Definition and Support of Critical Success Factors in ERP
Implementations
- Esteves J.,
Pastor J. 1999. "An ERP
Life-cycle-based Research Agenda". 1º International
Workshop on
Abstract:
Abstract. Since the
study of ERP systems is a new area, there is very little theoretical or
empirical research on the topic. Limited studies have been conducted in the
past, but now, due to the magnitude of the ERP phenomenom, the need for such
studies has become very important. With regard to research on ERP-related
topics, we have found a large scope of research issues and a great number of
influencing variables, which we have here attempted to organize into a
framework. Thus, this initial position paper sets out to list, define and
categorize the research issues relating to ERP systems within an ERP life-cycle
process framework. The framework is structured in phases and dimensions. The
phases are the different stages of an ERP system life-cycle within an
organization, and the dimensions are the different viewpoints by which the
phases could be analyzed.
- Pastor J.,
Esteves J. 1999. "The ERP life-cycle"(in spanish),
Datamation Magazine, spanish version, December 1999.
- Esteves J., Carvalho
J., Santos A.
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
2000a. "Towards
a Unified ERP
Implementation Critical Success Factors Model", first conference of
portuguese association of information systems,
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
2000b. "Towards
the Unification of Critical Success Factors for ERP Implementations", 10th
Annual BIT conference,
Abstract:
Despite the
benefits that can be achieved from a successful ERP system implementation,
there is already evidence of high failure risks in ERP implementation projects.
Too often, project managers focus mainly on the technical and financial aspects
of the implementation project, while neglecting or putting less effort on the
nontechnical issues. Therefore, one of the major research issues in ERP systems
today is the study of ERP implementation success. Some authors have shown that
ERP implementation success definition and measurement depends on the points of
view of the involved stakeholders. A typical approach used to define and
measure ERP implementation success has been critical success factors
approach.Along this line, in this research we seek to contribute to our
understanding of the critical success factors of ERP implementations and how
these factors can be put into practice to help the process of project
management in ERP implementations. We attempt to build a consensus from
previous research and to derive a unified model of critical success factors in
ERP implementations.For this purpose we apply grounded theory as our main
research method. We have collected all the relevant research material and we
have coded it. To increase the validity and reliability of the study, the
several information sources have been triangulated and inconsistencies have
been clarified with additional documentation. This study provides the results
of the open coding process from our application of the grounded theory method. After
the coding step, we obtain an initial unified model of the critical success
factors in ERP implementations. We then map these critical success factors in a
matrix with four perspectives: organisational, technological, strategic and
tactical.
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
2000c. "ERP Systems: Overview and
Research Issues", technical research report, LSI-00-4-R,
Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya , January 2000.
- Pastor J. Esteves J.
2000d. "
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
2000e. "Applying
Grounded Theory to Create a Unified Critical Success Factors Model for ERP
Implementations", technical research
report, LSI-00-58-R, Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya, October 2000.
- Esteves J., Carvalho
J., Santos A. 2001. "Towards an ERP life-cycle Costs
Model", Information Resources Management Association (IRMA) international
conference,
Abstract:
Many organizations have
adopted ERP systems, but most of them are not aware of the total costs
associated with them, and they only consider the costs related with the
software acquisition. This article is an exploratory study that sets out to
identify other costs related to ERP systems during their life-cycle. Through
the different phases of the life-cycle we define and categorize the various
costs. The costs were classified as tanglible and intangible. We also describe
a case study where the costs related to the three initial phases of the
life-cycle were analyzed: acquistion, implementation, and usage and
maintenance. Finally, some conclusions are drawn and we pose some research
questions for further work.
- Esteves J.,
Pastor J. 2001. "Analysis of the ERP Project Champion
Role and Criticality", Technical Research Report, LSI-01-33-R, Universidad
Politecnica de Catalunya, June 2001.
- Esteves J., Pastor J. 2001. "Establishing the
Importance of ERP Implementation Critical Success Factors Along
ASAP Methodology Processes", International conference on enterprise
information systems (ICEIS), vol 1,
- Esteves J. Pastor J.
Abstract:
This paper seeks to
analyze the relevance of critical success factors along SAP implementation
phases. The ASAP implementation methodology is used as the SAP implementation
reference model. Applying a process quality management method and the grounded
theory method, we derive a matrix of critical success factors versus ASAP
processes. Then, we evaluate the relevance of critical success factors along
the five phases of ASAP, specifically of those ones related with organizational
perspective. These findings will help managers to develop better strategies for
supervising and controlling SAP implementation projects.
