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Enterprise System Flexibility and Implementation Strategies-Aligning Theory with Evidence from a Case Study

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  • Gebauer, Judith

    (U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Lee, Fei

    (U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Abstract

Flexibility can have important consequences for the operational efficiency and long-term effectiveness of an enterprise system, yet is often not considered explicitly as a decision factor during system design and implementation. In this article, we join managerial advice for implementation strategies with insights from a theory that determines the flexibility requirements of an enterprise system in relation with characteristics of the business process that the system is intended to support. We align our theoretical considerations with practical evidence from the case of an electronic procurement system that was implemented at a Fortune 100 firm. Based on our findings, we present a roadmap that can guide flexibility and implementation strategies based on both project and process characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Gebauer, Judith & Lee, Fei, 2007. "Enterprise System Flexibility and Implementation Strategies-Aligning Theory with Evidence from a Case Study," Working Papers 07-0113, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:illbus:07-0113
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    File URL: http://www.business.illinois.edu/Working_Papers/papers/07-0113.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Erin T. Ryan & David R. Jacques & John M. Colombi, 2013. "An ontological framework for clarifying flexibility‐related terminology via literature survey," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(1), pages 99-110, March.
    2. Schober, Franz & Gebauer, Judith, 2008. "How Much to Spend on Flexibility? Determining the Value of Information System Flexibility," Working Papers 08-0105, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Business.

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