The Impact of Contextual Factors on ERP Assimilation: Exploratory Findings from a Developed and a Developing Country

Rafa Kouki, Université Laval, Québec, CanadaRafa.Kouki@cirrelt.ca, Diane Poulin, Université Laval, Québec, Canada, Diane.Poulin@cirrelt.ca, Robert Pellerin, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada, Robert.Pellerin@polymtl.ca

ERP systems have long been known for their significant impact on the adopting companies, irrespective of size and industry. To better understand and maximize the positive impacts, ERP research has mostly focused on the selection, evaluation and implementation stages. Failure rates, however, indicate that post--implementation is another essential stage for the success of ERP projects. Based on a qualitative research design using case-study methodology, this study investigates the determinants of ERP assimilation success during the post-implementation stage. This paper compares three Tunisian manufacturing companies with three Canadian manufacturing companies and presents the lessons learned from this analysis.