The Adoption Of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Sytem At The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority

Abstract

The world has experienced a proliferation in the adoption of Information Systems in the past two decades. Government Parastatals have thus adopted Information Systems among them Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems with the intent of reaping various benefits such as improved efficiency in operations, superior long term strategic positioning among competitors and effectiveness in decision making. Whereas parastatals adopt these systems, little attention is drawn on factors influencing end user optimal utilization of these systems in order for them to realize the anticipated benefits. The objectives of this Study was to determine the extent to which Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System is being utilized at Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) since its adoption; To establish the effect of user characteristics and training in the adoption of ERP System in the industry and determine the challenges experienced by users in using the ERP System following adoption by KCAA. The study therefore adopted a survey design methodology at KCAA’s 3 Nairobi Stations namely: - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), KCAA Headquarters and East African School of Aviation (EASA). A total of 57 structured questionnaires were distributed using drop and pick later approach targeting 12.3 % representation. Out of the 57 questionnaires distributed, 54 were filled and returned denoting 94.74% response rate. Since KCAA is divided into 4 Directorates, stratified random sampling was applied in order to get a reasonable representation from the various departments within the Directorates. The research questions were derived from the objectives. The data collected was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and correlation were applied in drawing comparisons and conclusions. The findings indicated that there were users who were not trained on the ERP System yet some tasks required them to use it. As a result, lack of adequate training and system documentation were a big challenge to users in the adoption process of the ERP System. The ERP System in KCAA is utilized to a large extent by employees and/or departments requiring finances to meet financial obligations such as travel and training related. From the findings of the Study, it was recommended that KCAA, policy makers and organizations at large should ensure enough resources are allocated to user training in the adoption of Information Systems.