Title: Enterprise resource planning implementation in the retail sector: a case study on the effects of the implementation of an ERP system in Cyprus

Authors: Harry Kogetsidis, Angelika Kokkinaki, Vassilis Soteriou

Addresses: School of Business, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, PO Box 24005, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus. ' School of Business, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, PO Box 24005, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus. ' School of Business, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, PO Box 24005, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus

Abstract: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been designed to integrate the core corporate activities of organisations and to automate their entire business processes. ERP systems provide a management tool for coordinating and guiding the activities of an organisation and can help it to gain a competitive advantage. This paper examines the effect of a recently implemented ERP system in a specific business unit of a large Cypriot company on the organisation and identifies some of the factors that have been critical for successful implementation. The results of interviews with managers of the company and users of the new system, all of whom have been actively involved in the implementation process, have shown that the new system has considerably benefited all the functional areas it covers. This has been made feasible through the commitment and dedication of all the people involved and the levels of training, coordination and communication provided throughout.

Keywords: business process automation; competitive advantage; enterprise resource planning; ERP implementation; retail sector; Cyprus; retailing; critical success factors; training; coordination; communication.

DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2008.019161

Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2008 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.270 - 283

Published online: 30 Jun 2008 *

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