Ashish Kumar Mishra

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Impact of enterprise resource planning on employee work efficiency

By

Ashish Kumar Mishra (1270394)

This report is produced to fulfil assessment criteria of Edexcel Level 7 BTEC PG DMS in

Research Methods for Strategic Managers (Unit 16) 2011/2012

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CONTENTS
Contents......................................................................................................2 1. TITLE........................................................................................................5 2. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................5 3. RESEARCH PROPOSAL............................................................................5 3.1 Research Question.............................................................................5 3.2 Hypothesis.........................................................................................5 3.3 Background Theory............................................................................6 3.4 Factors for Successful Research Question Selection..........................6 3.5 Brief Summary of Stovec Industries...................................................7 3.6 Context and Rational..........................................................................7 3.6.1 Problems Faced by Stovec Ltd.....................................................7 3.6.2 Reasons for the Research............................................................8 3.7 Aim.....................................................................................................8 3.8 Objectives..........................................................................................8 4. Literature Review....................................................................................8 5. METHODOLOGIES....................................................................................9 5.1 Evaluation of Methodologies..............................................................9 5.2 Chosen Methodology........................................................................12 5.3 Justification of Chosen Methodology................................................12 5.4 Limitations of Chosen Methodology.................................................12 6. EVALUATION OF DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES ...............................13 6.1 Primary Data Collection....................................................................13 6.1.1 Experimental............................................................................13 6.1.2 Survey - Questionnaire..............................................................13 6.1.3 Survey Interview.....................................................................14
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6.1.4 Field Research Observations...................................................14 6.2 Secondary Data Collection...............................................................15 6.2.1 Unobtrusive Research ...............................................................15 6.3 Sampling..........................................................................................15 6.3.1 Probability Sampling..................................................................15 6.3.2 Non-probability Sampling...........................................................16 7. EVALUATION OF DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES.....................................16 7.1 Quantitative ....................................................................................16 7.1.1 Univariate Analysis....................................................................16 7.1.2 Bivariate Analysis.......................................................................17 7.1.3. Multivariate Analysis.................................................................17 7.2 Qualitative........................................................................................17 7.2.1. Thematic Analysis.....................................................................17 7.2.2. Comparative Analysis...............................................................18 7.2.3. Content Analysis.......................................................................18 7.2.4. Discourse Analysis....................................................................18 8. RESEARCH DESIGN................................................................................18 8.1 Data Collection.................................................................................18 8.2 Sources of Data................................................................................19 8.3 Data Analysis....................................................................................19 8.4 Gantt Chart..........................................................................................20 9. PRESENTATION AND EVALAUTION OF PRELIMINARY RESEARCH...........20 9.1 Analysis of Secondary Data Findings...............................................20 9.2 Analysis of Primary Data Findings....................................................22 9.2.1 Are you aware of enterprise resource planning system?...........22 9.2.2 Have you ever worked on ERP system in your professional career?................................................................................................23
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9.2.3 Do you think, ERP has affected your work?...............................24 9.2.4 What is the impact of ERP system on your work?....................25 9.2.5 What is your opinion on impact of ERP and timesaving in performing operational tasks?............................................................26 9.2.6 What is your opinion of relation between ERP system and productivity of your company?...........................................................27 9.2.7 What is your opinion on impact of ERP on your work pressure? 28 9.2.8 Has ERP impacted on prioritising your work task?.....................29 9.2.9 What is your opinion on the impact of ERP on your work performance?......................................................................................30 9.2.10 What is your suggestion to other professionals on experience of ERP with respect to work efficiency?..................................................31 10. EVALUATION OF PRELIMINARY RESEARCH..........................................31 11. CONCLUSIONS.....................................................................................32 12. RECOMMENDATIONS...........................................................................33 13. REFERENCES.......................................................................................33 15. APPENDIX............................................................................................37

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1. TITLE

The impact of the Enterprise resource planning on employee work efficiency at Stovec Limited. 2. INTRODUCTION Stovec is expanding its business in different geographical regions. To keep the strategic plan of growth along with maintaining the productivity of company, the management has decided to evaluate the ERP system and its impact on the employees work efficiency. This research will help the management in taking the strategic decision of evaluation of ERP. The two variables on which this research is based upon are ERP and employee work efficiency. Company invests in IT infrastructure with an aim of improving the efficiency of employee and the organisations overall productivity. The employees work efficiency is a major factor in improving the organisations productivity. In this report, the relationship between these two variables and their impact has been analysed and evaluated using qualitative method of primary data collection. In this report, the survey on 30 professionals has been conducted through standard questionnaire. Furthermore, the recommendation on this report has also been discussed.

