Factors Influencing Implementation Of Enterprise Resource Planning In The Telecommunication Industry In Kenya: A Case Of Geonet Technologies Limited

Abstract

Telecommunication firms all over the world continue to upgrade their capabilities, to remain competitive by continuously striving to improve their own business practices and procedures. Despite the attributes and major advantages provided by ERP systems, the implementation of such systems is not always effective. The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived factors influencing ERP implementation in the Telecommunication Industry in Kenya; in the case of Geonet Technologies Ltd. The objectives of the study were: to establish the influence of top management support on ERP implementation at Geonet Technologies Ltd, to investigate the influence of communication on ERP implementation at Geonet Technologies Ltd, to evaluate the influence of capacity training on ERP implementation and; to find out the influence of culture on ERP implementation at Geonet Technologies Ltd. This study was guided by the Technology Acceptance model (TAM), Technology Organization environment (TOE) and Diffusion of innovation (DOI) Theory. The target population was the entire 531 staffs comprising of the top, middle and lower level cadre of Geonet Company ltd. The study retained a sample size 106 respondents selected through stratified random sampling technique approach. This study used a questionnaire as the only data collection tool for primary data. Data gathered quantitatively from various close-ended questions were classified into various categories and analyzed. The SPSS program was used as the main statistical tool of calculating the expected parameters. Descriptive statistics revolving around charts, graphs as well as the frequency percentages was utilized in measuring the central tendencies such as mean and standard deviation and reporting the data assembled from the findings extracted from the close-ended items. Qualitative primary data was analyzed via thematic analysis. Above the inferential statistics like regression analysis other forms of analysis such as ANOVA and correlation was applied to establish the association between the dependent and the independent variables. The study concludes that that; the top management in the organization is well structured and stipulates well on matters to do with ERP, the management of this firm always have more interest in ERP issues and that the top management in this firm is proactive in letting the staff understand more of the aspects in sustainable ERP strategy as was shown by a mean score of 4.057 and standard deviation of 0.028. The study concludes that; large amount of resources has been appropriated for communication tools, the management of the organization have been keen on optimization of best human capital, knowledge, and expertise towards communication strategy used for ERP related activities as was shown by a mean score of 4.008 and standard deviation of 0.0326. The study found out that majority of the respondents were in agreement that; trainers characteristics are well harmonized with the ERP initiatives that counteract those of other similar competitors, the strategic plan of this organization is well articulated based on the organization’s mission, vision and goals that regard ERP implementation, the primary stakeholders have interests that are directly linked to the fortunes of a company and insist of sound training and equipping employees with ERP skills as was shown by a mean score of . 3.898 and standard deviation of 0.019. It was concluded from the study that the staff at Geonet Telecommunications limited were in agreement that; they were happy that the organization management has always played the role of safeguarding its people unwanted cultures, the organizations policy is clear on how to adopt a harmonized culture relative to ERP Initiatives as was shown by a mean score of 3.135 and standard deviation of 0.1047.