Analyzing Factors in ERP Software Implementation During COVID-19

This Masters project explores the factors involved in the implementation of ERP software during the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction provides an overview of ERP systems, their importance, and the impact of COVID-19 on businesses. The project aims to analyze changes in ERP implementation strategies due to product line changes and the post-COVID-19 environment. The literature review provides background information and the research methodology outlines the approach, objectives, research questions, and chapter structure. The project examines the challenges faced by businesses during the pandemic, change management techniques, and changes in business processes, including scalability, adaptability, and security issues. The project utilizes comparative analysis and explores the rationale behind the research, aiming to understand the impact of COVID-19 on business processes and ERP software implementation. The research objectives include a comparative analysis of ERP implementation strategies, exploration of change management techniques, and an articulation of changes in business processes and challenges faced by businesses due to COVID-19.

Masters Project

Table of Contents
Title of the Project...........................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................7
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY..................................................................................................30
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................34

Title of the Project
To explore the factors involved in the implementation of ERP software during COVID-
19.
INTRODUCTION
Overview of the Research
The project initiates to develop the factors that are included in the execution of ERP
software during COVID 19. Therefore, in this the overall analysis is based on the comparative
analysis among the changes to ERP implementation strategy due to product line changes and the
post COVID 19 environment. Thus, ERP (Enterprise resource planning) is defined as the
procedure of management software which mainly provides allowance to the businesses to
implement a system of integrated applications to manage the business and automate many back
office functions that are incorporate to technology, service and human resources. ERP is an
effective source which represents as Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems which can be
defined as one of the most innovative developments in the field of information technology (IT)
of the 1990s. With the growing interest of much business in moving from functional to process-
based IT infrastructure, ERP systems have become one of today's most widespread IT solutions.
In another words, enterprise resource planning refers as the software solution which assimilates
organizational functions and the information into an individual system which is shared within the
enterprises. ERP is basically developed through the manufacturing and planning components and
it has its major concern over enlarging the scope to other back office functions likewise the
assistance of human resource, finance and so on (Ali and Miller, 2017). Therefore, the changes
to ERP implementation strategy due to product line change is imperative as suitable and
systematic business plans are effective in managing all the changes within the product line and
execute effective operations. In the pandemic of COVID 19 the businesses are affected virtually
and also influence the implementation of ERP software. Therefore, the execution of ERP
software is effective in managing systemic execution of business operations. However, the key
ground utilize ERP solution is to develop a common IT platform around the business. Thus , the
intention and the welfare must be carefully weighed in against of as a project of this scope has
momentous upfront costs and alter management implications which needs to be accepted through
both managers and business employees. However, post COVID 19 termed to be the key
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challenge for the businesses and post COVID the change is imperative in the ERP
implementation strategy, therefore, the plans has been developed according to determining the
market and the accessibility of the products. COVID 19 is termed to be the key issue which has
wider influence over the business performance and the economic condition of entire globe,
therefore, in the outbreak of COVID 19 the processes of businesses are getting slow and non
appropriate, so businesses are widely encompasses over implementing ERP software for the
effective implementation of operations. However, there are assorted factor like ERP is effective
in resolving the multi-plat form issues, it also effective in encouraging performance in a down
economy, effective in standardized business practices, increases and improves interaction, that
initiates the implementation of ERP software, as the businesses are facing a lot issue in the light
of COVID 19 and the effective emergence is imperative for the business in suitable execution of
operations (Almajali and Tarhini, 2016).
Background of the Research
The ERP execution of strategy is defined as an important decision for a business executives and
stakeholders to make for the intention of suitable implementation of business operations,
therefore, The implementation strategy basically determine the plan for alter which ensures
alignment with overall corporate business objectives and goals. The strategy significantly defines
the managerial principles and approach to developing the ERP implementation. The ERP
business strategy is imperative for the business in implementing effective execution of operations
sue to maintaining the product line changes, however, a suitable ERP model initials to effective
implementation of operations that are imperative for the business to gain growth and success. In
the middle of global health crises, the corona virus disease 2019, pandemic portends a drastic
shift in the way globe will work in the future. Thus, the affect of COVID 19 is both global and
unpredictable or the supply chain surprise it is causing will most definitely and substantially cut
into the global manufacturing revenue of around 15 trillion presently which is significantly
estimated for 2020 (Awa, Uko and Ukoha, 2017). COVID 19 is a central issue which has wider
influence over the way of executing businesses and the entire globe, thus ERP is significant for
management of supply chain as enterprises resources planning will help the business to execute
suitable operations via considering the impact of Corona Virus. However, it is the biggest
outbreak which influences the working patterns and mainly affects the supply chain as the entire
progress of a business in encompasses over the suitable management of supply chain.
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Furthermore, businesses are needs to be concern over developing effective ERP strategy for the
suitable management of business and its operations.