3. RESEARCH PROPOSAL 3.1 Research Question

What is the impact Enterprise resource planning implementation on employee work efficiency of Stovec Ltd.? 3.2 Hypothesis

If enterprise resource planning is related with the employee work efficiency then implementation of enterprise resource planning will improve the employee efficiency of Stovec industries ltd.

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Ashish Kumar Mishra 3.3 Background Theory

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The two variables in this research are ERP and employee work efficiency. In this research, a relationship between the two variables will be researched upon and along with the impact of former on latter. An Enterprise Resource Planning software solution streamlines and integrates operations, processes and information flows in an organisation. The ERP system automates operations from supply chain management, Inventory control, Manufacturing, scheduling and production, Human resources, Procurement and Sales, Customer relationship, Budgeting and planning, Financial and cost accounting and almost any other data oriented operations, (TopBits, 2011) The employee work efficiency is important with respect to the overall companys growth and productivity. The factor which influences the work efficiency of an employee should be well researched upon. By improving the IT system, the work of employee is made easier and hence, staffs are able to focus more on quality of work.

3.4

Factors for Successful Research Question Selection

Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) define research as something that people undertake in order to find out things in a systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge. Deciding a research question and preparing a report on it requires systematic approach. One might refer to the points discussed in previous steps and still may not be clear and henceforth it becomes very important to formulate a proper planning process before undertaking a research process. Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) tells that It is very important for a researcher to spend time in formulating and clarifying the research topic through answering one or more research questions accompanied by a set of objectives that the research must have. The availability of data and information available with respect to the research topic has a major significance while selecting the research question. The research question bears no value if the information required to carry out the research is not easily accessible and available.

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The other major factor while selecting a research question is the relation between the research topic selected and the interest of the researcher. The success of research and its validity depends upon the amount of efforts being put it into and it only happens when researcher finds interest in carrying out the research. 3.5 Brief Summary of Stovec Industries

Stovec Industries was formed in 1975 by the A.T.E. Group in partnership with renowned Stork Group of the Netherlands to cater to the ever-growing needs of textile printing and graphic printing industries. Over the past 27 years Stovec has maintained technological and market leadership for the supply of rotary screen printing machines and rotary screens for the textile printing industry, and has also established itself in the market for pre-sensitized offset plates and all related consumables for the graphic printing industry, (Stovec Industries, 2011) 3.6 Context and Rational

3.6.1 Problems Faced by Stovec Ltd. Stovec Ltd. is currently using standalone systems to carry out their operations. Each department is having a separate system with a separate database. Due to this, there is no uniformity in the information/data being repeated and it becomes a tedious job for the accounting department to complete the month end process on time and accurately. The current system does not support multi currency functionality, which company requires maintaining the transactions of the local and foreign suppliers. Also, the current system does not have workflow functionality, which purchase and sales department require to set up the approval chain. The current system used by warehouse department does not support transaction entry of damaged goods or returned goods. The company is having five different regional offices, which management wants to be connected with the head office. This facility is not available in the current system. The current system does not support subcontracting of stocks and the stock reconciliation.

