An Investigation of the Factors Affecting Successful Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementation in Nigeria

Abstract

The ERP system has been identified as a tool for delivering information technology (IT) services through software and other critical infrastructures using internet technologies. Given its nature as an industry-driven concept and system, this is universally accepted in industry as a tool to solve practical problems with a view to achieving an integrated enterprise information system. However, a developing country like Nigeria still faces a lot of hurdles in managing its construction supply chain. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the successful implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in the Nigerian construction industry. After a literature search, expert input via the Delphi technique, the study identified four main factors and 21 sub-factors. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was used to prioritise the factors and to identify the relationship that exists between the factors. The findings revealed that the key factors affecting the implementation of ERP systems are "A lot of security concerns" (T7), "The management of ERP projects is too complex" (P5) and "The inability to align the ERP solution with the business plans of the organisation" (P2). This study recommends that the findings of this work will help both local and international practitioners alike.