G. Buonanno, P. Faverio, F. Pigni, A. Ravarini, D. Sciuto and M. Tagliavini
Proposes providing an insight about enterprise resource planning (ERP) adoption, highlighting contact points and significant differences between the way small to medium‐sized…
Abstract
Purpose
Proposes providing an insight about enterprise resource planning (ERP) adoption, highlighting contact points and significant differences between the way small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies approach such a task.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a wide literature review, focused on the identification of a taxonomy of business and organizational factors influencing ERP adoption. The deriving research model was incorporated in a questionnaire that was preliminarily tested and finally provided to a sample of 366 companies of any size. Responses were collected through personal interviews made by a dedicated team to a top manager.
Findings
The analysis of the empirical data shows that business complexity, as a composed factor, is a weak predictor of ERP adoption, whereas just company size turns out to be a very good one. In other words, companies seem to be disregarding ERP systems as an answer to their business complexity. Unexpectedly, SMEs disregard financial constraints as the main cause for ERP system non‐adoption, suggesting structural and organizational reasons as major ones. This pattern is partially different from what was observed in large organizations where the first reason for not adopting an ERP system is organizational. Moreover, the decision process regarding the adoption of ERP systems within SMEs is still more affected by exogenous reasons or “opportunity of the moment” than business‐related factors, contrary to large companies that are more interested in managing process integration and data redundancy/inconsistency through ERP implementation.
Research limitations/implications
The research model is based on the assumption that business complexity and organizational change are the most relevant variables influencing ERP adoption, and such variables are explained through a set of factors inherently limited by the results of the literature review.
Practical implications
The results of the empirical research provide indication to SMEs willing to take into consideration the adoption of an ERP system. The same outcomes could be incorporated into the development strategies of ERP software houses.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to enhancing the understanding of the factors influencing the evolution of information systems within SMEs with respect to large companies.
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Vathsala Wickramasinghe and Vathsala Gunawardena
The purpose of this paper is to explore enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation project performance of successful and unsuccessful implementations; critical elements…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation project performance of successful and unsuccessful implementations; critical elements (CEs) that are conducive to success; and whether implementation project performance and CEs vary across the number of modules implemented, product type, and number of employees affected by the ERP.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey research methodology was used and data collected from 74 ERP implementation projects in Sri Lanka. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression.
Findings
ERP implementation project performance significantly differs between successful and unsuccessful implementations. The importance given to CEs of training and education, user involvement, managing user expectations, interdepartmental cooperation, ERP teamwork and team composition, software development, testing and troubleshooting, project management, project champion, BPR and customisation, change management programme and culture, and effective communication significantly differ between successful and unsuccessful implementations. Although ERP implementation project performance does not vary by the number of ERP modules implemented, product type, and number of employees affected by the ERP, several CEs were found to vary by these three contextual variables.
Originality/value
Despite extensive literature on ERP implementations, empirical studies are needed for a better understanding of CEs that are conducive to success. In the context of globalisation of business operations and interlocking supply chains, research on CEs that are conducive to success in Sri Lanka is interesting, relevant and timely, since there is an increasing interest in understanding the work environment in Asia.
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Gino Cortellessa, Fausto Arpino, Simona Di Fraia and Mauro Scungio
In this work, a new two-phase version of the finite element-based Artificial Compressibility (AC) Characteristic-Based Split (CBS) algorithm is developed and applied for the first…
Abstract
Purpose
In this work, a new two-phase version of the finite element-based Artificial Compressibility (AC) Characteristic-Based Split (CBS) algorithm is developed and applied for the first time to heat and mass transfer phenomena in porous media with associated phase change. The purpose of this study is to provide an alternative for the theoretical analysis and numerical simulation of multiphase transport phenomena in porous media. Traditionally, the more complex Separate Flow Model was used in which the vapour and liquid phases were considered as distinct fluids and mathematically described by the conservation laws for each phase separately, resulting in a large number of governing equations.