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Ashish Kumar Mishra 3.6.2 Reasons for the Research

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The reason for this research is to help the management in analysing the impact of ERP on the employee work efficiency, henceforth helping them to take relevant decision on the ERP implementation. Also, the company wants to use this research as a basis of evaluating and deciding their future plan on IT upgradation. Once, proved that there is a relationship between the two variables, company will be able to take the strategic decision. Implementing ERP involves high capital and a considerable time of key staff. Considering, the different stakes involved this research is of high importance to the senior management of the Stovec Industries. 3.7 Aim

To investigate the impact of enterprise resource planning on the employee work efficiency. 3.8 Objectives

1. To determine the features of enterprise resources planning that are being offered. 2. To collect the data on enterprise resource planning and employee work efficiency. 3. To determine how does enterprise resource planning impacts employees work efficiency. 4. LITERATURE REVIEW A company invests high capital in the implementation of an ERP and so it becomes of utmost importance for the companies to find out the actual ROIs. Though there are enough literature and case studies available on the relationship between ERP implementation and improvement in the companys overall performance and productivity level but this argument has still not been accepted globally. Moreover, A. Shtub (2003) explains ERP systems as a medium which provides information and decision support to the management. Similarly, Eresource (2011) has mentioned in its webpage that ERP implementation is not done only keeping financial gain in mind but growth in productivity, efficiency and overall improvement in performance of the company and also keeping better transparency in the operations. This shows that one of the major factors which management looks after is improving the overall productivity and efficiency of an organisation.
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As discussed in the case study of Eaton by TCS(2010), the implementation of ERP benefited Eaton in greater cross leverage of product offerings and resources between businesses, increased automation leading to operational efficiencies for inter-unit/business processes, IT maintenance cost reduction to name a few. Also if we look into the case study of Lee Kum Kee by SAP, the LKK organisation has benefited heavily by implementing SAP solution and has improved its productivity and information transparency. Nigel S. , Stuart C. and Robert J. (2010) has also discussed and stressed upon the benefits which company draws after implementing ERP. However, the methods he used to justify his views are no different than referring to the case studies, which should not be taken as the only reference to determine the impact of ERP implementation on the companys performance. Mehdi Khosrowpour (2001), writes that ERP system are being implemented by large and medium sized companies and also by government and related organisations with an aim of increasing the operational efficiency and support the business growth. But, it needs to be found out that, has ERP implementation improved productivity in every business sector? After analysing the information it has also been seen that there are various views and scenarios where ERP implementation has not been as effective as it had been expected. Before reaching to a conclusion, it is suggested that a better approach for research should be followed which will focus on different business sectors and sources where ERP has been implemented.

5. METHODOLOGIES 5.1 Evaluation of Methodologies Description Advantage Disadvantage

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Research

Ashish Kumar Mishra Methodolo gy Qualitative Paurav of Shukla

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(2008) This approach is very This is the time research evolving theories. Since one of

explain that the major aim useful in creating and approach qualitative technique is to understand this approach considers most problems oppurtunities. this, (2011) about QSR Adding and and feelings of

the preliminary insights into the behaviours, attitudes consuming the methodology. hard to to subject, it provides in Its that approach subject is the

international depth knowledge. In this generalise states findings this few are in not

qualitative research is more encouraged to express through exploring understanding questions. concerned deals with It is with the opinions, (Learn higher, only people taken may whole not the

issues, their views and personal approach as

phenomena and answering 2008).

account so it relate to the population. High are such methodology. skills required

statistics or numbers but humanistic approach. In this type of research methodology, the quality of data and information had more value than the quantity. There are various type of qualitative research which interviews, experimental, etc. Quantitativ e Paurav states quantify Shukla methodologies personal surveys, includes

to carry out

(2011) In this methodology, the Sometimes are more the data in

Quantitative results

research method, seeks to accurate and are not provided

the data and person biased. In this, this approach

10

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Ashish Kumar Mishra typically statistical apply analysis. some there are various are involve

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They procedures

to superficial. results without

put heavy emphasize on questions predetermined surveys large

check the validity and The the result is any and are limited.

using formalised standard reliability of the data. In are and this response generalised, to of

(Colorado explanation hence very they are they

options in questionnaires or State University, 2011) administered number

respondents. This method generally forecasts future events various research and trends. The are quantitative methods

