Published at : 19 Oct 2022
Volume : IJtech
Vol 13, No 5 (2022)
DOI : https://doi.org/10.14716/ijtech.v13i5.5835
Sharbani Harun | Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63100, Malaysia |
Magiswary Dorasamy | Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63100, Malaysia |
Abdul Aziz Ahmad | Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63100, Malaysia |
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) improves commercial
activity control and provides a competitive advantage when combined with
existing benefits. However, end-users
oppose ERP implementation because it disrupts the status quo. In addition, ensuring that all operational
units use the same ERP system is not an easy task. Therefore, a lack of adaptability is the
cause of ERP failure. This study used a
qualitative case study approach to analyze an event and understood the ERP
system and natural phenomena. The data
was collected using a semi-structured interview. The researcher reached data saturation at the
15th respondent's feedback.
Documentary data were examined for patterns and themes prior to
triangulation. The result of this study
shows that end-user support is critical to a system's daily operation and
implementation, especially when it is new.
Only a system that has been effectively designed, delivered, and trained
may be used by end users. Implementing
ERP enhances an organization's capacity and performance. Post-implementation evaluation is needed to
determine the organization's potential and the system's value. Except for financial performance, the
organization's overall performance has improved across all Balance Score Card
(BSC) perspectives of internal processes, customers, learning, and growth. Adopting new technologies is expected to
enhance the organization's overall efficiency.
Each identified thematic area affects an organization's ability to use
its ERP system effectively and efficiently to achieve previously identified
benefits. In addition, the study found
that STP organizations focus on the benefits of implementing ERP rather than
the associated costs. Finally,
organizations can better plan for the future benefits of replacing or updating
ERP systems.
Behaviour of the end-user; ERP system; Enterprise performance; Post-ERP implementation; STP organization
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems represent the most
significant development in the application of information technology. However, risks associated with implementing
an ERP system include the challenge of learning new systems and the need for
enterprise-specific procurement plans.
However, by implementing project management, limiting the project's
scope, and avoiding extensive system customization, this risk can be reduced.
Companies frequently run into operational issues after making a sizable ERP investment (Ismail & Harun, 2021). The Malaysian Science and Technology Park (STP) is also experiencing similar challenges. In addition, end-users frequently object to ERP implementation because it has resulted in unavoidable workplace changes (Liere-Netheler et al., 2017). Based on previous research, the failure of ERP implementation may be attributed to the inability of employees to communicate effectively and meet changing standards (Bento et al., 2019). In addition, employees' attitudes towards ERP implementation may negatively impact productivity and client satisfaction. Additionally, if a company spends too much to implement an ERP, it may also damage the reputation of the ERP system.
Notwithstanding the benefits and challenges of the ERP system, the STP for this study had decided to proceed with implementing the ERP as part of its digital transformation initiative. The STP chose ERP because of its non-financial and financial benefits. After implementation, the STP did not evaluate the ERP systems to see if their potential had been fully realized. As a result, preliminary interviews indicated that STP end-users have mixed feelings toward adopting the ERP. Thus, this ERP study aims to determine how ERP has benefited the STP organization.
The most challenging phase of an ERP system is system implementation. ERP/SAP implementation uses the SAP Accelerated SAP (ASAP) methodology (Mueller et al., 2019). The ASAP methodology is an effective SAP project management tool for planning, managing, and implementing SAP (Supriyono & Sutiah, 2020). However, the current ASAP methodology lacks an evaluation element to assess the ERP post-implementation benefits. After years of ERP implementation, a post-implementation evaluation is recommended to determine if benefits were realized. Following ERP implementation, a new framework for ASAP will be created by adding evaluation components. Therefore, this study aims to provide managers with the knowledge necessary for a successful ERP implementation.
1.1.
Implementation
Challenges
ERP systems have the potential to help businesses improve
their operations and develop a competitive edge (Alomari et al.,
2018).
It is because the ERP system integrates best practices, management
capabilities, real-time reporting, and data analysis to increase value creation
and efficiency within the organization.
Furthermore, in today's business environment, an ERP system enables the
organization to manage all aspects of its operations comprehensively (Ullah
et al., 2018).
As a result, ERP systems improve process efficiency, streamlined
inventory, supply chain communication, and customer experience (Govindaraju
et al., 2018).
Furthermore, an ERP system can reduce costs and increase investment
return, improving consumer decision-making (Seyal &
Rahman, 2017).
Additionally, the ERP reduces turnaround times, order cycles, and
inventory levels (AboAbdo et al., 2019).
Notwithstanding the above, the organization often faces
business issues after significant investment in an ERP system, which receives
no return (Abd-Elmonem et al., 2017). This study was done on STP ERP systems
because they face similar implementation challenges. The fact that no system performance
evaluation had been carried out despite years of ERP implementation also
motivated this study. Therefore, the
study findings will assist future ERP system implementations by understanding
key issues and potential solutions.
Furthermore, IT managers and managers must be able to quantify the
system's benefits to justify ERP maintenance costs (Beric et al.,
2018).
When an ERP system is fully implemented, only then its benefits become
apparent.
