Knowledge retention in ERP implementations: the context of UK SMEs

Jayawickrama, Uchitha; Liu, Shaofeng; Smith, Melanie Hudson; Akhtar, Pervaiz; Mamoon, Md; Bashir, Al

Abstract

Knowledge retention (k-retention) is vital for various enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), though it is a highly demanding and challenging task. The aim of this paper is to investigate different types of approaches to k-retention and factors influencing k-retention in SMEs. Our study adopts a grounded theory approach with cases based on 12 ERP implementations in UK SMEs. We analyse our data using thematic analysis. The findings reveal specific elements that support the k-retention of ERP package knowledge and business process knowledge. These elements are; k-retention tools, documentation, human capital, and the understanding of k-retention challenges. In addition to insights from these aspects, our study reveals two additional factors (project management and organisational culture) that influence ERP package k-retention and business process k-retention. Based on these findings, we develop an ERP k-retention (EKR) framework that can be utilised by SMEs which are considering implementing ERP systems, to facilitate knowledge retention during implementation.

Citation

Jayawickrama, U., Liu, S., Smith, M. H., Akhtar, P., Mamoon, M., & Bashir, A. (2019). Knowledge retention in ERP implementations: the context of UK SMEs. Production planning & control, 30(10-12), 1032-1047. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2019.1582107

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 4, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jun 30, 2019
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2019
• Deposit Date: May 9, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 26, 2020
• Print ISSN: 0953-7287
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 10-12
• Pages: 1032-1047
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2019.1582107
• Keywords: Enterprise resource planning; ERP implementation; knowledge management; knowledge retention; UK SMEs; EKR framework 2
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/823593
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09537287.2019.1582107
• Contract Date: May 9, 2018