Questionnaire, case study, biographical, etc. Mixed Mixed Methodology This approach gives a The view data In biggest this is it lots great of of is for the finally research ethnological,

involves both quantitative complete In this the qualitative and limit the in quantitative single data the

of the disadvantage being approach this that

and qualitative approaches. topic because it does not of is collected.

being analysed and mixed methodology we can use requires study. is This the strengths of both the of and of amount collection expert required both methods which approach generally approaches,

chosen because its result (Commonwealth involves the advantages of learning, 2004). both qualitative and of quantitative methodologies, (Commonwealth Learning, 2004)

data. Here an

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5.2

Chosen Methodology

To carry out this research, qualitative methodology has been used. The method applied in this research is survey questionnaire, where a set of standard questionnaire has been given to different professionals having work experience on ERP. 5.3 Justification of Chosen Methodology

To carry out the research on relationship between ERP implementation and employee productivity, personal opinion of people is considered as key factor. Since the research involves the work efficiency as a variable, therefore becomes necessary to take humanistic approach towards the research and this is not possible in other methodologies. Meanwhile in qualitative methodology, the respondents could give extra information, which can assist in exploring any other hidden factors. 5.4 Limitations of Chosen Methodology

The process of collecting data in qualitative methodology becomes time consuming and if less data is collected then it could lead to false conclusion (Colorado State University, 2011) Also, since a small group of people are involved in the survey, the primary data will only show association and explanation of chosen variables. It is difficult to make systematic comparisons, as people involved give widely differing responses which are highly subjective in nature, (Learning higher, 2008)

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Ashish Kumar Mishra 6. EVALUATION OF DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES 6.1 Primary Data Collection

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6.1.1 Experimental Experimental method of data collection is one where independent variable is manipulated to study the effect on dependent variable. The experimental method is only valid if the change observed on the dependent variable is only due to the change effects of independent variables,( UPX SUCCESS, 2011). In this method only the cause and effect relationship can be established accurately. In this method, if the output is coming same then one can say that theory is valid. It can be used to determine what is best for the population. The major drawback of this method is that it is always conducted in superficial or an assumed environment. Moreover, in this method a standard procedure needs to be followed so it becomes a tedious and time taking process. In this method the experimenter may even not be aware of the actual variables and scenarios of the workplace, (Revisionworld, 2011). 6.1.2 Survey - Questionnaire Paurav Shukla (2008) says In simple terms, survey involves questioning the respondents regarding the issue at hand and asking their opinion about it. In this method, a group of people are being asked to fill a form containing set of questions. A level of literacy is required in this method as the respondents are supposed to fill the form. To maximise the outputs, the questions should be simple, clear and short. This method of data collection is very popular, particularly when large enquiries are required. Some of the advantages of this method are: 1. This method is easiest and quickest way to get the information. 2. Respondents have enough time to give well thought of answers. 3. Its easier to cover large population through this method. The disadvantages are as given below:
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1. Respondents may give superficial information, if the questions are taking more time to answer. 2. The answers given by respondents may be biased. 3. In this method, the questions are standard so the respondent might misinterpret as there is no explanation provided with the questions. 6.1.3 Survey Interview Interview is a powerful conversation in which the interviewer asks set of standard questions to the respondents, (Frey and Oishi, 1995). The interview method of collecting data involves the information collected and analysed through oral verbal responses of person being interviewed. This method could be personal interview as well as telephonic interview. In this method interviewer chose set of people based on the research and then asks the personal opinion and belief of the person face to face. The interview is conducted in a very structured way, where a set of structured questions are asked and the answers and their explanations are recorded unbiased. As per C. R. Kothari (2006), the advantages of this method are: 1. More information and that too in greater depth can be obtained. 2. This method is very effective for complex research topics. 3. Response is generally higher in interview survey. Few of the disadvantages of this method are: 1. Method could be quite expensive, when large geographical area and people are involved. 2. Time consuming method. 3. Here, interviewer can be biased and so can be respondents, hence actual information cannot be determined, (Colorado State University, 1993) 6.1.4 Field Research Observations Lake (2011) states that a method of data collection in which the situation of interest is watched and the relevant facts, actions and behaviours are recorder. Similarly,
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C. R. Kothari (2006) explains observation method of primary data collection, where the respondents are not aware that he is being observed and so the information obtained in this research is more natural from the interview and questionnaire. This method provides context for behaviours and it reveals qualities of group experience in such a way those other forms of research cannot. This also accounts for the complexity of group behaviours. The design of research study can be biased if researcher is biased and so the analysis of observations can be biased. In this method the group being studied may not be the actual representative of the larger population. And the major limitation of this method is that the sources or the subjects may not be credible. 6.2 Secondary Data Collection

