance and the duration of the implementation

This paper examines the impact of the duration of ERP implementation on firm performance both during and after implementation. Organizations choose either an accelerated implementation approach or a traditional (longer) implementation approach. The former approach gives the organization the advantage of speed, but the disadvantage of fitting its processes to that of a packaged (thus, undifferentiated from competitors) ERP. The latter approach allows the organization to redesign strategy and processes, and thus, search for ways to be unique from its competition. The study uses a regression model to capture the changes in various performance measures during and after implementation between firms that implemented the ERP, using the performance measure of a matched group of firms that did not implement an ERP as a benchmark/control sample, on the basis of the duration of the implementation. Financial data from Compustat, and data on start date and end date of ERP implementation between 1990 and 2005 for firms in the Oil and Gas industry was collected from an ERP vendor. Results show that measures such as return on sales improved after implementation. However, measures such as inventory turnover, which reflect operational benefits, improve during implementation. We find that accelerated implementation confers both operational and strategic benefits. This study highlights the strategic consequences of the different choices of implementation.     

ERP系统的组件化模型研究

对ERP系统的组件化进行了研究，提出了ERP系统的组件化模型框架，该模型框架由企业视图层、系统构架层、生命周期层3个维度组成。企业视图维给出了组件化的企业对象，系统构架维给出了ERP系统的组件化层次，生命周期维给出了组件化的实施过程。从软件复用的角度对模型框架进行了详细阐述。     

Using Fuzzy Analytic Network Process to assess the risks in enterprise resource planning system implementation

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the risk level for both intra-organizational cultures and for different industries in implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This study adopts the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP) method to assess ERP implementation risks, which were categorized into four dimensions: management and execution, software system, users, and technology planning. An empirical survey was conducted that utilized the collected survey data of 20 ERP experts in Taiwan to assess, rank, and improve the critical risks of ERP implementation via the FANP method. Based on the results of the FANP method, a follow-up survey of ERP end-users in different departments of three industries was conducted to assess how intra-organizational cultures and cross-industries affect users’ perceived risks a real world scenario. Our research results demonstrated that “lack of management support and assistance” is vital risk for a successful ERP implementation. Top management support and involvement are crucial and essential factors to the success of a firm's ERP implementation. “Ineffective communication with users” was found to be the second highest risk factor. The benefits of using the FANP method for evaluating the risk factors come from the clear priority weights between alternatives. Finally, this study provides suggestions to help enterprises decrease ERP risks, and enhance the chances of success of ERP implementations among intra-organizational cultures and across-industries.     

The role of readiness for change in ERP implementation: Theoretical bases and empirical validation

Implementation of ERP systems continues to drive change in organizations. However, the effort is often considered a failure, partially because potential users resist the change. Readiness plays an active role in reducing resistance to such efforts. Therefore, we examined the formation of readiness for change and its effect on the perceived technological value of an ERP system leading to its use. We developed a model of readiness for change incorporating TAM and TPB. The model was then empirically tested using data collected from users of ERP systems in Korea. Structural equation analysis using LISREL provided significant support for all proposed relationships. Specifically, we found that readiness for change had an indirect effect on behavioral intention to use an ERP system. At the same time, readiness for change was found to be enhanced by two factors: organizational commitment and perceived personal competence.     

实施Oracle ERP系统的一些经验

以中国移动通信公司实施Oracle ERP系统为背景,根据作者参与项目得到的经验教训,探讨了实施Oracle ERP系统的关键问题,并总结出了一些ERP系统实施过程中应高度注意的事项。     

The roles of social identity and dynamic salient group formations for ERP program management success in a postmerger context

