Factors Influencing Enterprise Resource Planning System Implementation in Higher Education Institutions; A Case Study of Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

Abstract

ABSTRACT Enterprise Resource Planning is also business management system that compromises integrated sets of comprehensive software, which can be used, when successfully implemented to manage and integrate all the business functions within an organization. These sets usually include a set of mature business applications and tools for financial and cost accounting, sales and distribution, materials management, human resource, product planning and computer integrated manufacturing, supply chain, and customer information. The study focused on the factors influencing ERP system implementation in higher education institution which was conducted in Dedan Kimathi University of Technology. The study adopted descriptive research design. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used. The study established that the goals and the expectations during the ERP system implementation were clearly communicated to the campus community in a clear capacity. The findings indicated that the preparation of staff by the institution for change was very effective. Implying the staff was well made aware of the changes that might have occurred during the implementation of the ERP system. Moreover, the study established change as an important factor affecting the ERP system implementation. The study concludes that there exists a link or a connection amongst the goals and expectations communicates during the implementation, the change in work functionality during the implementation, the investment in the institution’s and human resources and the steps and measures taken towards drawbacks, pitfalls and shortcomings to be experienced during the implementation.