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Knowledge retention in ERP implementations: the context of UK SMEs

Jayawickrama, Uchitha, Liu, Shaofeng, Hudson Smith, Melanie, Akhtar, Pervaiz, Al Bashir, Mamoon (2019) Knowledge retention in ERP implementations: the context of UK SMEs. Production Planning and Control, 30 (10-12). pp. 1032-1047. ISSN 0953-7287. (doi:10.1080/09537287.2019.1582107) (KAR id:75424)

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 analyze 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 organizational 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 utilized by SMEs which are considering implementing ERP systems, to facilitate knowledge retention during implementation.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/09537287.2019.1582107
Uncontrolled keywords: EKR framework, Enterprise resource planning, ERP implementation, knowledge management, knowledge retention, UK SMEs, Enterprise resource management, Knowledge management, Project management, Resource allocation, Business process knowledge, EKR framework, Enterprise resource planning implementations, ERP implementation, Grounded theory approach, Knowledge retention, Small and medium-sized enterprise, UK SMEs, Enterprise resource planning
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Kent Business School (do not use)
Depositing User: Pervaiz Akhtar
Date Deposited: 16 Aug 2019 09:15 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 18:58 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/75424 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Akhtar, Pervaiz.

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