(ERP Implementation From Software Development Life Cycle Perspective: A Delphi Study)

Abstract

– This research aims to identify the best business practices for an ERP implementation in the context of the six processes of the Software Development Life Cycle (Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Test & Integration, Maintenance) that should be completed during the pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation phases. Design/methodology/approach – In this research, a three-step, qualitative, ranking-type Delphi study was conducted with ERP experts (n=10). In the first round of the Delphi process, the fundamental business practices required for an ERP implementation are defined. In the second round, participants were asked to evaluate the practices identified at each stage and list the most important ones. In the third round, the participants are asked to rank the practices in order of importance. Findings – According to the findings, a good level of agreement was achieved among the participants for the business practices determined in the Planning, Analysis, Testing & Integration processes in the pre-implementation phase. In the ERP implementation phase, a medium level of agreement for applications in the Analysis, Design, and Maintenance processes, as well as a strong agreement for applications in the Test and Integration process, and a weak agreement for applications in the implementation process. A strong aggrement has been reached among experts for applications in Test & Integration and Maintenance processes in the post-implementation phase. Discussion – ERP implementation is a very costly, time-consuming, and often difficult process for businesses. One of the challenges for businesses to overcome this process is the lack of an effective implementation method for ERP projects. This research examined ERP projects from the SDLC perspective and provided results as to which stage in the ERP life cycle, the business applications in the SDLC process are considered important in line with experts’ consensus.