Determining Factors of ERP Assimilation: Exploratory Findings from a Developed and a Developing Country

A comparative case study analysis of six firms in a developed and a developing country suggest that in both contexts, the primary factor for supporting and encouraging a successful ERP assimilation is EPR assimilation.

Abstract

ERP systems gained a worldwide popularity as the software application that would improve the businesses' efficiency and productivity and streamline their operations. Realizing these benefits however depends on the deep and extensive assimilation of the system in the organization. Research about ERP post-implementation and ERP assimilation however is very limited. Similarly, scant research investigated EPR experiences in developing countries. Based on a qualitative research methodology grounded in the diffusion of innovations theory, the present research aims at investigating the factors that would promote EPR assimilation. A comparative case study analysis of six firms in a developed and a developing country suggest that in both contexts, the primary factor for supporting and encouraging a successful ERP assimilation. Other factors such as training and education, IT support, organizational culture, managers and users involvement and strategic alignment were also identified as factors that foster ERP assimilation. Our results also emphasize the need to watch for and to carefully manage factors that could hamper the proper ERP assimilation.