Factors in an Implementation Strategy, Research Paper Example

Implementing a system starts before the system is purchased. It is important to consider some important factors in the implementation strategy. The business plan and the vision of the business play a pivotal role in a successful implementation strategy. Establishment of the business case in upgrade and implementation should be made with particular focus on resources, costs, benefits, timeline and potential risks (Al-Masbari, Al-Mudlmigh & Zairi, 2003). The vision plays a role in guiding the implementation strategy by justifying the investment on the basis of changes anticipated in the processes of work that must be aligned with future business needs. With this in mind, the IT strategy is successfully aligned with the business strategy.

Management of change is also a crucial consideration in the implementation strategy. Identification of the benefits associated with change with respect to staying competitive is crucial success factor (Rosario, 2000). In managing change, it is important to account for enterprise wide structure, potent corporate identity, culture change as well as a culture entailing shared values as important aspects in change management (Rosario, 2000). Change management must also address the feedback and involvement of end users. Solving user problems in the process of organization change management requires the input of support organization such as user manuals, a help desk, e.t.c. it is also important to train the workforce in the IT department concerning all aspect of the newly initiated system as well as processes. The organization must indicate its commitment for change through unending perseverance along with a high degree of determination in solving all the problems that are associated with implementation. Change management also entails reengineering of business processes so that they are aligned with the new system.

References

Al-Masbari. M.. Al-Mudlmigh, A. & Zairi. M. (2003). “Enterprise Resource Planning: A Taxonomy of Critical Factors,” European Journal of Operational Research, 146:2, 352-365,

Rosario, J.G., (2000). “On the Leading Edge: Critical Success Factors in ERP Implementation Projects,” Business World (Philippines), 27.