Goals/questions/metrics method and SAP implementation projects

During the last years some researchers have studied the critical success factors (CSFs) in ERP implementations. However, until now, no one has studied how these CSFs should be put in practice to help organizations achieve success in ERP implementations. This technical research report attempts to define the usage of Goals/Questions/Metrics (GQM) approach in the definition of a measurement system for ERP implementation projects. GQM approach is a mechanism for defining and interpreting operational, measurable goals. Lately, because of its intuitive nature the approach has gained widespread appeal. We present a metrics overview and a description of GQM approach. Then we provide an example of GQM application for monitoring sustained management support in ERP implementations. Sustained management support is the most cited critical success factor in ERP implementation projects.Postprint (published version

Organizational and national issues of an ERP implementation in a Portuguese company

This technical research report describes a case of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation in a Portuguese SME. We focused on the identification of organizational factors that affect the ERP implementation project. We also analyzed the ERP implementation project from a national cultural perspective using Geert Hofstede's dimensions. These dimensions were used to explain some of the attitudes and behaviours during the ERP implementation project. The findings suggest that some of the problems in ERP implementation projects are not of technological nature but may be attributed to organizational factors while some issues related to national culture.Postprint (published version

Extending the synthesis of update transaction programs to handle existential rules in deductive databases

We propose a new method for generating consistency-preserving transaction programs for (view) updates in deductive databases. The method augments the deductive database schema with a set of transition and intemal events rules, which explicitly define the database dynamic behaviour in front of a database update. At transaction-design-time, a formal procedure can use these rules to automatically generate parameterised transaction programs for base or view-update transaction requests. This is done in such a way that those transactions will never take the database into an inconsistent state. In this paper we extend a previous version of the method by incorporating existentially defined rules. Within this context, synthesis outputs and processes are provided. Toe method, implemented in Prolog using meta-programming techniques, draws from our previous work in deductive databases, particularly in view updating and integrity constraints checking

A Framework proposal for monitoring and evaluating training in ERP implementation project

During the last years some researchers have studied the topic of critical success factors in ERP implementations, out of which 'training' is cited as one of the most ones. Up to this moment, there is not enough research on the management and operationalization of critical success factors within ERP implementation projects.Postprint (published version

Using the partial least squares (PLS) method to establish critical success factor interdependence in ERP implementation projects

This technical research report proposes the usage of a statistical approach named Partial Least squares (PLS) to define the relationships between critical success factors for ERP implementation projects. In previous research work, we developed a unified model of critical success factors for ERP implementation projects. Some researchers have evidenced the relationships between these critical success factors, however no one has defined in a formal way these relationships. PLS is one of the techniques of structural equation modeling approach. Therefore, in this report is presented an overview of this approach. We provide an example of PLS method modelling application; in this case we use two critical success factors. However, our project will be extended to all the critical success factors of our unified model. To compute the data, we are going to use PLS-graph developed by Wynne Chin.Postprint (published version

Towards a definition of SCM systems through SCOR

In recent years Supply Chain Management (SCM) in general and in management information systems in particular, have gained interest among researchers. However, derived from a recent analysis of the area and from many definitions used in literature, we think that there is not a clear understanding of what should be considered as a SCM system. In the same way, the minimal functional requirements for a system to be considered as an SCM information system are not yet clear. This contrasts with the existence of SCOR, a much publicised model used as standard in the SCM domain. Although SCOR does not include a definition for an SCM information system and, in fact, it leaves the system implementation at will of the companies, we think that it can be used to provide a better definition. Thus, in the present work we intent to offer a tentative definition of SCM systems based on SCOR.Postprint (published version

Towards a definition of a CRM system life-cycle

In recent years, the interest on research in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems has grown notoriously. Many authors have made individual proposals of interesting topics to be researched around CRM systems, but no overarching research agenda has yet been proposed. Based upon a recent research literature review that we have undertaken, which includes several real case studies conducted in order to learn from CRM experience within specific companies and industries, we propose and detail what appears to be a natural CRM Systems Life-cycle. Although a more focussed cycle has been mentioned for CRM systems implementations, we propose and define in detail a CRM Systems Life-cycle which covers other phases preceding and following implementation. We believe that such a well-defined cycle may help in future proposals of research agendas around CRM systems, as well as in the contextualization of more specific research themes.Postprint (published version

Historical computing : from the abacus to the PC : to inFIBity and beyond!

Catàleg de l'exposició organitzada per la Facultat d'Informàtica de Barcelona, amb motiu del seu 40è aniversariExhibition curator: Joan Antoni Pastor Collado (Barcelona School of Informatics, UPC, Vicedean for Institutional and International Relations)Descripció del recurs: 16 octubre 201

Towards an unified information systems reference model for higher education institutions

Higher education institutions are currently facing many challenges that are making them to start compete strategically, like other not-for-profit firm. To adequately support such new approach, their information systems and business strategies should be totally aligned. However, the current existing landscape of heterogeneous information systems and applications deployed in many institutions can compromise such aim. Recently, reference architectures and models have emerged as instruments suitable to help company’s decision-makers to cope with such tensions. However, whilst many of such architectural models already exist for several industries, little has been done so far in higher education. In this paper, we briefly review major existing developments in such way before to inductively derive a unified information systems reference model tailored for higher education institutions.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

What is that thing called internal quality assurance system?

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to explore and to propose a comprehensive definition and conceptualization of an Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) for Higher Education Institution (HEI) by using Work Systems Theory (WST) as a theoretical lens. Design/methodology/approach: The paper follows a multiple method research approach by grounding on a literature review and validating against a published study case. Findings: After analysing a number of IQAS definitions, the paper shows how these systems can be defined as a specific case of a “work system”, the main unit of analysis and conceptualization provided by WST. To further demonstrate the academic relevance and practical applicability of the proposed conceptualization, we provide a concrete instantiation as a “work system” of the IQAS implemented in a real HEI case. Research limitations: Additional instantiations of IQAS implemented in other different real contexts should be conducted to foster the generalizability of the proposed framework. Practical implications: Using the same theoretical lens as a reference point, the paper provides insights and directions for further research as well as potential future uses and practical applications of the derived conceptualization. Originality/value: To our best knowledge, this is the first comprehensive formal IQAS definition and first WST-based conceptualizing an IQAS for HEIs.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version