Large enterprise resource planning (ERP) programs and their critical success factors (CSFs) have been subject to intensive research in recent years. One of the key challenges is their complexity in terms of their duration, context, and social dynamics. The aim of this study is to investigate these matters with the help of an interpretative case study using the coding techniques of the grounded theory method. We extend extant ERP research by introducing a new theoretical perspective that helps to clarify how stakeholder perceptions and CSFs are interrelated, and evolve throughout the life cycle of a large ERP implementation conceptualized as a program in a postmerger context. Using Social Identity Theory as a metatheory for interpretation, we find that different perceptions of opposing salient groups are particularly important. Our result offers a dialectic process view of ERP program implementation success, which (1) considers the different perceptions of salient groups (2) at different points in time (phases) and (3) proposes that a low perceptual fit in relation to a specific CSF contributes to program failure as opposed to (4) a high perceptual fit in relation to the respective CSF, which contributes to program success. We offer a new theoretical lens and propositions for future work highlighting the importance of salient groups and their CSF perceptions for ERP program success. Practitioners can use our findings as a guide towards increasing the probability of success throughout the course of their ERP program life cycles.     

钢铁企业信息化中MES与ERP的集成应用

在冶金企业实现信息化的过程中,企业越来越强烈地意识到MES与ERP的有效集成是一个重要环节,是提高企业竞争力的重要技术之一.文中论述了现代钢铁企业信息化建设的整体架构和ERP、MES的主要功能,介绍了安钢信息化系统的实施情况,探讨ERP与MES的集成和应用,最后指出在应用中存在的问题和解决办法.     

Erp Implementation Failure: A Case Study

While it is true that successful implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is a task of Herculean proportions, it is not impossible. If your organization is to reap the benefits of ERP, it must first develop a plan for success. But “prepare to see your organization reengineered, your staff disrupted, and your productivity drop before the payoff is realized.” Implementing ERP must be viewed and undertaken as a new business endeavor and a team mission, not just a software installation. Companies must involve all employees, and unconditionally and completely sell them on the concept of ERP for it to be a success. A successful implementation means involving, supervising, recognizing, and retaining those who have worked or will work closely with the system. Without a team attitude and total backing by everyone involved, an ERP implementation will end in less than an ideal situation. This was the situation for a soft drink bottler that tried to cut corners and did not recognize the importance of the people so heavily involved and depended on.     

The critical success factors for ERP implementation: an organizational fit perspective

Since early 1990s, many firms around the world have shifted their information technology (IT) strategy from developing information systems in-house to purchasing application software such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. IT managers responsible for managing their organization’s ERP implementation view their ERP systems as their organizations’ most strategic computing platform. However, despite such strategic importance, ERP projects report an unusually high failure rate, sometimes jeopardizing the core operations of the implementing organization. This study explores the root of such high failure rate from an “organizational fit of ERP” perspective. Based on the relevant literature, we define the concept of organizational fit of ERP and examine its impact on ERP implementation, together with ERP implementation contingencies. The results from our field survey of 34 organizations show that ERP implementation success significantly depends on the organizational fit of ERP and certain implementation contingencies.     

Building the hybrid organisation through ERP and enterprise social software

This research traces the implementation of an information system in the form of ERP modules covering tenant and contract management in a Chinese service company. Misalignments between the ERP system specification and user needs led to the adoption of informal processes within the organisation. These processes are facilitated within an informal organisational structure and are based on human interactions undertaken within the formal organisation. Rather than to attempt to suppress the emergence of the informal organisation the company decided to channel the energies of staff involved in informal processes towards organisational goals. The company achieved this by harnessing the capabilities of what we term a hybrid ERP system, combining the functionality of a traditional (formal) ERP installation with the capabilities of Enterprise Social Software (ESS). However the company recognised that the successful operation of the hybrid ERP system would require a number of changes in organisational design in areas such as reporting structures and communication channels. A narrative provided by interviews with company personnel is thematised around the formal and informal characteristics of the organisation as defined in the literature. This leads to a definition of the characteristics of the hybrid organisation and strategies for enabling a hybrid organisation, facilitated by a hybrid ERP system, which directs formal and informal behaviour towards organisational goals and provides a template for future hybrid implementations.     