Rationale of the Research
The project into actual action is based on identifying the factors included in the execution
of ERP software during COVID 19, therefore, it is a widely considered area as the entire globe
has facing the issue of corona virus and affected adversely. The primary intention of executing
this research is that corona virus is a major issue which needs detailed study to get insight in
regards to the impact of COVID over the business processes and the project managements.
Therefore, the study also initiates implementation of ERP software (Berić and et. al., 2018). The
another primary recognition of executing this analysis is the personal interest of the researcher as
the investigator wants to enhance personal ability regarding the chosen study area. In addition to
this, the study is efficacious in determining the significance of cloud SAAS ERP and how it lead
in effective way. This study also initiates descriptive idea about the implementation of ERP
software in the context of business growth as business now a day's are focuses over enlarging
business operations and implement effective ERP model to attain growth and success, via
determining the systematic execution of the business operations and functions. This study is also
imperative in enhancing an individual personal as well as professional knowledge which can
effectively be beneficial for the individual to attain success in future. This study is also valuable
for the businesses which are operating with ERP software as the study provides in-depth
knowledge the importance of ERP software in the growth operations of the business (Carutasu
and Carutasu, 2016).
Research Aim
The research aim is defined as the predetermined aspect which helps in clearly defining
the intention of the project in the form of a small statement, therefore, research aim is imperative
in leading the entire activities of the research is effective manner to reaching at the specific
results (Erazo, Arboleda and Pino, 2017). The key aim of this present report is “An investigation
over identifying the factors involved in the implementation of ERP software during COVID
19”.
Research Objectives
Research Objectives are critically defined as the aspect which concisely determine the
component what an investigation is trying to achieve. Thus, they summaries the achievement an
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investigation wishes to attain throughout the project and renders assistance to the evaluation.
This section of investigation is effectively interconnected with the aim of the research and clearly
defines the areas which are needs to be covered in a project. The key objectives of this present
research are associated as below:
 To conduct a comparative analysis over analyzing the changes to ERP implementation
strategy due to product line changes and the post COVID 19 environment.
 To critically explore understanding in relation to the change management techniques both
traditional (Waterfall and Agile) and newer technologies like DevOps that are being
implemented in the context of business.
 To articulate the changes in business process and changes to business units with
discussing scalability issues, adaptability issues and security issues.
 To determine the challenges faced by businesses due to COVID 19.
Research Questions
An investigation question is defined as the question which an investigation project sets
out to answer'. Therefore, questions are effective in providing descriptive evaluation as the
questions are mainly interlinked with the aim and objectives of the research; therefore, selecting
a research question is an important aspect of both quantitative and qualitative investigation
(Gilbert and et. al., 2020). However, the research will effectively needed information collection
and analysis and the methodology for this will vary widely, thus the suitable questions of this
present analysis are associated as below:
 Defining a comparative analysis over analyzing the changes to ERP implementation
strategy due to product line changes and the post COVID 19 environment?
 What are the change management techniques both traditional (Waterfall and Agile) and
newer technologies like DevOps that are being implemented in the context of business?
 What are the key changes in business process and changes to business units with
discussing scalability issues, adaptability issues and security issues?
 What challenges are faced by businesses due to COVID 19.
Chapter Structure:
This is a significant segment of the exposition since it will bolster researcher to recognize
necessity of exercises or parts in consummation of paper methodically. There are various
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undertakings or exercises that will be required by researcher for finishing whole thesis in
deliberate way. The structure of a project provides outline specification to the researcher to
implement the actions in effective manner, hence for the effective execution of the thesis, based
on identifying the factors involved in the implementation of ERP software during COVID 19,
suitable chapters are imperative to be involved are effectively described as below :
Introduction: This is a primary piece of the research thesis, it will bolster researcher too defining
the research depth and the overview on which the study is base, aim and objectives of the
research, rationale of the study and so on. All these are significant piece of the finishing
presentation movement in efficient manner. Primary motivation behind this action is to help the
researcher in execution of exploration point and targets for finishing full exposition effectively
(Malindzakova and Puskas, 2018).
Literature Review: This is another significant piece of the exposition that will be basic for
researcher in social event of secondary data. Principle intention of this area is to encourage
researcher in satisfaction of exploration hole successfully.
Research Methodology: This is another critical piece of the exposition that helps the researcher
in social occasion of information about the point. This area incorporates diverse number of
techniques that will be gainful for investigator in accomplishment of legitimate results. Primary
motivation behind exploration approach is to help researcher in assortment and assessment of
qualitative or quantitative information. This section mainly incorporates over assorted
applications like type of investigation, research approach, design, philosophy, data collection
tools, sampling and so on, which are valuable to directing the work in right manner. In current
exposition, survey will be mulled over for gathering essential and quantitative information with
the development of questioners which will be incorporated over stratified sampling. Thus, this
aspect will be significant in gathering information effectively (Mdima and et. al., 2017).
