The impact of information technology resources on SMEs' innovation performance

This work aims to develop a research framework to examine the impact of information technology resources on the innovation performance of Saudi small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs innovation capability influences growth and technological progress (Bruque & Moyano, 2007). However, many developing countries exhibit moderate or even low innovation performance. For instance, Saudi Arabia is ranked 54th by the Global Innovation Index (GII 2011). Innovation systems studies focus on the alignment between the interactions of innovation actors with their constantly changing environment toward better innovation performance (Etzkowitz & Leydesdorff, 2000). The dynamic capabilities of organisations have been highlighted as a crucial characteristic that helps to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage (Teece et al., 1997). The indirect impact IT resources on innovation performance represents an attractive research area (Benitez-Amado et al., 2010). Therefore, we argue that a closer look at Saudi SMEs information technology resources and their impact on the firm dynamic capabilities and innovation performance would make a significant contribution to existing knowledge. Areas such as the organisation strategies of developing countries, innovation management, dynamic capabilities, open innovation and strategic information systems are few examples of areas that might benefit from this work

AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE ROLE OF KEY USERS IN ERP IMPLEMENTATIONS

This research proposal presents a research design on the role of key users in ERP implementations. We intend to investigate the following research questions: (1) How do key users function in an ERP implementation project? (2) What factors influence key users\u27 functioning? And how do the factors influence key users\u27 functioning? (3) What are the benefits and impacts of key users? In this proposal, we first review current literature on key users, and then present the theoretical framework of boundary spanner. We also give our research design and data analysis strategy in the last part of the proposal

An agency theory model of ERP implementation

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are becoming rapidly indispensable in order for large and medium sized organizations to run their operations. Therefore, management needs to know the factors that drive successful ERP implementation, a product of the continuous interaction between the implementation consultants and client firms. Agency theory has been successfully used by different researchers to explain relationships between two parties seeking a common outcome. This paper develops a model of testable propositions for applying agency theory to study the relationship between implementation consultants and client organizations deploying the ERP systems, and to consequently evaluate how the relationship affects the implementation success

Towards a model for determining the scope of ICT integration in the enterprise: the case of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems

The question of integration of information systems (IS) into the planning and execution of operational activities has been the focus for researchers from different constituencies. Organisational theorists recognise the need for integrating mechanisms for co‑ordinating the actions of sub‑units within an organisation. Centralisation has been seen as a defensive reaction by organisations when placed under increasing external control, and also as a way to improve the efficiency of information processing, at least for routine tasks. In the meantime, researchers have been sceptical about the ability for structured information systems to deal with the complexity of the information flows within the organisation. Frameworks have also been identifying characteristics of the tasks themselves that have a bearing on the amount of information processing required. The real world is complex and moving, thus managers require flexibility in their interpretation of the mixed signals arising from this complexity. However, managers are working in environments where highly integrated information systems blur the distinction between what is real and what is virtual. There is a need for an integration approach allowing organisations to question which areas of activity are worth integrating, and conversely which areas are better left under local control. Where integrated, managers require processes for the maintenance of data integrity (people, tools, procedures). Based on field work involving two multi‑national manufacturing companies, this paper proposes a framework for ERP integration, which describes the evolution of functionality gaps as an ongoing and inevitable process that requires management

DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT

The efficacy of the organization and corporate strategy are substantially impacted by enterprise resource planning (ERP) technologies. However, it might be difficult to manage and apply the anticipated benefits of ERP. Workarounds further complicate outdated and evolving business procedures, which impedes the ongoing development of ERP. As a result, reaping the rewards is sometimes challenging. The complexity of realizing advantages also rises when subsidiaries are not able to discover new benefits on their own, even though benefits may differ from subsidiary to subsidiary. ERP systems, which integrate, synchronize, and centralize corporate data, are frequently viewed as a key resource for businesses that thrive in a fast-evolving global market. The selection of ERP systems is a crucial and challenging strategic choice because of the high cost of purchasing, installation, and implementation as well as the variety of offers. Because there are many different tangible and intangible requirements. This paper presents data on the development of innovative digital technologies in enterprise management. The main theoretical concepts of innovative digital technologies are described, as well as automated control systems and methods of their development are studied. This paper presents a model of innovation management in an industrial enterprise, an analysis of the ICT market, and developed recommendations on the methodology for implementing an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. &nbsp

Social Capital in ERP Projects: The Differential Source and Effects of Bridging and Bonding

In this paper, we explore innovation processes surrounding the design and implementation of ERP systems in two case companies, looking at this from a knowledge integration perspective. More specifically, we examine the relationship and network building processes that are necessary to support knowledge integration and user involvement during innovation. In doing this, we utilize the concept of social capital and relate the different sources and effects of social capital to the different innovation episodes. This highlights how the bridging and bonding aspects of social capital are differentially important during different episodes and leads us to conclude, contrary to the suggestion of Adler and Kwon (2002), that it is helpful to differentiate between the two