1.2. Research Gaps
Gap
1: The research gap on ERP post-implementation within STP focuses on end-user
resistance to change to a new system.
Gap
2: There is a research gap in the success of ERP implementation in STP, which
focuses on organizational performance using a balanced scorecard.
Gap 3: The ASAP methodology has a research gap in the post-ERP implementation component. i.e., ERP success requires post-implementation evaluation.
Relevant Theories and Models to the Implementation of ERP System
STS,
UTAUT, and BSC are among the theories/model that may explain the challenges, as
shown in Table 1 below. This section
provides an overview of relevant theories and approaches to the study.
Table 1 Relevant Theories/Models
The following are the objectives of this paper:
a) To review
post-implementation research gaps in the Malaysia STP organization,
b) To propose
an STP conceptual framework based on research results.
2.1.
Conceptualisation
Figure 1 shows a conceptual framework for
post-implementation studies emphasizing the evaluation stage. The two predominant theories and the BSC
method for comprehending these three distinct facets:
a) Sociotechnical system (STS)
theory: End user behavior
b) A unified theory of technology
acceptance and use technology (UTAUT) for ERP implementation
c) A Balanced Scorecard (BSC)
approach to measuring organizational performance
This study is based on an interpretive
paradigm appropriate for investigating natural phenomena using the qualitative
research method (Thelwall & Nevill, 2021). As a result, this study employs a case study
methodology (Vega,
2018). Interviews were
collected using semi-structured questions (Boulos et al., 2022). Triangulation was used to check the accuracy
of the interview data (Goodman-Scott, 2022). The study's case organization is a Malaysian
STP. Therefore, the sample for this
study was chosen using purposive sampling (Doan, 2018). Purposive sampling is a non-random sampling
design in which respondents were selected based on their similarity to the
phenomenon under study (Agapiou, 2022).
This sample included fifteen (15) respondents
who were interviewed from four different employee groups at the Malaysian STP
organization. End users of ERP systems
and those working on ERP implementation projects in Malaysia STP are eligible
for participation because they meet the criteria of the sample. At the fifteenth (15) participant, data
saturation was achieved. Data saturation
aims to determine when to end data collection (Lassig, 2022). In addition, according to Yin (1994), a
diverse group of respondents gives more useful answers (Ye, 2022).
In this study, a qualitative data
analysis methodology was employed. The
qualitative data revealed recurring patterns in underlying themes or beliefs (Darko, 2022). Furthermore, themes and patterns from the
qualitative data analysis were extracted, and the results were triangulated
with data from the supporting documentation.
Therefore, this study used respondents' semi-structured interview data
and other relevant documents related to the implementation of the ERP. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the
study interview data. Analysis of
interview data revealed the shape and meaning of substances (Maming, 2022). The use of thematic analysis has made it
possible to identify common themes.
Thematic studies
include, but are not limited to, data profile analysis and visualization (Ozuem et al.,
2022). The interview
questions were sent to three subject matter and methodology experts before the
data collection to identify potential mistakes and enhance the interview
questions. After amending the interview
questions in response to a review by a subject-matter expert, cognitive
interviews with two chosen sample respondents were carried out. A cognitive interview evaluates the clarity
of statements, instructions, and unclear elements in the session (Simler et al.,
2022). After receiving
feedback, the interview questions were refined and used for real interview
sessions with respondents.
The researcher used thematic analysis to search for common themes in the
research data. Thematic analysis is a
technique that allows the identification, analysis, and communication of data
trends (themes). Three major themes
emerged:
4.1. Themes
1: Frequent Use, On-going Training, and
Adequate Resources Will Improve ERP Acceptance
The first theme is
"Frequent use, ongoing training, and adequate resources will improve ERP
acceptance". These themes focused
on end-users reluctance to adopt a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
system. It is linked to Research
Question 1. (RQ1). End-user support is critical to the
day-to-day implementation and operation, mainly when the system is brand
new. On the other hand, end-users cannot
use a system efficiently unless designed, trained, and delivered efficiently. Therefore, the ERP will not accomplish its
objective due to end-users resistance.
The researcher used Nvivo
software and a word frequency request for visual analysis to find themes
identified by end-users of the ERP system.
The most popular words found are activities, knowledge, and support,
with 72 counts for activities, 49 for knowledge, and 40 for support (Table
2). This result confirms that end-user
support is crucial to the success of an ERP system and the optimal use of the
system by end-users. Figure 2
illustrates a Word Cloud showing the frequency of words used in response to
Research Question 1.
Table 2 Themes
Themes
/ Set of Themes |
Sub
Themes |
Frequent Use, On-going
Training, and Adequate Resources Will Improve ERP Acceptance |
Activities
(72) Knowledge
(49) Support
(40) |
4.2. Themes-2:
The Effects of ERP Implementation on Organizational Performance
The second theme is "The Effects of ERP Implementation on
Organizational Performance". This second theme relates to the ERP's
post-implementation success and its impact on organizational performance as
measured by the balanced scorecard. This
theme supports Research Question 2 (RQ2).
Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) improves an
organization's organizational capacity while enabling it to reach higher levels
of organizational performance.
Furthermore, ERP systems should reduce costs by increasing efficiency
through automation and improving decision-making by providing accurate and
timely information across the enterprise.
The researcher used Nvivo
software and a word frequency query for visual analysis to find the themes
identified by the ERP system's end-users.
The most frequently used words were identified as organization, process,
and structured, with 44 counts for organization, 32 for process, and 31 for
structured (Table 3). Thus, this
confirms that the ERP system significantly impacts organizational performance
as it is an organized and systematic approach.
Figure 3 illustrates a Word Cloud showing the frequency of words used in
response to Research Question 2.
Table 3 Relevant Theories/Models
Themes
/ Set of Themes |
Sub
Themes |
The
Effects of ERP Implementation on Organizational Performance |
Organization
(44) Process
(32) Structured
(31) |
Figure 3 Word
Cloud Illustrating Word Frequency – Response to Question 2
4.3. Themes-3: ERP Post-Implementation
Evaluation is Crucial
The third theme is "ERP Post-Implementation Evaluation is Crucial". This third theme emerged from this research: whether there was a need for post-implementation evaluation to determine whether the case organization had realized the full benefits of the ERP system following its successful implementation. As a result, this theme is supportive of Research Question 3 (RQ3).
After implementing an ERP system
for a few years, participants unanimously agreed that it must evaluate whether
the organization has reached its full potential. In addition, the organization will assess whether
the end-user has fully used the module's capabilities and improved the quality
of its results. Furthermore, to
determine whether an ERP system is a good investment, a cost-benefit analysis
must be performed.
The researcher used Nvivo
software and a word frequency query for visual analysis to find the themes
identified by the ERP system's end-users.
The most frequently used words were system,
knowledge, and program, with 32
counts for a system, 32 for knowledge, and 22 for the program; similar words represented
these. (Table 4). Thus, this finding confirms that, following
the implementation of an ERP system for a few years, all participants agreed
that an evaluation is necessary to determine whether the organization has fully
realized its potential. Figure 4
illustrates a Word Cloud showing the frequency of words used in response to
Research Question 3.
Table 4 Relevant Theories/Models
Themes / Set of Themes |
Sub Themes |
ERP Post-Implementation Evaluation is Crucial |
System (32) Knowledge (32) Program (22) |
Figure 4 Word
Cloud Illustrating Word Frequency – Response to Question 3
4.4.
The Impact of ERP Implementation on Organizational Financial Performance
A comparison has been made between STP's
overall financial ratio analysis and that of the benchmark organization. Implementing an ERP system has not
significantly improved the financial performance of the STP organization. However, it did decrease operating expenses
as a percentage of revenue generated, implying that the case organization used
less workforce to generate revenue than the benchmark system. However, it is essential to bear in mind that
there are limits to financial ratios analysis because of its inability to take
external factors into account in its calculations. In the ratios analysis, external factors like
the economic slowdown, for example, cannot be considered (Kliestik et al., 2020).
4.5. Organisation Performance Assessment using a Balanced
Scorecard Model (BSC)
In
the case organization or a selected STP organization, three years after
implementing ERP, overall organizational performance based on the Balanced
Scorecard assessment had improved from internal processes, customers, and learning
and growth, except for financial performance, which had decreased. The organization's financial performance is
impacted by several factors, such as the ERP implementation and external
factors beyond its control. External
factors such as the slowdown in the economy, shifts in government policy, and
the inability to secure contracts have contributed to the organization's poor
financial performance.
4.6. Triangulation
Using
a technique known as "triangulation" in qualitative research can help
improve the validity of the results (Bryman, 2004). The researcher collects data that converge
from various methods or data sources.
For example, this section will discuss Research Question 2 (RQ2)
findings. The current study used
triangulation to ensure the highest data quality by examining participant
perceptions using semi-structured interviews, financial data analysis, and the
organization's Balanced Scorecard output on Research Question 2 (RQ2).
The
fifteen (15) semi-structured interviewees' responses support the second
Research Question (RQ2). Participants
agreed that the ERP implementation improved the non-financial performance of
this organization, except for financial performance. This response is consistent with this organization's
financial ratio analysis before and after ERP implementation. This analysis revealed that the
organization's financial performance had deteriorated due to the ERP system's
implementation. On the other hand,
implementing ERP has increased performance across all three (3) Balanced
Scorecard dimensions, namely internal processes, customer service, and learning
and growth.
This study aims to
inform the ERP Knowledge Community about research gaps in ERP implementation
and organizational performance. Adopting
new technologies is expected to improve the organization's overall
effectiveness. After ERP was
implemented in this STP organization, its relationship to organizational
performance was analyzed. These thematic
areas influence an organization's ability to utilize its ERP system
effectively. For example, organizations
with knowledge-based employees may ignore the full impact of missing or
incomplete attributes and inadequate training if they are not carefully
monitored. The study found that STP
organizations prioritize the benefits of implementing an ERP system over the
costs. In addition, as the organization
replaces or upgrades the system, it will have a better return on investment
plan.
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