Implementation of cloud ERP in the SME: evidence from UAE
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 20 March 2020
Issue publication date: 16 April 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explain the implementation of Cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and underlying factors and challenges that might be practiced by the users. It also provides a comparison between traditional and Cloud ERP systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses qualitative case study and analyzes the primary evidences from in-depth interviews. It conducts a thematic analysis of the interviews' findings. Furthermore, the current study uses three groups of factors (technological, management and environmental) that are expected to be best determinants of the Cloud ERP implementation.
Findings
The findings provide an evidence that using the Cloud EPR system, as alternative to on premise traditional ERP system, is constructive to the success of organizations and improve the quality of their decision-making process. The findings also reveal that effectiveness of implementing Cloud ERP is reliable on the provider's professionalism; hence resulting in issues related to minimize organizational independence.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is subjected to case studies limitations, as it lacks rigor and generalization. The paper has important implications for practitioners and decision-makers alike as it presents real-life example about Cloud ERP implementation. It thus enhances decision-makers' ability to make a relevant reporting process in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Originality/value
This study can be considered as a one of very few case studies that discusses Cloud ERP implementation in UAE organizations particularly SMEs. It also provides three groups of factors (technological, management and environmental) that are influenced by the Cloud ERP implementation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers and the Journal editor for their comments and suggestions. These comments have led to a significant improvement to the overall quality of this paper. However, the authors are solely responsible for all remaining errors and omissions.
Citation
Alsharari, N.M., Al-Shboul, M. and Alteneiji, S. (2020), "Implementation of cloud ERP in the SME: evidence from UAE", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 299-327. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-01-2019-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited