IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/infosf/v2y2000i2d10.1023_a1026504325010.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: The Role of Learning from Failure

Author

Listed:
  • Judy E. Scott

    (University of Colorado)

  • Iris Vessey

    (Indiana University)

Abstract

ERP implementations remain problematic despite the fact that many of the issues are by now quite well known. In this paper, we take a different perspective from the critical success factors and risks approaches that are common in the information systems discipline to explain why ERP implementations fail. Specifically, we adapt Sitkin's theory of intelligent failure to ERP implementations resulting in a theory that we call “learning from failure.” We then examine from the viewpoint of this theory the details of two SAP R/3 implementations, one of which failed while the other succeeded. Although it is impossible to state, unequivocally, that the implementation that failed did so because it did not use the approach that was derived from the theory, the analysis reveals that the company that followed many of the tenets of the theory succeeded while the other did not.

Suggested Citation

  • Judy E. Scott & Iris Vessey, 2000. "Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: The Role of Learning from Failure," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 2(2), pages 213-232, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:2:y:2000:i:2:d:10.1023_a:1026504325010
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1026504325010
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1023/A:1026504325010
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1023/A:1026504325010?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kalle Lyytinen & Lars Mathiassen & Janne Ropponen, 1998. "Attention Shaping and Software Risk—A Categorical Analysis of Four Classical Risk Management Approaches," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 9(3), pages 233-255, September.
    2. Ikujiro Nonaka, 1994. "A Dynamic Theory of Organizational Knowledge Creation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 5(1), pages 14-37, February.
    3. Eric W. Stein & Vladimir Zwass, 1995. "Actualizing Organizational Memory with Information Systems," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 6(2), pages 85-117, June.
    4. George P. Huber, 1991. "Organizational Learning: The Contributing Processes and the Literatures," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 2(1), pages 88-115, February.
    5. Paul Attewell, 1992. "Technology Diffusion and Organizational Learning: The Case of Business Computing," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 3(1), pages 1-19, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Jong Uk Kim & Rajiv Kishore, 2019. "Do we Fully Understand Information Systems Failure? An Exploratory Study of the Cognitive Schema of IS Professionals," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 21(6), pages 1385-1419, December.
    2. Akgün, Ali E. & Lynn, Gary S. & Keskin, Halit & Dogan, Derya, 2014. "Team learning in IT implementation projects: Antecedents and consequences," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 37-47.
    3. Hallikainen, Petri & Kivijärvi, Hannu & Tuominen, Markku, 2009. "Supporting the module sequencing decision in the ERP implementation process--An application of the ANP method," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 119(2), pages 259-270, June.
    4. Henri Barki & Alain Pinsonneault, 2005. "A Model of Organizational Integration, Implementation Effort, and Performance," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 16(2), pages 165-179, April.
    5. D. Laurie Hughes & Nripendra P. Rana & Yogesh K. Dwivedi, 2020. "Elucidation of IS project success factors: an interpretive structural modelling approach," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 285(1), pages 35-66, February.
    6. Engelstätter, Benjamin, 2009. "Enterprise systems and labor productivity: disentangling combination effects," ZEW Discussion Papers 09-040, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    7. Engelstätter, Benjamin, 2009. "Enterprise systems and innovations," ZEW Discussion Papers 09-086, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    8. Marijn Janssen & Haiko Voort & Anne Fleur Veenstra, 2015. "Failure of large transformation projects from the viewpoint of complex adaptive systems: Management principles for dealing with project dynamics," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 15-29, February.
    9. Yogesh K. Dwivedi & David Wastell & Sven Laumer & Helle Zinner Henriksen & Michael D. Myers & Deborah Bunker & Amany Elbanna & M. N. Ravishankar & Shirish C. Srivastava, 2015. "Research on information systems failures and successes: Status update and future directions," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 143-157, February.
