Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2018 Successful Strategies for Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning System Arrogah Adade-Boafo Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Databases and Information Systems Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral study by Arrogah Adade-Boafo has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Mohamad Hammoud, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. John Hannon, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Judith Blando, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Abstract Successful Strategies for Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning System by Arrogah Adade-Boafo MS, George Mason University, 1994 BS, City College of New York, 1988 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University October 2018 Abstract The enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation success rate is as low as 30%. Researchers have shown that ERP system implementation could cause both system and organization failures, affecting operations and stakeholders, alike. The technology- organization-environment conceptual framework was used to ground this qualitative single-case study. The purpose of the study was to explore strategies that a manufacturing firm in Ghana used to implement ERP systems successfully. The population of this case study comprised 5 stakeholders from a manufacturing firm in Ghana who had success in implementing an ERP system. Data were collected using face-to-face semistructured interviews and review of various corporate documents. Data analysis consisted of reviewing interview transcripts, compiling and organizing the data using an open-coding system, grouping the data into themes, and interpreting the meaning of the themes and data. Triangulation was used to strengthen the validity of the case study design. The primary themes that emerged from data analysis included critical strategies that organizational leaders can use to implement ERP systems successfully in Ghana-based manufacturing firms. Significant findings were that leaders who engage in ERP implementation should focus on managing human and technological infrastructure resources, seeking the support of top management, and designing and executing comprehensive change management plans. Implications for positive social change include the potential to increase funding for local schools, after-school youth programs, and philanthropic donations based on increased organizational profits generated from successful ERP leader implementation strategies. Successful Strategies for Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning System by Arrogah Adade-Boafo MS, George Mason University, 1994 BS, City College of New York, 1988 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University October 2018 Dedication I devote this doctoral study first to the Almighty and everlasting God, His Blessed Mother Mary, and all the Angels and Saints who gave me the grace and knowledge through this journey. This dedication goes to my family for their appreciation and support throughout this process. To my loving wife Dr. Angela S. Wiredu, my rock and strength, you have been an inspiration and blessing during this journey; thank you for encouraging me never to give up this challenging journey. To my wonderful children, Adrian A. Boafo and Alana K. Boafo thank you for your inspiration and patience through this arduous journey. Dare to dream. Remember, with Christ, all things are possible and never-ever give up on your dreams. I hope my academic experiences would encourage you in your future endeavors. To my sister-in-law Dr. Bridgid S. Wiredu, thank you for being my prayer warrior throughout this journey; your doctoral journey inspired me. To my family members far and near, and my dear friends, thank you for your words of encouragement during this journey. Acknowledgments First and foremost, thanks be to God, for allowing me the opportunity to pursue a doctorate degree despite numerous obstacles and sacrifices. With highest gratitude, I thank my committee chair, Dr. Mohamad S. Hammoud; you have been a blessing, inspiration, and scholarly example of excellence; your expertise in enterprise systems made the journey less tedious. I also thank my second committee member, Dr. John Hannon; thank you for your professional guidance and feedback throughout this process. I also thank my URR, Dr. Judith Blando; thank you for your meticulous reviews and positive contributions to this study. Thank you, DBA Program Director, Dr. Susan Davis, for your rapid responses and continuous availability to DBA students. Finally, I thank my family and friends for their support, understanding, and love. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv Background of the Problem ...........................................................................................2 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................3 Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................3 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................4 Research Question .........................................................................................................6 Interview Questions .......................................................................................................6 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................6 Operational Definitions ..................................................................................................7 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ................................................................8 Assumptions ............................................................................................................ 8 Limitations .............................................................................................................. 9 Delimitations ........................................................................................................... 9 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................10 A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ..............................................10 Technology-Organization-Environment Conceptual Framework ........................ 11 Technology Context .............................................................................................. 12 TOE: Organization Context .................................................................................. 15 TOE: Environmental Context ............................................................................... 20 ERP Current Systems ............................................................................................ 23 Evidence of ERP Failures ..................................................................................... 25 i ERP System Benefits ............................................................................................ 28 ERP Innovations and Trends ................................................................................ 30 ERP Implementation Strategies ............................................................................ 34 The Role of Knowledge Management .................................................................. 52 The Role of Customer Relationship Management ................................................ 56 The Role of Supply Chain Management ............................................................... 57 Transition .....................................................................................................................63 Section 2: The Project ........................................................................................................65 Purpose Statement ........................................................................................................65 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................66 Participants ...................................................................................................................68 Research Method and Design ......................................................................................71 Research Method .................................................................................................. 71 Research Design...................................................................................................