Investigating the effects of power relations on the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning through the lens of Actor Network Theory : the case of MESAIR

Kashmeery, T

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of power relations on the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in an organisation in Saudi Arabia. The researcher adopted a qualitative, interpretive research perspective using a single explanatory case study paradigm, which was generalised to a concept. As one of the objectives of this research was to analyse the case study by using Foucault’s analysis of power embedded within Actor Network Theory (ANT), the concept of ANT-Foucault was developed. This concept could provide valuable insights for the body of knowledge by proposing an alternative way of analysing IS and ERP implementation projects in organisations. Although, the outcome of the research was limited to deploying a single case of an ERP implementation project in an organisation in Saudi Arabia to investigate the effects of power relations on the ERP implementation project under study, the researcher believes that the ANT-Foucault concept is capable of being adopted into other ERP implementation projects provided that careful consideration of the context is taken. Future research could be aimed at further examining the application of such concept with a view of developing a new theoretical framework. Such framework would be capable of assisting IT project managers to follow and analyse the manoeuvres of power during the course of IS or ERP projects.

Citation

Kashmeery, T. Investigating the effects of power relations on the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning through the lens of Actor Network Theory : the case of MESAIR. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 20, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 20, 2017
• Additional Information: Funders : Funder not known