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
Abstract:
Despite the growing interest
on ERP systems, publications on these systems within the
academic Information Systems community, as reflected by contributions to
international conferences and journals is only emerging. The goal of
this study is to provide an annotated bibliography of the ERP publications
published in the main Information Systems conferences and journals and to
review the state of art in this area. The surveyed publications are categorized
through an ERP life-cycle based framework that is structured in phases. The
phases are the different stages of an ERP system life-cycle within an
organization. Furthermore, we present
topics for further research in each phase.
- Esteves J., Jorje J. 2001. "Comparative Analysis of SAP Implementation
Methodologies" (in portuguese), 2º. Conference of Associação
Portuguesa de sistemas de informação (APSI), Portugal, November 2001.
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
Abstract:
During the last
years some researchers have studied the critical success factors (CSFs) in ERP
implementations. However, until now, no one has studied how these CSFs should
be put in practice to help organizations achieve success in ERP
implementations. This technical research report attempts to define the usage of
Goals/Questions/Metrics (GQM) approach in the definition of a measurement
system for ERP implementation projects. GQM approach is a mechanism for
defining and interpreting operational, measurable goals. Lately, because of its
intuitive nature the approach has gained widespread appeal. We present a
metrics overview and a description of GQM approach. Then we provide an example
of GQM application for monitoring sustained management support in ERP
implementations. Sustained management support is the most cited critical
success factor in ERP implementation projects.
- Esteves J., Pastor J., Casanovas J.
Abstract:
This technical
research report proposes the usage of a statistical approach named Partial
Least squares (PLS) to define the relationships between critical success
factors for ERP implementation projects. In previous research work, we developed
a unified model of critical success factors for ERP implementation projects. Some
researchers have evidenced the relationships between these critical success
factors, however no one has defined in a formal way these relationships. PLS is
one of the techniques of structural equation modelling approach. Therefore, in
this report is presented an overview of this approach. We provide an example of
PLS method modelling application; in this case we use two critical success
factors. However, our project will be extended to all the critical success
factors of our unified model. To compute the data, we are going to use
PLS-graph developed by Wynne Chin.
- Esteves J.,
Pastor J.
Abstract:
In order to achieve success
in a software project, it is important to define and analyze the most critical
processes within the project. A common approach to define most critical
processes is the Process Quality Management (PQM) method. However, the process
structure of the PQM method is too simple since it only provides one level of
process analysis. Real cases imply project process structures that are more
complex. We have improved the PQM analysis section to provide more depth to
real project structures. This study attempts to analyze this issue in a
specific type of software projects: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
implementation projects. We present a framework to analyze most critical work
packages in ERP implementation projects. We then apply the result of the
analysis to SAP implementation projects. The result is a list of critical work
packages in each phase of a SAP implementation project. These results show the
higher importance of work packages related with organizational and project
management aspects compared with the technical ones. Therefore, these results
evidence the need of project managers to focus on these work packages.
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
Abstract:
Existence of an
adequate project champion role has been identified as a critical success factor
in ERP implementation projects. However, the figure of the project champion is
not yet quite well understood. Some authors relate it with the project sponsor
figure while others relate it with the project manager figure. This paper tries
to clarify these concepts. Our research framework has been based upon an
extensive ERP literature review and a web survey. The findings of this survey
show that the adequate project champion role is that of the project sponsor;
respondents also think that both project manager and project sponsor are
critical to the success of an ERP implementation project and not merely the
project champion figure. We also show the interdependence between project
sponsor role, project manager role and ERP project success, for which we
present an interdependence model.
- Esteves J., Ramos I.,
Carvalho J. 2002. "Use of Grounded Theory in
Information Systems Area: An Exploratory Analysis", European
Conference on Research Methods (ECRM), Reading (
Abstract
Lately,
Grounded Theory method is gaining importance as a method for theory building.
However, its application is not free of criticism due to lack of rigour and
formality in research procedures and description of results. We analysed four
cases were Grounded Theory method was used and, for each case, we identified
several issues to the use of this research method. A number of recommendations
and a list of critical success factors for practitioners has
been generated as a result of the findings of this study. We think that this
information might be useful for people that is
starting a research project and want to use Grounded Theory method.
