A Multi-case Analysis of the Development of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP) Business Practices
Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The potential of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to integrate\nthe business functions of any organization has led to its proliferation since\nthe 1990s. Arguably, ERP systems potentially enable an organization to\nbecome competitive, and their impact has since been extensively\nresearched and debated. This thesis seeks to understand how ERP\nvendors have innovated and developed their business practices to ensure\ntheir own competitive advantage. The thesis consists of an overview\nwrapper and five articles. This work is based on a research methodology\nusing case studies to understand the development of business practices in\nthe ERP industry since the 1950s. As such, the thesis explores the journey\nof different ERP vendors that (1) were influenced by their environment, (2)\nparticipate in different structuring processes to develop their business\npractice; (3) adapt their business practices to produce product/service\nofferings potentially matching or exceeding the actions of their rivals; and\n(4) encounter challenges as they shift their business models.\nThe thesis reveals that in order to continue to outlast the competition in a\nhypercompetitive environment, ERP vendors (1) refine their business\npractices, over time, through incremental and evolutionary changes\nimpacting the ERP industry; (2) obtain a competitive advantage through the exploitation of core resources; (3) co-create with a partner network to\nmaximize their resources and increase their ability to compete; and (4)\nrealize the value proposition in terms of the business model.
Author: Michelle C. Antero
Institution: Copenhagen Business School
Language: English
Subfield: Management Information Systems
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2799428625