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ABSTRACT
This paper exemplifies a theoretical and methodological evaluation of IT Initiatives. It discusses post-implementation modifications (ERP-PIM) to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for the purpose of business process optimization (BPO) from a Context-Initiative-Mechanism-Outcome (CIMO) perspective. CIMO suggests that context and mechanisms are factors triggering causal effects responsible for outcomes derived from technology initiatives. Through conceptualization, data collection/analysis, and retroduction, the paper proposes a middle-range theory to facilitate the explanation of outcomes from diverse post-implementation initiatives. Data from multiple case study identifies situational and action-formation mechanisms, and actions as essential to realizing the desired outcomes. The proposed ERP-PIM-CIMO theory encapsulates: (i) Business Process Optimization (BPO) as context, (ii) ERP-PIM as structure, (iii) Business Process Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Flexibility as observable events, (iv) ERP capability as causal mechanism, (v) actions as necessary for the actualization of mechanism, and finally (vi) effort and cost, knowledge, and training as factors influencing actualization.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Taiwo Oseni
Taiwo Oseni is an Information Systems Lecturer at Federation University Australia and is responsible for coordinating the Master of Enterprise Systems Research program. A current priority is to investigate Information Systems initiatives and healthcare interventions using the Critical Realism lens, particularly the Context-Initiative-Mechanism-Outcome perspective. Her goal is to facilitate the identification of affordances inherent in Information Systems and investigate causal mechanisms explaining experienced outcomes.
Mahbubur Rahim
Md Mahbubur Rahim is an Associate Professor of Information Systems at Sultan Qaboos University.
Susan Foster
Susan Foster is a Special Interest Group Lead in Organisational Change and Training at Australian SAP User Group.