Differences in ERP use and value across Iberian Manufacturing and Services SMEs

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system literature reports very little research on post-adoption stages, that is, actual usage and value. Even fewer studies focus on the specificities of an industry analysis. Based on the Technology-Organizational-Environment (TOE) framework and the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, we develop a research model to measure and examine determinants of ERP use and value and their impact in the Iberian region (Portugal and Spain) across Manufacturing and Services industries in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The empirical test was conducted through structural equation modelling, using data from 261 firms in the peninsula in the Manufacturing and Service industries. Results show that amongst ERP use determinants, Training is the most important determinant for Service firms and Compatibility for Manufacturing firms. Firm size, Analytics, and Collaboration contribute to ERP Value in both industries, with Analytics being more important for the Service industry. The paper provides insight into which determinants contribute to ERP use and ERP value in Iberian Manufacturing and Services SMEs, offering managerial and academic implications.

A technology diffusion perspective of Enterprise Resource Planning across European Small and Medium Enterprises: from determinants to Use to Value

Tese apresentada como requisito parcial para obtenção do grau de Doutor em Gestão de Informação

Construção de Sistemas Integrados de Gestão para Micro e Pequenas Empresas

As Micro e Pequenas Empresas (MPE) possuem na sua essência recursos limitados. Raramente possuem um Sistema Integrado de Gestão (SIG) que lhes permita gerir o seu negócio de forma transversal e que mapeie todos os processos da empresa. Devido ao número reduzido de colaboradores, não dispõem internamente alguns serviços. O seu espaço de mercado é em geral limitado. As suas competências específicas raramente permitem apresentar uma oferta global. Por serem pequenas, não têm força negocial perante os seus fornecedores e eventuais parceiros estratégicos. A Arquitetura de Sistemas de Informação (ASI) permite representar e mapear os diversos aspetos da gestão das empresas e alinhar as Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) com as necessidades destas empresas. Este trabalho pretende apresentar e descrever uma Macro Arquitetura para a construção de SIG, orientados para as MPE, e que inclua um conjunto de serviços integrados numa única plataforma.

The role of information systems in business process redesign : a case of Turkish electricity market

This study is specifically concerned with the effect of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) on the Business Process Redesign (BPR). Researcher’s experience and the investigation on previous researches imply that BPR and ERP are deeply related to each other and a study to found the mentioned relation further is necessary. In order to elaborate the hypothesis, a case study, in particular Turkish electricity distribution market and the phase of privatization are investigated. Eight companies that have taken part in privatization process and executed BPR serve as cases in this study. During the research, the cases are evaluated through critical success factors on both BPR and ERP. It was seen that combining the ERP Solution features with business processes lead the companies to be successful in ERP and BPR implementation. When the companies’ success and efficiency were compared before and after the ERP implementation, a considerable change was observed in organizational structure. It was spotted that the team composition is important in the success of ERP projects. Additionally, when the ERP is in driver or enabler role, the companies can be considered successful. On the contrary, when the ERP has a neutral role of business processes, the project fails. In conclusion, it can be said that the companies, which have implemented the ERP successfully, have accomplished the goals of the BPR.