Open Source ERP In Organization: Research Agenda

Open Source Software (OSS) is a growing phenomenon, changing the way in which Information Systems (IS) are developed, distributed and implemented. The success of OSS in the worldwide market for operating systems, web servers, and other infrastructure software is substantial. However, it is still infrequent in ERP type application domains, which are said to be impossible to design from an OS angle. While a significant number of research investigate aspects of OS, few researches were dedicated to OS ERP. Based on a review of the academic and professional literature, this paper aims to improve our understanding of the current influence of OS ERP in organizations, to provide a new light on a previously developed topic and to challenge the conventional wisdom in our field which stipulates that there are some areas like ERP applications where OS could not be developed

Open source technologies and local economic development: Exploring adoption factors in a Less Developed Country.

Abstract A rapidly growing body of research is investigating the role and the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in alleviating poverty. Many of these studies have focused on ICT with proprietary software, however, careful academic studies have been devoted to the adoption of Free Open Source Software (FOSS), since it is recognized as unique opportunity for less economically developed countries (LEDCs). In fact, a lot of opportunities and challenges have been posed for developing countries by the dramatic growth of open source software. However, the problematic nature of FOSS adoption is readily evidenced in the fairly frequent reports of problems. With issues such as high level of poverty, illiteracy, poor health services and lack of ICT awareness, how can developing country policy makers and other key stakeholders make informed decisions about the benefits and implications of choosing open source solutions. To benefit from this opportunity, it is therefore important for all players to identify and understand the strategic factors and future trends that affect the development of an efficient FOSS industry in LEDCs. To reach this research purpose, we proposed a conceptual framework based on various literature reviews and examined it to find the effect of some of the technological, environmental, organizational, social and individual factors on FOSS adoption and use in SMEs industry in Ghana; then, future trends that are likely to impact the deployment and development of FOSS in the country were assessed. The methodology employed is a two-fold approach involving; quantitative method with structural equation model of partial least squares (SEM-PLS) and qualitative method using a combination of Delphi techniques and SWOT analysis. In the quantitative approach the results of study suggest that power distance cultural dimension and FOSS system compatibility and capabilities have positive influence on perceived usefulness of the software. Conversely, system complexity, government supports and awareness have negative influence on the perceived usefulness. However, perceived usefulness has no effect on users’ intention to adopt. In addition, FOSS quality and power distance cultural dimension have positive influence on perceived ease of use which in turn has significant effect on users’ intention to adopt. While government supports, education and awareness have negative influence on users’ intention to adopt, power distance cultural dimension, social identification and personal innovativeness in IT have positive effect. In summary, the obtained results from SEM-PLS revealed that related factors explained 86% of the variation of influencing factors on intention to adopt, which in turn explained 58% of variance of usage behavior. In the qualitative approach the result was based on the internal and external factors identified through the Delphi techniques iterations. Additionally, SWOT analysis was carried out to foresee an efficient software industry that could help to boost local economic development of the country. In fact, the result reveals significant strengths within Ghanaian SMEs but less opportunity for Ghana as a whole. In regard to this finding there is need for strong collaboration and partnership among government, universities and industry with policy suggestions that should be optimally implemented

Barriers to Open Source ERP Adoption in South Africa

Organizations in South Africa (SA) and other economically developing countries are not maximizing the use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems. While the costs associated with an ERP system implementation have always been a major factor to many organizations, Open Source Software (OSS) ERP systems are available offering the benefits of an ERP system at a reduced cost to organizations. This paper investigates the adoption factors of Open Source Software Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in economically developing countries by focusing on South African organizations. Using online surveys and a focus group discussion, this empirical study found that knowledge barriers, the lack of sizable providers (or vendors), and ironically low costs, are the adoption barriers that apply to OSS ERP systems for South African organizations. The research further suggests that many of the adoption barriers traditionally associated with OSS might be inherent to all software. The possibility of low costs being a barrier is a novel idea that was identified in this research, and further research to explore this idea is suggested. Understanding the dynamics of the market requirements is crucial for OSS ERP vendors to be able to develop effective strategies. OSS ERP vendors and OSS vendors in general can use this study as a starting point to question some traditionally held notions regarding the OSS business model

Identity-based tracking of products and product data in changing networks

The paper addresses a subject of high relevance for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) participating in today's changing supply chains. Product-centric application development and using design patterns to link related web-services directly to the electronic identity of products are proposed. To identify and track products the ID@URI identification scheme is advocated. The scheme combines serial numbers and URLs to produce globally unique product identifiers. The TraSer-project aiming at implementing an open-source solution platform for product centric web-services has been started this year. Based on the first phase of the project the paper also outlines differences and advantages of the TraSer-approach compared to other existing approaches

Sustaining the Momentum: Archival Analysis of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (2006–2012)

