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Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: The Role of Learning from Failure

Author

Listed:
  • Judy E. Scott

    (University of Colorado)

  • Iris Vessey

    (Indiana University)

Abstract

ERP implementations remain problematic despite the fact that many of the issues are by now quite well known. In this paper, we take a different perspective from the critical success factors and risks approaches that are common in the information systems discipline to explain why ERP implementations fail. Specifically, we adapt Sitkin's theory of intelligent failure to ERP implementations resulting in a theory that we call “learning from failure.” We then examine from the viewpoint of this theory the details of two SAP R/3 implementations, one of which failed while the other succeeded. Although it is impossible to state, unequivocally, that the implementation that failed did so because it did not use the approach that was derived from the theory, the analysis reveals that the company that followed many of the tenets of the theory succeeded while the other did not.

Suggested Citation

  • Judy E. Scott & Iris Vessey, 2000. "Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: The Role of Learning from Failure," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 2(2), pages 213-232, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:2:y:2000:i:2:d:10.1023_a:1026504325010
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1026504325010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Henri Barki & Alain Pinsonneault, 2005. "A Model of Organizational Integration, Implementation Effort, and Performance," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 16(2), pages 165-179, April.
    2. Jong Uk Kim & Rajiv Kishore, 2019. "Do we Fully Understand Information Systems Failure? An Exploratory Study of the Cognitive Schema of IS Professionals," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 21(6), pages 1385-1419, December.
    3. Engelstätter, Benjamin, 2009. "Enterprise systems and innovations," ZEW Discussion Papers 09-086, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    4. D. Laurie Hughes & Nripendra P. Rana & Yogesh K. Dwivedi, 2020. "Elucidation of IS project success factors: an interpretive structural modelling approach," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 285(1), pages 35-66, February.
    5. Marijn Janssen & Haiko Voort & Anne Fleur Veenstra, 2015. "Failure of large transformation projects from the viewpoint of complex adaptive systems: Management principles for dealing with project dynamics," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 15-29, February.
    6. 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.
    7. Engelstätter, Benjamin, 2009. "Enterprise systems and labor productivity: disentangling combination effects," ZEW Discussion Papers 09-040, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    8. Yogesh K. Dwivedi & David Wastell & Sven Laumer & Helle Zinner Henriksen & Michael D. Myers & Deborah Bunker & Amany Elbanna & M. N. Ravishankar & Shirish C. Srivastava, 2015. "Research on information systems failures and successes: Status update and future directions," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 143-157, February.
    9. Dakshitha N. Jinasena & Konstantina Spanaki & Thanos Papadopoulos & Maria E. Balta, 2023. "Success and Failure Retrospectives of FinTech Projects: A Case Study Approach," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 259-274, February.
    10. Hallikainen, Petri & Kivijärvi, Hannu & Tuominen, Markku, 2009. "Supporting the module sequencing decision in the ERP implementation process--An application of the ANP method," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 119(2), pages 259-270, June.

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