User Adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in the Public Sector

197 Pages·2016·0.96 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2016
User Adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning
Systems in the Public Sector
Lionel O. Wright
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Management and Technology

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Lionel Wright

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Wen-Wen Chien, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration
Faculty

Dr. Alexandre Lazo, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Dr. Denise Land, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2016
Abstract
User Adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in the Public Sector
by
Lionel O. Wright, Sr.

MS, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2011
BA, American Military University, 2009

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University
June 2016
Abstract
The importance of aligning information technology and business strategies to exploit
capabilities and change business practices has increased as firms strive for competitive
advantage in a diverse and changing marketplace. Nevertheless, over 50% of firms
implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems ranked expected process and
value enhancements as inadequate, whereas only 13% indicated that implementations met
their needs. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model
formed the conceptual framework of this single case study. The study comprised a
purposeful sampling of 8 business managers in Southeast Alabama working in related job
roles and based on established eligibility criteria. Data collection involved
semistructured interviews, casual observations, and document analysis. Through method
triangulation and predetermined themes directly related to the UTAUT conceptual
framework, 5 themes emerged: management endorsement, change management, training
and education, dedicated resources, and governance. Results of this research may
influence the elimination of key barriers central in the deployment and adoption of ERP
systems by the public sector. The study’s implications for positive social change include
the potential to enhance social and intellectual capital formation through recognizing
strategies that mitigate employees’ gender and age variances during an ERP
implementation.
User Adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in the Public Sector
by
Lionel O. Wright, Sr.

MS, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2011
BA, American Military University, 2009

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University
June 2016
Dedication
To my loving wife, Artema, who is my strength and my rock. Your support and
inspiration have been immeasurable throughout this journey. To my children, Lionel Jr.
and Ametra, who continuously provided motivation to ensure I accomplished my goal.
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I have to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for blessing
me with the knowledge, strength, and perseverance to complete this journey.
Immeasurable thanks to my family, without whose support this would not be possible. I
acknowledge my chair, Dr. Wen-Wen Chien, who has been an astonishing inspiration
throughout this challenging process. I also acknowledge Dr. Roger Mayer and my
committee members, Dr. Lazo and Dr. Land, for the challenging deliverance of doctoral
work. Thank all of you for your professional guidance and feedback throughout this
process.
Table of Contents
List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv
Section 1: Foundation of the Study ......................................................................................1
Background of the Problem ...........................................................................................1
Problem Statement .........................................................................................................2
Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................3
Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................3
Research Question .........................................................................................................4
Interview Questions ................................................................................................ 4
Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................6
Definition of Terms........................................................................................................6
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ................................................................7
Assumptions ............................................................................................................ 7
Limitations .............................................................................................................. 8
Delimitations ........................................................................................................... 8
Significance of the Study ...............................................................................................9
Contribution to Business Practice ........................................................................... 9
Implications for Social Change ............................................................................. 10
A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ..............................................11
Literature Review Research Strategy.................................................................... 11
Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) ...................... 12
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems ...................................................... 43
i
Methodological Review ........................................................................................ 58
Transition and Summary ..............................................................................................59
Section 2: The Project ........................................................................................................61
Purpose Statement ........................................................................................................61
Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................61
Participants ...................................................................................................................65
Research Method and Design ......................................................................................66
Method .................................................................................................................. 66
Research Design.................................................................................................... 68
Population and Sampling .............................................................................................70
Ethical Research...........................................................................................................72
Data Collection ............................................................................................................74
Instruments ............................................................................................................ 74
Data Collection Technique ................................................................................... 77
Data Organization Techniques .............................................................................. 81
Data Analysis Technique .............................................................................................83
Reliability and Validity ................................................................................................85
Dependability ........................................................................................................ 86
Creditability .......................................................................................................... 87
Transferability ....................................................................................................... 91
Confirmability ....................................................................................................... 92
Transition and Summary ..............................................................................................94
ii
Section 3: Application to Professional Practice and Implications for Change ..................96
Overview of Study .......................................................................................................96
Presentation of the Findings.........................................................................................97
Theme 1: Management Endorsement ................................................................. 100
Theme 2: Change Management .......................................................................... 103
Theme 3: Training and Education ....................................................................... 106
Theme 4: Dedicated Resources ........................................................................... 110
Theme 5: Governance ......................................................................................... 113
Summary of Findings .......................................................................................... 115
Applications to Professional Practice ........................................................................116
Implications for Social Change ..................................................................................117
Recommendations for Action ....................................................................................118
Recommendations for Further Study .........................................................................122
Reflections .................................................................................................................122
Summary and Study Conclusions ..............................................................................123
References ........................................................................................................................125
Appendix A: Invitation to Participate ..............................................................................178
Appendix B: Participant Consent Form ...........................................................................180
Appendix C: Interview Protocol ......................................................................................183
Appendix D: Interview Reflexive Journal .......................................................................185
Appendix E: Letter of Cooperation from a Research Partner ..........................................186

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