- Esteves J.,
Pastor J., Casanovas J. 2002. "Monitoring
and Evaluating Training in ERP Implementation Projects", European
conference on Information Technology Evaluation (ECITE),
Abstract
During the last years
some researchers have studied the topic of critical success factors in ERP
implementations, out of which 'training' is cited as one of the most ones. Up
to this moment, there is not enough research on the management and
operationalization of critical success factors within ERP implementation
projects. This paper presents a proposal for monitoring training in ERP
implementations. In order to develop a set of metrics for such a monitoring
task, we have used the Goals/Questions/Metrics (GQM) approach. The GQM approach
is a mechanism for defining and interpreting operational, measurable goals. Because
of its intuitive nature the approach has gained widespread appeal. As a result,
we propose a GQM preliminary plan with different metrics to monitor and control
training while implementing an ERP system.
- Esteves J.,
Pastor J., Casanovas J.
Abstract
ERP implementation
success is influenced by a large number of factors, which most of the times are
difficult to measure objectively. Adequate Business Process Redesign (BPR) is
one of the most cited critical success factors in ERP implementation projects,
and one of the most critical ones for the their satisfactory outcome. This
study attempts to define a set of metrics for monitoring BPR within ERP
implementation projects by using the Goals/Questions/Metrics method. The
results of this work are twofold. First, a literature review on the BPR topic
as related with ERP implementation projects is presented. And second, a
Goals/Questions/Metrics preliminary plan to monitor and control BPR within ERP
implementation projects is proposed.
- Esteves J.,
Pastor J., Casanovas J.
Abstract
Some researchers
have studied the critical success factors in ERP implementations, out of which
sustained management support is cited as the most one. Up to this moment, there
is not enough research on the management and operationalization of critical success
factors within ERP implementation projects. This paper presents a proposal for
monitoring sustained management support in ERP implementations. In order to
develop a set of metrics for such a monitoring task, we have used the
goals/questions/metrics approach. As a result, we propose a GQM preliminary
plan with different metrics to monitor and control sustained management support
while implementing an ERP system.
- Esteves J.,
Pastor J., Casanovas J.
Abstract
During the last years some
researchers have studied the topic of critical success factors in ERP
implementations, out of which 'training' is cited as one of the most ones. Up
to this moment, there is not enough research on the management and
operationalization of critical success factors within ERP implementation
projects. This technical research report proposes a framework for monitoring
and evaluating training in ERP implementation projects. In order to develop a
set of metrics for such monitoring and evaluating tasks, we have used the
Goals/Questions/Metrics (GQM) approach. The GQM approach is a mechanism for
defining and interpreting operational, measurable goals. Because of its
intuitive nature the approach has gained widespread appeal. As a result, we
propose a GQM preliminary plan with different metrics to monitor, control and
evaluate training while implementing an ERP system. We also propose a three
dimensional framework to interpret the metrics defined.
- Esteves
J., Pastor J., Casanovas J 2002."A Metric Plan Proposal to
Monitor User Involvement and Participation in ERP Implementation
Projects", 3º. Conference of Associação
Portuguesa de sistemas de informação (APSI), Portugal, November 2002.
Abstract
ERP implementation success is
influenced by a large number of factors, which most of the times are difficult
to measure objectively. User involvement and participation is one of the most
cited critical success factors in ERP implementation projects, and one of the
most critical ones for the their satisfactory outcome. This study attempts to
define a set of metrics for monitoring user involvement and participation
within ERP implementation projects by using the Goals/Questions/Metrics method.
The results of this work are twofold. First, a literature review is presented
on the user involvement and participation topic as related with ERP
implementation projects. And second, a Goals/Questions/Metrics preliminary plan
is proposed to monitor and control user involvement and participation within
ERP implementation projects.
- Esteves J.,
Pastor J., Casanovas J.
- Esteves
J., Chan R., Pastor J., Rosemann M 2003."An exploratory
Study of Knowledge Types Relevance along Enterprise Systems Implementation
Phases", The fourth
European Conference on Organizational Knowledge, Learning and Capabilities,
April 2003.
Abstract
Enterprise Systems (ES) are now
established business operating systems in many organizations worldwide.
