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The Relationship between Perceived Relevance and User Participation, and its Effect on ES Implementation Success A Theoretical Framework

Koperberg, S.X. (2010) The Relationship between Perceived Relevance and User Participation, and its Effect on ES Implementation Success A Theoretical Framework.

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Abstract:This thesis explores the phenomenon of enterprise system (ES) implementations and explains a specific part of the complex dynamics that are common during these types of large scale change processes, focusing on the relationship between perceived relevance and user participation. While user participation is a familiar term, perceived relevance describes the expectations of users regarding the relevance and importance of the new system and related change. Meanwhile, this thesis acknowledges the complexity of the research domain and recognizes that these implementations require large investments over extended periods of time, in addition to the substantial organisational commitment of all involved stakeholders. Considering the extensive constraints to which ES implementations are subjected, it is of key importance to understand what strategies can be used to ensure an optimal implementation result. The research succeeds in improving the insight into an under exposed part of the ES domain, for both professionals and academic researchers. The research focus has been brought forward by the principal of this investigation: KPMG IT Advisory, who frequently encounter problems and issues with the acceptation, adoption and embedment of enterprise systems into implementing organisations. The specific focus of this investigation is the qualitative exploration of the dynamics that play a major role in determining the acceptation and adoption of these enterprise systems. This explains the focus on perceived relevance and user participation. The combined effect of these two variables contributes significantly to the eventual acceptation and adoption, and thus success, of the ES implementation. By exploring the dynamics between user participation and perceived relevance, this research succeeds in explaining the underlying mechanisms in such a fashion that a number of important recommendations for practice can be suggested. It appears that the users’ perception of relevance of the system is very important for motivating users to participate in the implementation. On the other hand, user participation provides a key opportunity for making users understand the new system and actually giving them influence over it and the related organisational change. Both understanding and influence prove to be essential for the system to be perceived as relevant among users. Case study research shows that current ES implementation in the field do not make use of the dynamics that have been identified in this thesis. Concluding, this master thesis suggests a shift in the current implementation paradigms. It provides novel insights into the role of perceived relevance and user participation during ES implementation projects. It also suggests a number of recommendations for practice, regarding the management of relevance and participation. As a result, this thesis holds value for all ES implementing organisations, whether this is in the role of adopting organisation or implementation partner. In addition, the novel insights are valuable for the academic community and can be used as a starting point and foundational work for further investigations. The author would like to encourage other researchers to continue the proposed line of reasoning and support it with additional empirical validation.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
KPMG, Amstelveen
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:85 business administration, organizational science
Programme:Business Information Technology MSc (60025)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/59914
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