The domain of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is an enduring paradigm for Information Systems (IS) researchers. The Enterprise System paradigm provides a rich environment to test fundamental concepts like system adoption, system use and system success, while acknowledging changes derived through longer system lifecycles and multiple user cohorts. On the other hand, ERP systems are in the centre of new contemporary radical changes in technologies on cloud computing, mobile platforms and big data. Moreover, ERP Systems provide the context for cross disciplinary research such as change management, knowledge management, project management and business process management research. This article provides a critique of 219 papers published on ERP Systems from 2006–2012, making observations of ERP research and make recommendations for future research directions

On the determinants of the degree of openness of Open Source firms: An entry model

This paper examines the relationship between the degree of openness that software start-ups choose and some of the main industrial features faced by new entrants. Hypotheses derived from a formal model are tested through the implementation of econometric techniques and information provided by a novel database (ELISS). Theoretical predictions and empirical results indicate that the choice by start-ups of the degree of openness is negatively influenced by the sensitivity of consumers to price and is positively related both to the strength of network externalities their products exhibit and to the competitive advantage of the incumbent.open-source software; network effects; entry

Proposal for a conceptual model for a SaaS ERP using an Open Source System

Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) systems are considered an important part in business organizations but with increasing global competition companies tend to seek more agile solutions that enable cost reduction at the same time. The paradigm change of Software as a Service (SaaS) came to revolutionize the delivery of applications at reduced costs, reliability and scalability. The ERP Open Source working in SaaS model will allow companies to extract all the benefits associated with the technologies used. This thesis presents a model and framework for ERP Open Source SaaS. The model and the framework are based on the literature review, and both were evaluated by empirical work. To validate the model and framework it was implemented an Open Source ERP which is already at market adapted to Portuguese reality. As a second validation of the artifact, the ERP was used for learning purposes by university students. Here are also reported the results of their use experience. This research shows that exist localized Open Source Software ERP alternatives that can be employed in a cloud context by companies.Os sistemas Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) são considerados uma parte importante nas organizações empresariais mas com o aumento da concorrência global as empresas tendem em procurar soluções mais ágeis que permitam ao mesmo tempo a redução de custos. O paradigma do Software como Serviço (SaaS) veio para revolucionar a entrega de aplicações a custos reduzidos, confiabilidade e escalabilidade. O ERP Open Source trabalhando no modelo SaaS irá permitir às empresas para extrair todos os benefícios associados com as tecnologias utilizadas. Esta tese apresenta um modelo e uma framework para ERP Open Source SaaS. O modelo e a framework foram baseados na revisão de literatura e ambos foram avaliados pelo trabalho empírico. Para validar o modelo e a framework foi implementado num ERP de código aberto que já existe no mercado tendo sido adaptado à realidade Português. Como uma segunda validação do artefato, o ERP foi utilizado para fins de aprendizagem por estudantes universitários. Aqui também são relatados os resultados de sua experiência de uso. Esta pesquisa mostra que existem alternativas localizadas do ERP Software de Código Aberto para que possam ser usados num contexto de Cloud pelas empresas

The relationship between ERP capabilities, use, and value

Ruivo, P., Johansson, B., Sarker, S., & Oliveira, T. (2020). The relationship between ERP capabilities, use, and value. Computers in Industry, 117, 1-15. [103209]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2020.103209This study assesses the effect of some extended Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) capabilities (Collaboration, Analytics, Web-portals, Add-ons) and ERP use on ERP value. The research conducted, followed a mixed-methods approach using an exploratory study (Delphi) and the resource-based view of the firm to understand the ERP capabilities and develop three competing models surrounding these capabilities, ERP use, and ERP value, and then a confirmatory study using a large-scale survey of firms in Germany, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, to test these models. Results suggest that the moderation model best explains the relationships, while the additive model highlights the direct effects of both ERP capabilities and ERP use on ERP value in an interesting way. Results highlight that the role of ERP use is more critical when moderating ERP capabilities and ERP value, as well as when additive to ERP capabilities, than when mediating between ERP capabilities and ERP value. The practical value of the study lies in the fact that this investigation provides new knowledge on how some extended ERP capabilities may positively influence value from investment, and together with ERP use, provide business value.authorsversionpublishe

USING WEB TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE THE ACCOUNTING OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES. AN ACADEMIC APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION OF IFRS

One way of supporting the accounting standard-setting process and to facilitatethe access to those standards is through the implementation of modern accounting reportingmethods using web technology. In this regard SMEs are under stress of two major factors:implementation of accounting standards and revolution in IT technology. The purpose of thispaper is to define the web accounting, explain the implications of web accounting for IFRSand discuss the key features in implementing this form of accounting for Small and MediumEnterprises(SME‘s). Web accounting is accounting software based on XML technology thatstores records and processes accounting transactions using HTTP as its primarycommunications protocol, and delivers web based information in HTML format and thentranslated in other formats. Web based accounting, will provide the benefit of cost savingsand increasing efficiency. It also will allows employees and external users (suppliers,customers and investors) a real time access to accounting data, translating reports in XBRLformat and facilitate adoption of IFRS.Web Accounting, SMEs, Web Technology, XML, XBRL, IFRS