Data Collection and Analysis: In this area, researcher will require to create research inquiries as
indicated by the examination title. It is significant for the researcher in accomplishment of
exploration aim and objectives. This is another part that depends on gathered primary
information. In this, researcher will discover assessment of respondents about the subject. In this
present evaluation the analysis will incorporates over developing questionnaire on the basis of
likert scale with the assistance of stratified sampling tool, thus, frequency distribution
examination will be applied by researcher for finding and dissecting quantitative information in
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less timeframe. For introducing quantitative information, Ms-Excel programming will be trailed
by analyst. This product help specialist in creation of diagrams as indicated by the examination
questions.
Discussion: This area depends on assembled secondary information. This information will be
gathered by analyst in literature survey segment. Alongside this, for examining secondary data
various topics will be made by researcher as indicated by the exploration questions. Primary
thought process of this area is to talk about secondary data for accomplishing research point and
targets (Moghadas and et. al., 2020).
Conclusion Recommendation: This is principle segment or action that includes data of every
exercise in short and clear manner. This area helps agent in accomplishment of exploration point
and targets.
Reflection: This is a fundamental area and in this, researchers will requiring depicting their
excursion and experience towards the conclusion and flowing research. Fundamental thought
process of this area is to recognize understanding and issues looked by analyst while doing this
examination. In the event that analyst faces any sort of issue, alternative examination approach
will be prescribed to them (Park and et. al., 2020).
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LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review is defined as a survey of scholarly resources which renders an overview
of a particular investigation area. Therefore, literature review is effective in developing detailed
analysis over a specific area with applying suitable tools like books, journals articles and so on.
However, in the present investigation context based on identifying the factors involved in the
implementation of ERP software during COVID 19, literature review is effective in enhancing
the understand via developing theoretical framework (Ranjan, Jha and Pal, 2016). In addition to
this literature is effective in providing insight and out of the exploration and a suitable base to the
individual learner and researcher to explore recognition in relation to the same area. In this
particular investigation this section empowers through developing theoretical framework in the
manner of comparative analysis as in this literature developed in table format.
Objective Author Title Resources Conclusion
To conduct a
comparative
analysis over
analyzing the
changes to ERP
implementation
strategy due to
product line
changes and the
post COVID 19
environment.
Raul Mzo,
Camille
salinesi,
Assar Sais,
Ben Hassen
Noura
David J
Cennimo
Stephanie
Neil
Using Software
Product Line to
improve ERP
Engineering:
Literature
Review and
Analysis
What is COVID-
19?
The Potential of
ERP Amid a
Pandemic
The authors stated that,
businesses now a day’s are
concern over implementing
ERP (enterprise resource
planning) strategy for the
intention to improve
business performance in
segment of operational and
management control and
optimization. The primary
intention is to execute
activities around functional
department involving
planning, manufacturing,
purchasing, assessing and
managing inventory,
tracking orders and so on.
On the contrary side, the
return ROI (return on
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Investment) for the business
includes in ERP execution
largely based over their
ability to properly design,
develop and evolve ERP to
respond to all needs through
existing business
requirements up to strategic
objectives. The ERP
execution mainly plays an
imperative role in business,
therefore, it refers as the
procedure which transforms
a standard ERP item into a
functional system in an
enterprises, through ERP
execution mainly
encompasses over two key
aspects i.e. customization
and configuration. However,
the aspect of Customization
is concerning over
extending ERP operations
via adding new modules or
changing code in the ERP
software and the
configuration is mainly
incorporated over providing
value to a number of
parameters that are recorded
as the information within
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ERP.
COVID 19 is
defined as the infectious
disease which is associated
through the most recently
discovered corona-virus.
Therefore, this is the new
disease and virus which is
unknown before the
outbreak began in Wuhan,
China in December 2019.
Corona-virus is a large
family of virus which cause
illness through the common
cold to more severe disease
likewise Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome and
server Acute Respiratory
syndrome. Therefore, it is a
new issue which has not
been previously determine
in humans. The outbreak of
COVID 19 has create a huge
impact over the business
organizations as the
performance of businesses
are adversely affecting
which influences the
economic performance of
the business. Novel corona-
virus is defined as a major
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issue which directly
influences the entire globe
and has impacted over the
living of people. Businesses
now a days are concern over
improvising business
situations via enhancing the
operations of the business,
thus, ERP is recognized to
be the widely implemented
aspect which plays vital role
in the pandemic of COVID
19. An ERP system is
defined as an integrated
software solution which is
significantly offered through
a business as a package
which aids the seamless
integration of all the data
flowing via the business
likewise, financial,
accounting, human resource,
customer information,
supply chain and so on. ERP
software is an imperative
aspect and here are assorted
factors like understanding of
business goals, systematic
execution of project idea,
great implementation of
team, data accuracy,
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