Constructs of Process Change Management in ERP Context: A Focus on SAP R/3

This paper explores the ERP phenomenon from a process change management (PCM) perspective. A framework is used to highlight the various PCM constructs in the context of SAP R/3 implementation. Evidence on how these constructs are operationalized in practice is drawn from a large collection of R/3 case studies representing various organizational experiences. The paper provides foundation and recommends several ideas for future research and investigation

Knowledge and best practice management through benchmarking: A global survey

Developing best practice through benchmarking features as a critical activity in the business world as it is a vital approach for sharing and transferring knowledge.Companies across the globe have embraced these concepts but have done so with a varied level of success.Some have managed to create huge market place advantages whilst others have fared less favourably.The purpose of this research is to establish the level of benchmarking activity and application globally.The information gathered included both the hard and soft issues associated with benchmarking and following analysis,attempted to evaluate the level of benchmarking maturity reached across different industry fields and size of operation.This global survey helps understand what leads to effective benchmarking and development of best practices

Enterprise Resource Planning of Business Process Systems

In ERP implementation, customization should usually be undertaken to ensure a fit between business process systems and current organizational processes. This paper focuses on the issues associated with ERP customization and how large organizations deal with them. Information presented in this paper was gathered from reviewing related literature and interviews with implementation and consulting teams of a major ERP vendor. Customization issues addressed in this paper are organizational information needs or requirements, cost, technical complications, and lack of knowledge and experience within the implementation team. These factors, if not considered adequately, may lead to ERP implementation failure

The internet of things in manufacturing innovation processes: development and application of a conceptual framework

Purpose: This study aims to contribute and enrich the scientific debate about the phenomenon called the Internet of Things (IoT) from a managerial perspective. Through the lenses of management and innovation literature, we investigate the main facts that characterize the IoT and developed a conceptual framework to interpret its evolution. The framework has then been applied to the case of a three-dimensional (3D) printing technology used for additive manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach: A theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of the IoT and its main elements has been performed to construct a conceptual framework in a managerial fashion able to describe the evolutionary impacts of the phenomenon on the manufacturing industry. Findings: Through consequential steps, namely radical, modular, architectural and incremental innovation, and by adopting and integrating the Henderson and Clark model, we explain the cornerstones of the evolutionary impact of the IoT on the manufacturing industry. Finally, we apply our framework to the case of additive manufacturing and 3D printing. Practical implications: Our framework’s practical value is related to its employability in interpreting and possibly forecasting the evolution of manufacturing industries thanks to the advent of the IoT, allowing managers to capture value arising from technological changes. Originality/value: This study offers a clear and simple model to interpret the impacts of the IoT. Such a goal has been obtained by systematizing the disconnected research on the topic and arranging such contributions into solid paradigms of the managerial literature