Knowledge management research in ES has been significantly focused on the
creation, sharing and storage of knowledge. However, it is often not clear what
type of ‘knowledge’ has to exactly managed. Therefore,
there is a need to address the epistemological domain of knowledge along the
implementation phases of the market leading Enterprise Systems SAP R/3. This
exploratory study attempts to identify and analyze the different types of
knowledge along the implementation phases of a SAP system. Through an analysis
of knowledge types and critical success factors along the phases of SAP’s
implementation methodology, it is possible to gain insights into the relevance
of knowledge types required for implementing an ES.
- Esteves J., Pastor J., Casanovas
J.
Abstract
ERP implementation project success
is influenced by a large number of factors, which most of the time are
difficult to measure objectively. User involvement and participation is one of
the most cited critical success factors in ERP implementation projects, and one
of the most critical ones for their satisfactory outcome. This study attempts
to define a set of metrics for monitoring user involvement and participation
within ERP implementation projects by using the Goals/Questions/Metrics method.
The results of this work are twofold. First, a literature review is presented
on the user involvement and participation topic as related with ERP
implementation projects. And second, the use of the Goals/Questions/Metrics
method is proposed to develop a metrics plan to monitor and control user
involvement and participation within ERP implementation projects.
- Esteves J., Pastor J., Carvalho
J.
Abstract
This paper describes a case of an
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation in a Portuguese SME. We
focused on the identification of organizational factors that affected the ERP
implementation project. We also analyze the ERP implementation project from a
national cultural perspective using Geert Hofstede’s dimensions. These
dimensions are used to explain some of the attitudes and behaviours during the
ERP implementation project. Our findings enforce that some of the problems in
ERP implementation projects are not of technological nature but may be
attributed to organizational factors while some issues are related to national
culture.
- Esteves J., Casanovas J.,
Pastor J.
Abstract
This research-in-progress paper
proposes the use of a statistical approach named Partial Least squares (PLS) to
define the relationships between Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for ERP
implementation projects. Some researchers have noted that there are
relationships between these CSFs. However, no one has yet tried to define in a
formal way these relationships. In this paper we present an overview of the PLS
approach and provide an application example of the PLS method where we use two
CSFs: those related to project sponsor role and project manager role. However,
our research is being extended to all of the CSFs within our own CSFs unified
model.
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
- Esteves J., Pastor J., Casanovas
J.
- Esteves J., Pastor J. 2003.
"Strategic and Tactical Critical Success Factors Behavior Along the ERP Implementation Phases", European
Conference on Information Technology Evaluation (ECITE),
Abstract
During the last years some
researchers have studied the topic of critical success factors in ERP
implementations. Up to this moment, there is not enough research on the
management and operationalization of critical success factors within ERP
implementation projects. The identification of factors leading to success or
failure of ERP systems is an issue of increasing importance, since the number
of organizations choosing the ERP path keeps growing. In this paper, we
analyzed the evolution of strategic and tactical factors along the ERP
implementation phases. Our findings suggest that while both good strategy and
tactics are essential for a successful ERP implementation project, their
importance shifts as the project moves through its lifecycle.
- Pastor J., Esteves J. 2003.
"Organizational and Technological Critical Success Factors Behavior Along the ERP Implementation Phases", Projects &
Profits, December 2003.
Abstract
Though the implementation of an ERP
project reaps, it does not come without risks. During ERP implementation,
project managers usually focus more on technical and financial aspects than the
non-technical issues. This article presentes a unified critical success factors
model for ERP implementation projects.
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
Abstract
This study presents a case
study carried out in a public Higher Education Institution HEI) that adopted an
ERP solution for its economic management processes. The objective of this study
is twofold. First, we attempt to understand how the process
of selection, implementation, use and maintenance of the ERP have
evolved in the HEI. Second, we attempt to analyze how the different employee
roles changed along the whole process and how they perceived the process. The
research methodology is a combination of different research methods and
techniques. Next we will explain in detail the case study background and the
research methodology. Finally, we present the key aspects that we will present
in the workshop.
- Esteves J., Pastor J. 2004.
"Organizational and Technological Critical Success Factors Behavior Along the ERP Implementation Phases", International
Conference on
Abstract
- Esteves J., Pastor J. 2004. "A Multimethod Research
Approach to Study Critical Success Factors in ERP Implementations",
European
conference on Research Methods (ECRM), Reading (UK), April 2004.
