META-ANALYSIS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ERP SYSTEMS

Abstract

The study presents a systematic literature review on the implementation of ERP systems. The analyses are based on 168 articles published in ISI journals. Firstly, the course of investigation on the phenomenon is investigated. Then, methodologies under use are specified in the analysis: field work - statistical technique and variables; case studies – the type of design and study problem; conceptual works – their impact on literature. Additionally, critical success factors proposed for the implementation of ERP systems are summarized. Lastly, with the purpose of supporting the development of future assumptions, some conclusions are provided on the scientific background for the study. A general analysis concludes that publications on ERP system implementation show a clear expansion trend, and are concentrated in information system journals. Empirical studies are privileged, with case studies used more frequently.
Organizations under study are usually multinationals in the industrial sector. Based on that review, one concludes that: 1- organization size plays a key role in ERP systems implementation; 2- the factors that affect late ERP adoption differ from those that affect early implementation; 3- cultural collision can be felt at ERP implementation; 4- diligent studies on success factors in ERP implementation are few in number; 5- there is not one single dimension to measure ERP system success.