Before you invest: An illustrated framework to compare conceptual designs for an enterprise information system

Arif, M; Kulonda, D; Proctor, M; Williams, K

Abstract

Post-implementation analysis on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems has drawn attention to many
structural shortcomings. Yet, no framework exists to compare the different structural features of the ERP system. This paper
develops a framework to compare different enterprise-wide systems at the conceptual design level using size, coupling and
architectural complexity as criteria. Since, metrics used to measure these criteria are subjected to individual interpretation, a
statistical technique using repeated measures design is used to validate the results of multiple evaluators. The framework was
applied to the comparison of two enterprise-wide system implementations at the conceptual design level. One was a typical
ERP, and the other was a document- based system. A conceptual model was developed for the two methodologies using Unified
Modeling Language (UML). Ten evaluators, all graduate students with the knowledge of UML were given the conceptual
models of both systems and were instructed to apply the metrics. The evaluators performed the evaluations separately and were
under no time restriction. Their results were used in the repeated measures design. Based on the results, TDM was smaller
in size, more loosely coupled and less complex as compared to the ERP model. The framework successfully demonstrated
that it can differentiate between two different implementations on the basis of their size, module coupling and architectural
complexity. This framework presents a quantifiable technique that helps in informed decision making prior to a major financial
commitment.

Citation

Arif, M., Kulonda, D., Proctor, M., & Williams, K. (2004). Before you invest: An illustrated framework to compare conceptual designs for an enterprise information system. INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS Management, 4(2), 119-135

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2004
• Deposit Date: Aug 15, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Journal: Information Knowledge and Systems Management
• Print ISSN: 1389-1995
• Publisher: IOS Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 119-135
• Publisher URL: http://www.iospress.nl/journal/information-knowledge-systems-management/