The contradictions and complementarities of combining ERP systems with enterprise 2.0 supported informal systems

Yucan Wang, Andrew Greasley

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

The chapter discusses both the complementary factors and contradictions of adopting ERP based systems with enterprise 2.0. ERP is characterized as achieving efficient business performance by enabling a standardized business process design, but at a cost of flexibility in operations. It is claimed that enterprise 2.0 can support flexible business process management and so incorporate informal and less structured interactions. A traditional view however is that efficiency and flexibility objectives are incompatible as they are different business objectives which are pursued separately in different organizational environments. Thus an ERP system with a primary objective of improving efficiency and an enterprise 2.0 system with a primary aim of improving flexibility may represent a contradiction and lead to a high risk of failure if adopted simultaneously. This chapter will use case study analysis to investigate the use of a combination of ERP and enterprise 2.0 in a single enterprise with the aim of improving both efficiency and flexibility in operations. The chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the combination of ERP with enterprise 2.0 based on social-technical information systems management theory. The chapter also provides a summary of the benefits of the combination of ERP systems and enterprise 2.0 and how they could contribute to the development of a new generation of business management that combines both formal and informal mechanisms. For example, the multiple-sites or informal communities of an enterprise could collaborate efficiently with a common platform with a certain level of standardization but also have the flexibility in order to provide an agile reaction to internal and external events.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationStrategic and pragmatic e-business
Subtitle of host publicationimplications for future business practices
EditorsKarim Mohammed Rezaul
PublisherIGI Global
Pages132-155
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-4666-1620-2
ISBN (Print)978-1-4666-1619-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

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