Design/methodology/approach
Even though the adopted mathematical model presents analogies with the conventional multicomponent mixture flow model, it is characterized by a considerable reduction in the number of the differential equations for the primary variables. The fixed-grid numerical formulation can be applied to the resolution of general problems that may simultaneously include a superheated vapour region, a two-phase zone and a sub-cooled liquid region in a single physical domain with irregular and moving phase interfaces in between. The local thermal non-equilibrium model is introduced to consider the heat exchange between fluid and solid within the porous matrix.
Findings
The numerical model is verified considering the transport phenomena in a homogenous and isotropic porous medium in which water is injected from one side and heated from the other side, where it leaves the computational domain in a superheated vapour state. Dominant forces are represented by capillary interactions and two-phase heat conduction. The obtained results have been compared with the numerical data available in the scientific literature.
Social implications
The present algorithm provides a powerful routine tool for the numerical modelling of complex two-phase transport processes in porous media.
Originality/value
For the first time, the stabilized AC-CBS scheme is applied to the resolution of compressible viscous flow transport in porous materials with associated phase change. A properly stabilized matrix inversion-free procedure employs an adaptive local time step that allows acceleration of the solution process even in the presence of large source terms and low diffusion coefficients values (near the phase change point).
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Manuel Antonio Fernández Casares, José Antonio Galdón Ruiz, Rubén Barbero Fresno and Gracia Pérez Ojeda
The paper aims to apply the probabilistic analysis of risks, improve the prediction and control of infections and optimise the use of resources and the knowledge available at all…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to apply the probabilistic analysis of risks, improve the prediction and control of infections and optimise the use of resources and the knowledge available at all times.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a model based on Bayesian inference, which can be solved with the WinBUGS (Windows interface Bayesian inference Using Gibbs Sampling) simulation software, is described to reduce the uncertainty of the parameter that most influences air transmission: the rate of quanta emitted by the infected. Second, a method for predicting the expected number of infections and combining available resources to reduce parameter is described.
Findings
The results indicate that it is possible to initiate a powerful learning process when all available knowledge is integrated alongside the newly observed data and that it is possible to quantify the interaction between the environment and the spaces, improving the communication process by providing the values in a format that facilitates the objective perception of danger.
Research limitations/implications
The implementation of the inference model requires access to the spaces where there were infected.
Practical implications
The current study provides a model and a method to improve the probabilistic analysis of risks, which allows the systematisation of the risk-based management approach to control community transmission caused by infectious agents that use the airway.
Social implications
The application of the risk assessment and treatment method requires collaboration between the parties that will help the effective implementation of the improvements, such as to verify whether the available resources are sufficient to achieve control.
Originality/value
A hierarchical Bayesian inference model is presented to control the uncertainty in the quanta rate. Bayesian inference initiates a learning process to better understand random uncertainty. A method to quantify and communicate risk was also presented, which proposes to decompose the risk into four components to predict the expected number of infected individuals, helping to implement improvement measures, with the resources and knowledge available.
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Mohammed Alhaji Mohammed, Kyari Bulama, Alhaji Modu Bukar, Mala Ali Modu, Audu Alhaji Usman, Alhaji Kasir Lawan and Garba Abba Habib
The effects of dust exposure in buildings and its health and comfort consequences continue to concern occupants, particularly those who spend most of their time indoors. This…
Abstract
Purpose
The effects of dust exposure in buildings and its health and comfort consequences continue to concern occupants, particularly those who spend most of their time indoors. This study examines the influence of building opening characteristics on surface dust loading in indoor environments to determine the dust particles' impact on different opening configurations.