    10. Dakshitha N. Jinasena & Konstantina Spanaki & Thanos Papadopoulos & Maria E. Balta, 2023. "Success and Failure Retrospectives of FinTech Projects: A Case Study Approach," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 259-274, February.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Agulles, Remei & Prats, Mª Julia, 2011. "Learning in practice: What organizational and management literature can contribute to professional and occupational development," IESE Research Papers D/938, IESE Business School.
    2. Roopesh Kevin Sungkur & Mohammad Issack Santally, 2019. "Knowledge Sharing for Capacity Building in Open and Distance Learning (ODL): Reflections from the African Experience," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 10(1), pages 380-396, March.
    3. Namjun Cha & Junseok Hwang & Eungdo Kim, 2020. "The optimal knowledge creation strategy of organizations in groupthink situations," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 207-235, June.
    4. Broto Bhardwaj, 2019. "Role of Knowledge Management in Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Through Corporate Entrepreneurship and Strategic Intent in High-tech Firms," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 10(4), pages 1831-1859, December.
    5. N A D Connell & J H Klein & P L Powell, 2003. "It's tacit knowledge but not as we know it: redirecting the search for knowledge," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 54(2), pages 140-152, February.
    6. Neale, Margaret A. & Griffith, Terri & Sawyer, John E., 2000. "Information Technology as a Jealous Mistress: Competition for Knowledge between Individuals and Organizations," Research Papers 1611, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    7. Park, Jeong-Yang & Harris, Simon, 2014. "Microfoundations for learning within international joint ventures," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 490-503.
    8. Jeffrey Cummings, 2003. "Knowledge Sharing : A Review of the Literature," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 19060, December.
    9. Frank Nagle, 2018. "Learning by Contributing: Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Contribution to Crowdsourced Public Goods," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 29(4), pages 569-587, August.
    10. Chris Kimble & José Braga Vasconcelos & Álvaro Rocha, 2016. "Competence management in knowledge intensive organizations using consensual knowledge and ontologies," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 18(6), pages 1119-1130, December.
    11. Ahammad, Mohammad Faisal & Tarba, Shlomo Yedidia & Liu, Yipeng & Glaister, Keith W., 2016. "Knowledge transfer and cross-border acquisition performance: The impact of cultural distance and employee retention," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 66-75.
    12. Schilling, Melissa A. & Green, Elad, 2011. "Recombinant search and breakthrough idea generation: An analysis of high impact papers in the social sciences," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(10), pages 1321-1331.
    13. repec:dgr:rugsom:97b05 is not listed on IDEAS
    14. Tammy E. Beck & Donde Ashmos Plowman, 2009. "Experiencing Rare and Unusual Events Richly: The Role of Middle Managers in Animating and Guiding Organizational Interpretation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 20(5), pages 909-924, October.
    15. María José Sanzo & Luis Ignacio Álvarez & Marta Rey, 2017. "Lights and Shadows of Business-Nonprofit Partnerships: The Role of Nonprofit Learning and Empowerment in this Ethical Puzzle," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-21, August.
    16. Nay Chi Khin Khin Oo & Sirisuhk Rakthin, 2022. "Integrative Review of Absorptive Capacity’s Role in Fostering Organizational Resilience and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-27, October.
    17. Peters, Matt D. & Wieder, Bernhard & Sutton, Steve G. & Wakefield, James, 2016. "Business intelligence systems use in performance measurement capabilities: Implications for enhanced competitive advantage," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 1-17.
    18. Farhad Alipour & Khairuddin Idris & Roohangiz Karimi, 2011. "Knowledge Creation and Transfer: Role of Learning Organization," International Journal of Business Administration, International Journal of Business Administration, Sciedu Press, vol. 2(3), pages 61-67, August.
    19. Adrian S. Choo & Kevin W. Linderman & Roger G. Schroeder, 2007. "Method and Psychological Effects on Learning Behaviors and Knowledge Creation in Quality Improvement Projects," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 53(3), pages 437-450, March.
    20. Ana Villar & César Camisón & Montserrat Boronat, 2007. "Technical Strategic Alliances And Performance: The Mediating Effect Of Knowledge ¿Based Competencies," Working Papers. Serie EC 2007-11, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Económicas, S.A. (Ivie).
    21. Da Mota de Pina E Cunha, A.M., 1998. "Determinants of Product Innovation in Organizations : Practices and Performance in the Portugese Financial Sector," Other publications TiSEM e6e4e56e-b72a-4392-8d79-f, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:2:y:2000:i:2:d:10.1023_a:1026504325010. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.