Improving the implementation of ERP systems through action research

Many organisations are experiencing similar problems with ERP implementation that they experienced with earlier information technologies. As a result, many organisations have invested heavily in ERP software only to discover that business performance has not improved overall. These shortfalls are attributed in the literature to a number of factors such as a misunderstanding of the nature of ERP and an underestimation of the effort involved in implementing such systems effectively. Traditionally, this literature has been normative or prescriptive with new tools, techniques, methods and managerial approaches arising with very little empirical validation. This research contributes to this area by attempting to address some of these limitations by systematically exploring issues of ERP implementation empirically. Throughout this research project, action research has required the researchers to balance research with practical objectives and it is recognised that the ethics of this form of research can prove problematic and the authors also identify these areas.