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A comparative analysis of learning curves: Implications for new technology implementation management

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  • Plaza, Malgorzata
  • Ngwenyama, Ojelanki K.
  • Rohlf, Katrin

Abstract

New technology implementation projects are notoriously over time and budget resulting in significant financial and strategic organizational consequences. Some argue that inadequate planning and management, misspecification of requirements, team capabilities and learning contribute to cost and schedule over runs. In this paper we examine how learning curve theory could inform better management of new technology implementation projects. Our research makes four important contributions: (1) It presents a comparative analysis of learning curves and proposes how they can be used to help ERP implementation planning and management. (2) Based on empirical data from four ERP implementation projects, it provides illustrations of how managers can apply the curves in different project situations. (3) It provides a theoretical basis for empirical studies of learning and ERP (and other IT) implementations in different organizational settings. (4) It provides empirical justification for the development of learning curve theory in IT implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Plaza, Malgorzata & Ngwenyama, Ojelanki K. & Rohlf, Katrin, 2010. "A comparative analysis of learning curves: Implications for new technology implementation management," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 200(2), pages 518-528, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:200:y:2010:i:2:p:518-528
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    2. Akgün, Ali E. & Lynn, Gary S. & Keskin, Halit & Dogan, Derya, 2014. "Team learning in IT implementation projects: Antecedents and consequences," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 37-47.
    3. Silbermayr, Lena & Minner, Stefan, 2016. "Dual sourcing under disruption risk and cost improvement through learning," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 250(1), pages 226-238.
    4. Yamane, Yasuo & Takahashi, Katsuhiko & Hamada, Kunihiro & Morikawa, Katsumi & Nur Bahagia, Senator & Diawati, Lucia & Cakravastia, Andi, 2015. "Developing a plant system prediction model for technology transfer," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 119-128.
    5. Haber, Liat & Carmeli, Abraham, 2023. "Leading the challenges of implementing new technologies in organizations," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    6. Korytkowski, Przemyslaw & Malachowski, Bartlomiej, 2019. "Competence-based estimation of activity duration in IT projects," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 275(2), pages 708-720.
    7. Plaza, Malgorzata, 2016. "Balancing the costs of human resources on an ERP project," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 59(PB), pages 171-183.
    8. Wu, Jung-Hua & Huang, Yun-Hsun, 2014. "Electricity portfolio planning model incorporating renewable energy characteristics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 278-287.
    9. Morgan, Horatio M. & Ngwenyama, Ojelanki, 2015. "Real options, learning cost and timing software upgrades: Towards an integrative model for enterprise software upgrade decision analysis," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 211-223.
    10. Zębala, Wojciech & Plaza, Malgorzata, 2014. "Comparative study of 3- and 5-axis CNC centers for free-form machining of difficult-to-cut material," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 345-358.

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