A study into the creation of feral information systems as a response to an ERP implementation within the supply chain of a large government-owned corporation

Luke Houghton; Don Kerr

doi:10.1504/IJIEM.2006.010239

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A study into the creation of feral information systems as a response to an ERP implementation within the supply chain of a large government-owned corporation

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A study into the creation of feral information systems as a response to an ERP implementation within the supply chain of a large government-owned corporation

Luke Houghton and Don Kerr

International Journal of Internet and Enterprise Management, Vol.4(2), pp.135-147

2006

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJIEM.2006.010239

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Abstract

Library and Information Studies

Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP)

SAP implementation

feral systems

social systems

supply chain management

information systems

This paper investigates the creation of feral systems as a response to an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) systems implementation of Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) in the supply chain of a large Government-Owned Corporation (GOC). Using a case study approach and extensive interviews, the researchers found that a SAP system was rigid, highly structured and ignored by some elements of the social system. Moreover, it focused on technical prowess of the SAP solution at the apparent expense of supporting real-world activity. Such a focus allowed the spontaneous creation of 'feral systems' that involved ad hoc processes used to get around the SAP solution, to complete important work. This paper begins with an analysis of the feral systems concept and then examines the case study of feral systems in the organisation in question. This paper concludes with a call for future research into feral systems and their effectiveness on ERP systems to support real-world activity.

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Title: A study into the creation of feral information systems as a response to an ERP implementation within the supply chain of a large government-owned corporation
Authors: Luke Houghton (Author) - Griffith University
Don Kerr (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: International Journal of Internet and Enterprise Management, Vol.4(2), pp.135-147
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
Date published: 2006
DOI: 10.1504/IJIEM.2006.010239
ISSN: 1476-1300
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449852402621
Output Type: Journal article

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