Design/methodology/approach
Indoor Harmattan dust surface loading data were collected from Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria, using model rooms with six different window configurations. A simple mathematical relationship was employed to assess surface dust loading characteristics in the model rooms. The study measured dust thrice between December and February for three days (72 h). The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Findings
The results determined the highest average surface dust loading of 12.03 g/m2 in the room with awning windows at an indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratio of 0.7. In contrast, the experiment in the room with a closed window recorded the lowest average surface dust loading of 5.24 g/m2 at an I/O ratio of 0.30, which is infiltration. The outcomes further indicate that the average surface dust loading varies with the building opening type and position, as higher surface dust loadings were recorded in locations closer to the openings (doors and windows), reaffirming that the dominant source of the dust particles is outdoors. According to the study, dust incursion due to infiltration accounts for 30% of the outdoor surface loading.
Originality/value
Thus, Harmattan dust is a serious challenge to the health, productivity and hygiene of building occupants in the study area. The built-environment professionals must use the study's outcome to optimize building openings' designs (shape, size and form) for effective indoor dust control.
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Naim Ahmad, Abid Haleem and Asif Ali Syed
The purpose of this paper is to identify reasons for the enterprise systems adoption, their relevance to the Indian organizations and their relationship with industry and size…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify reasons for the enterprise systems adoption, their relevance to the Indian organizations and their relationship with industry and size among the Indian organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the content analysis of 12 research papers reasons of enterprise systems adoption have been identified. With the resultant framework of variables, 288 Indian cases have been scanned to identify and contrast adoption reasons in India with other countries. Also through χ2 test their associations have been studied with respect to industry and size among Indian organizations.
Findings
All the adoption reasons are present in Indian organizations. All the adoption reasons are indifferent to the industry of organization. Similarly it is found that all the adoption reasons but one is indifferent to the size of organization. Only organizational change is found to be significantly related with the size.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of study is limited to the Indian organizations that have implemented enterprise systems software. All the manifest variables have been marked with only two values 0 for absence and 1 for presence while omitting the information on relative strength. There is potential possibility of bias toward ES implementation benefits and relative comfort in implementing the target vendor's product. This research has utilized secondary data that might not have been created to address the current problem therefore may be limited in relevancy and accuracy.
Practical implications
Adoption motivations are a good starting point to see the need for the ES. Occurrences of adoption motivations advocate the change in the application infrastructure. Following 12 motivations for the adoption of ES have been identified in the literature review. Moreover they have not varied much with respect to the size and industry of the organizations. However, some factors are showing stronger presence in Indian context than the global counterparts and some are showing weaker presence.
Originality/value
Content analysis of the literature review has resulted in 12 reasons for the enterprise systems adoption after three iterations. These variables have been explained with the help of literature. Second, component of this research studies the relationship of these variables with industry and size among Indian organizations. It is established that enterprise systems are being adopted globally for the identical reasons. These reasons are also almost uniform with respect to industry and size of the Indian organizations.
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Boumediene Ramdani, Delroy Chevers and Densil A. Williams
This paper aims to empirically explore the TOE (technology-organisation-environment) factors influencing small to medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') adoption of enterprise…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to empirically explore the TOE (technology-organisation-environment) factors influencing small to medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') adoption of enterprise applications (EA).
Design/methodology/approach
Direct interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of SMEs located in the northwest of England. Using partial least squares (PLS) technique, 102 responses were analysed.
Findings
Results indicate that technology, organisation and environment contexts impact SMEs' adoption of EA. This suggests that the TOE model is indeed a robust tool to predict the adoption of EA by SMEs.
Research limitations/implications
Although this study focused on examining factors that influence SMEs' adoption of a set of systems such as CRM and e-procurement, it fails to differentiate between factors influencing each of these applications. The model used in this study can be used by software vendors not only in developing marketing strategies that can target potential SMEs, but also to develop strategies to increase the adoption of EA among SMEs.
Practical implications
This model could be used by software vendors to determine which SMEs they should target with their products. It can also be used by policy makers to develop strategies to increase the rate of EA adoption among SMEs.