Role Negotiation and Interaction: An Exploratory Case Study of the Impact of Management Consultants on ERP System Implementation in SMEs in Taiwan

With growing pressures for collaborative information systems (IS) partnerships, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation has been an important activity for improving supply chains efficiency in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Historically ERP consultants usually take a product-selling approach in SMEs, providing limited management consultancy services. However, a more constructive role for management consultants has become an emerging and challenging issue. This study explored the involvement of management consultants in ERP implementation, particularly with internal managers, ERP consultants and other project members. Extensive interviews were conducted with management consultants as well as 47 project members from four different SMEs in Taiwan employing ERP consultants. Using a grounded theory methodology, prior literature was used to sensitize the findings to key concepts of importance. The results were then analyzed and we described how owner-managers regard management consultants and how the consultants use role negotiation skills to work with both internal managers and ERP consultants. The study found resistance toward management consultants primarily from managers in SMEs, and not owner-managers. The relationships between management consultants and SME managers also differed from similar relationships in large organizations. Suggestions are also provided for academics and practitioners along with areas for future research to extend these exploratory findings.     

国内企业实施ERP情况的分析研究

通过实际案例，介绍了我国典型企业实施与运作ERP系统的现状，深层次地探讨了其失败的多方面的原因，从企业领导的角色，项目管理，组织结构，培训体系，生产类型及生产计划方式等方面对ERP项目的成功实施与运用进行了分析研究。     

Role Negotiation and Interaction: An Exploratory Case Study of the Impact of Management Consultants on ERP System Implementation in SMEs in Taiwan

Abstract

With growing pressures for collaborative information systems (IS) partnerships, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation has been an important activity for improving supply chains efficiency in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Historically ERP consultants usually take a product-selling approach in SMEs, providing limited management consultancy services. However, a more constructive role for management consultants has become an emerging and challenging issue. This study explored the involvement of management consultants in ERP implementation, particularly with internal managers, ERP consultants and other project members. Extensive interviews were conducted with management consultants as well as 47 project members from four different SMEs in Taiwan employing ERP consultants. Using a grounded theory methodology, prior literature was used to sensitize the findings to key concepts of importance. The results were then analyzed and we described how owner-managers regard management consultants and how the consultants use role negotiation skills to work with both internal managers and ERP consultants. The study found resistance toward management consultants primarily from managers in SMEs, and not owner-managers. The relationships between management consultants and SME managers also differed from similar relationships in large organizations. Suggestions are also provided for academics and practitioners along with areas for future research to extend these exploratory findings.     

Challenges of Enterprise Resource Planning implementation in Iran large organizations

An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a fully integrated business management system covering functional areas of an enterprise like Logistics, Production, Finance, Accounting and Human Resources. The implementation of this system is a difficult and high cost proposition that places tremendous demands on corporate time and resources. Most of the ERP implementations have been classified as failures because they did not achieve predetermined corporate goals. The main goal of this research is determining the most important challenges of ERP implementation in Iran large organizations and our case study was the Isfahan Telecommunication. The population of this study consists of the 1500 employees of this organization from which 40 experts and employees were selected randomly and uniformly as a sample. We used questionnaire and interviews to collect data and analyzed them by SPSS using one sample t-test. The result of the study shows that the most important challenges of ERP implementation are organizational barriers, especially lack of human resources with the weighted average of 267.33. The next important issues of ERP implementation are technological factors such as unbalanced combination in team projects and then individual factors like lack of senior executives׳ involvement with the weighted average of 48.8 are the least important challenges in ERP implementation.     

基于SOA的ERP系统体系结构的研究

分析了现有ERP系统的局限性，指出现有ERP系统不能适应企业的业务流程重组、不能灵活地支持供应链管理功能，在分析了面向服务架构（SOA）的特点后，提出了面向服务架构的ERP系统体系结构，给出了基于J2EE平台的面向服务架构的具体实现技术。