Abstract
This paper explores the use of multimethod
research design. With the development and legitimacy of both qualitative and
quantitative research the combination of both types is expanding. In this paper
we present how we have explored the multimethod approach by using an example
domain in a step-by-step manner, learning about the strengths and weaknesses of
this approach. The context is a doctoral research project whose aim is to study
critical success factors for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation
projects.
- Esteves J., Rodriguez N.,
Pastor J. 2004. "Applying and Extending the SEI Continuos Risk Management
Model", 9th Annual European Systems & Software engineering Process
Group (SEPG), London (UK), June 2004.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on the
adapted and extended implementation of the SEI Continuous Risk Management
method within a higher education institution software project unit. Our results
show that although the SEI method is valuable it benefits from its extension
with organizational risks. We extended the method with a list of organizational
risks based in a model of critical success factors for ERP implementations. We
also developed a risk management support system that helps risk management team
to track and monitor these activities.
- Esteves J., Pastor J.
Abstract
Este
artículo presenta un modelo de FCE unificado para proyectos de implantación de
sistemas ERP desarrollado mediante la aplicación del procedimiento de
codificación del método de investigación Grounded Theory usando un conjunto de
listas de FCE anteriores a
- Esteves J., Pastor J. 2004. "Using a Multimethod Research Approach to Research
- Esteves J. 2005. "Addressing the justification of enterprise systems benefits:
a desires and expectancy disconfirmation model",
Abstract
This
research-in-progress study proposes a research model to analyze the benefits of
Enterprise Systems (ES), by using disconfirmation theory as a theoretical
basis. We review and extend previous models by including the needs/desires of
users as a disconfirmation construct and by separating needs/desires and
expectations of the ES from the information provided by the ES. We suggest that
both elements have an impact on the overall perceived net benefits of the ES
used within an organization. Furthermore, dimensions of equity and attribution
theories are explored as a process mediating the effects of these variables on
satisfaction with the employee and the organization.
- Esteves J., Garot M. 2006. "Comparing ecitizenship development in
Spanish and
Abstract
This study
reports the emerging findings of an exploratory study to investigate the extent
to which eCitizenship is developed in Spanish and some European cities by
assessing the web sites and services provided by each city. We have evaluated
the different Internet information technology tools offered in each site such
as forums, chats, surveys, blogs, email, and also we analyzed what topics are
discussed within those forums, chats and surveys. The findings show that
eCitizenship is in a premature stage.
- Esteves J.,
Abstract
O estudo, Análise do desenvolvimento do Governo Electrónico Municipal em
Portugal, elaborado no marco da cátedra Software AG - Alianza Sumaq em
eGovernment, pretende constituir-se como um referente para Portugal no relativo
ao papel do Governo Electrónico no ámbito municipal e das regiões. A
investigação realizada teve como objectivo a identificação do nivel de
desenvolvimento dos serviços de governo electrónico no ámbito municipal
- Esteves J., Joseph R. 2006. “Developing A Framework for
the assessment of eGovernment Initiatives”, Americas Conference on Information Systems
(AMCIS),.
Abstract
The area of egovernment has received increased
attention over the last few years. Much of this interest is derived from growth
and development of electronic commerce. In
spite of the current developments many avenues in the area of e-government
remain unexplored. One such area
encompasses the determination of the value derived from the implementation of
egovernment projects through comprehensive assessment. Assessment of Information Technology
initiatives is conducted either as an ex-ante or ex-post procedure. In this
study, we present an ex-post framework for the assessment of egovernment
projects. Assessment is defined in terms of identifying the value of the
egovernment project post implementation. We use the socio-technical model to
create a three dimensional framework for the assessment of value of an
egovernment initiative. The three
dimensions presented are egovernment maturity level; stakeholders and
assessment levels. Ultimately, this
framework can be used as a tool locally, regionally and internationally to
understand the true value that an egovernment initiative presents to its
constituents.
- Esteves J., Amaral L., Cantelli
E. 2006. “Synchronous Online Interviews as a Data Collection
Technique: Strengths and Weakenesses”, European Conference on Business Research
Methods (ECRM),
Abstract
This study reports the emerging
findings of an exploratory study to investigate the extent to which
eCitizenship is developed in Spanish and some European cities by assessing the
web sites and services provided by each city. We have evaluated the different
Internet information technology tools offered in each site such as forums,
chats, surveys, blogs, email, and also we analyzed what topics are discussed
within those forums, chats and surveys. The findings show that eCitizenship is
in a premature stage.
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