Originality/value
This paper provides a model that can predict SMEs' adoption of EA. SMEs, adoption, enterprise applications, enterprise systems, ICT, PLS, technology-organisation-environment framework, TOE
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Yi Wang and Xinping Shi
Small and mid‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing challenges in an increasingly fierce environment. This paper aims to explore the promise of information systems (IS) in enhancing…
Abstract
Purpose
Small and mid‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing challenges in an increasingly fierce environment. This paper aims to explore the promise of information systems (IS) in enhancing the survival and competitiveness of SMEs in a dynamic environment. To address this issue, the paper draws upon the dynamic capability theory and develops a research model of IS‐enabled dynamic capabilities to examine the role of IS competence for enhancing SMEs dynamic capabilities in a competitive business environment.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study is conducted by using survey data from senior managers of 120 SMEs in China.
Findings
The analytic outcomes support the research model and confirm that IS competence significantly contributes to SMEs' dynamic capabilities for gaining competitive advantage.
Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes to the literature on IS impact on dynamic capabilities of SMEs by incorporating IS competences into a research model of IS‐enabled dynamic capabilities and articulating the relationships between IS competences and dynamic capabilities of SMEs in a changing business environment. The research findings enrich dynamic capabilities theory by justifying IS as an enabling antecedent for organizational capability development. The findings may empirically convince SMEs owners and management to effectively invest in and deploy IS for enhancing SMEs' dynamic capabilities and performance.
Originality/value
A capability‐building perspective is used to examine how IS can leverage SMEs' capabilities to enhance their competitive advantage in a dynamic environment.
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Amna Salman, Anoop Sattineni, Salman Azhar and Kasia Leousis
The purpose of this study is to conduct a rigorous systematic literature review and present a summary of building systems and technologies that can be used to mitigate the spread…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct a rigorous systematic literature review and present a summary of building systems and technologies that can be used to mitigate the spread of airborne viruses. With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, occupants’ health and indoor air quality (IAQ) have become a critical issue for facility managers to maintain the full functionality of the buildings. An improved understanding of these available systems will help facility managers and building owners to protect the health and safety of building occupants.
Design/methodology/approach
The PRISMA protocol was used for defining the literature search methodology. The concept mapping technique was used for determining the keywords. The keywords were then used to search for relevant articles using the Scopus database and Google Scholar. A thorough bibliometric analysis and qualitative analysis were conducted for the selected publications.
Findings
It was found that sensor technologies, botanical air-filtration systems and artificial intelligence could be used to effectively monitor and improve IAQ. In addition, natural ventilation is one of the low-cost and effective methods of reducing contaminants from the indoor air. Computational fluid dynamic modeling can be used to understand the flow of virus particles within the building through the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Several changes to the HVAC system are also discussed.
Originality/value
This study contains a diversity of methods from the existing literature that were systematically selected to present the state-of-the-art building systems and technologies that can effectively improve IAQ. The researchers plan to follow up on the findings of this research and will conduct an empirical study to assess its impact on IAQ.
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Boumediene Ramdani, Peter Kawalek and Oswaldo Lorenzo
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that can be used to predict which small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are more likely to become adopters of enterprise systems…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that can be used to predict which small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are more likely to become adopters of enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, SCM and e‐procurement).
Design/methodology/approach
Direct interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of SMEs located in the Northwest of England. Using logistic regression, 102 responses were analysed.
Findings
The results reveal that the factors influencing SMEs' adoption of enterprise systems are different from the factors influencing SMEs' adoption of other previously studied information systems (IS) innovations. SMEs were found to be more influenced by technological and organisational factors than environmental factors. Moreover, the results indicate that firms with a greater perceived relative advantage, a greater ability to experiment with these systems before adoption, greater top management support, greater organisational readiness and a larger size are predicted to become adopters of enterprise systems.
Research limitations/implications
Although this study focused on the factors that influence SMEs' adoption of a set of enterprise systems (i.e. ERP, CRM, SCM and e‐procurement), it fails to differentiate between factors that influence each of these systems.
Practical implications
The model can be used to assist software vendors not only to develop marketing strategies that can target potential adopters, but also to develop strategies to increase the adoption of ES among SMEs.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the continuing research in IS innovations adoption/diffusion in the small business context.