Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Availability

Open Access Dissertation

Keywords

Business enterprises--Computer networks--Middle East; Business enterprises--Computer networks--United States;

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate and determine the factors affecting the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) in companies in the Arab Gulf States and the United States, using SAP software as an example.

A random sample was selected of 150 companies in the Arab Gulf States and in the United States that had implemented an ERP system using SAP software. Of the 150 respondents, 30 were companies from the Arab Gulf States and 120 from the United States. A total of 67 questionnaires were returned, a return rate of 44.7%.

The Statistical Package for the Social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Statistical tests were conducted at the (.05) level of significance. Frequencies and percentage were used to compute and analyze the variables. Statistical measures included t -test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U tests.

The respondents reported that the major critical success factor for the ERP implementation was the top management support and involvement. They were most dissatisfied about the way change was managed. Most of the respondents believed the ERP implementation was successful.

There were no statistically significant differences found between Arab Gulf and U.S. companies in regard to the factors that affect the implementation of an ERP system. The company size did not make any difference in the critical success factors.

Most of the respondents indicated that functional reasons were the main motivation to implement the ERP system. Although the time schedule and training time for implementation were usually estimated accurately, this was less true for cost estimates. Most of the respondents indicated that they implemented an ERP system to address certain specific problems.

The majority of the respondents who have already implemented an ERP system have chosen an all-in-one approach for ERP software selection and the complete system roll-out-at-once strategy. Preparatory steps included establishing a project team with a strong leader and allocating budget and resources to the implementation.

The major advantage of implementing an ERP system is to have a uniform computer system across the organization. The major disadvantage is the high cost.

Recommendations based on the results of the study include having a clear understanding of the objectives ERP is to serve in the company as well as of the ERP system itself and ensuring that the transition to ERP provides adequate employee training and reassurance for employee concerned about job security.

Year of Submission

2000

Degree Name

Doctor of Industrial Technology

Department

Department of Industrial Technology

First Advisor

Mohammad F. Fahmy, Chair

Second Advisor

Ali Kashef, Co-Chair

Date Original

12-2000

Object Description

1 PDF file (xiv, 166 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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