6.2.1 Unobtrusive Research In this method, research is being carried out without interference from the researcher. And hence in this report the biases and the control of the researcher are reduced over the results of the research. This method can quantitative or qualitative. Trochim (2006) states that measures that do not require the researcher to intrude in the research context . The biggest advantage of this method is that the data obtained here is unbiased. This method is both cost and time effective. This method is generally used to test parallel theories and applying them on same. In this method, certain objects and relations might be more likely is recorded by the researcher with different interests, biases and backgrounds. One of the major drawbacks of this method is that it has a very limited application range. Here the interpretation of observations is from the point of view of the outsider, who is not well aware of the scenario and therefore the results obtained may not be that meaningful. 6.3 Sampling 6.3.1 Probability Sampling As per the Psychology department of University of California (2011) In probability sampling, all elements (e.g., persons, households) in the population have some

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opportunity of being included in the sample, and the mathematical probability that any one of them will be selected can be calculated. In addition to this, Statistics Canada (2011) further adds that probability sampling method is one where every member of the population has equal chance of getting selected and this is achieved by using random selection. The biggest advantage of using this method is the absence of both systematic and sampling bias. This sampling method is used generally to understand the phenomenon, forecast the future trends and also used for statistical analyses. This method is quite useful in improving the business performances. It is also widely used in risk assessment and in the trade commodity markets. This method is very good for prediction and is used to evaluate financial and decision making risk. 6.3.2 Non-probability Sampling The non probability sampling method does not involve random selection. And so in this method, the population may or may not be represented uniformly. Though this method is quite cost effective but then the result obtained are of less value, (Experiment Resources, 2011). The population elements are selected on the basis of their availability or due to researchers individual judgement that they are representing, (University of California, 2011) This method is used generally when a vast population is involved and its practically very difficult to involve everyone in the research. Non probability sampling is used to demonstrate that a specific characteristic exist in the population. 7. EVALUATION OF DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES 7.1 Quantitative 7.1.1 Univariate Analysis Univariate analysis deals with analysing one variable at a time,(Sociology & Political Science Quantitative Research Laboratory, 2011) . This is related with the quantitative analysis of data. This analysis technique is much easier to understand as here only one variable is involved and so the results are more accurate. This technique is considered to be more reliable. This method only takes one variable in account and henceforth it is generally treated as incomplete analysis because in
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practise more than one factor are involved. Since only one factor is involved so in this technique the relationship between different factors cannot be established. Univariate presents the information in a much more organised manner, it focuses at the range of the values along with focusing on the actual tendency of the values, (Sociology Index ,2009). 7.1.2 Bivariate Analysis Bernard defines Bivariate Analysis involves looking at associations between pairs of variables and trying to understand how those association works. In this technique the relationship between two variables are studied and the effects are being monitored on one variable when another variable changes. Bivariate analysis is a technique to analyse the concept of association between two variables (Sociology index, 2009). This analysis helps researcher to compare and control two or more related variables in a situation where the quality is dependent on the combined effect of these variables. This is very useful when two different variables are interrelated. 7.1.3. Multivariate Analysis This analysis is carried out when more than two variables are involved in the research. This analysis technique is pretty complex in comparison to Univariate and Bivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis is a form of quantitative analysis which examines three or more variables at the same time, in order to understand the relationships among them. (Sociology index, 2009). This analysis focuses basically focuses on the relationship between a dependent variable and independent variable. 7.2 Qualitative

7.2.1. Thematic Analysis In thematic analysis method, the data is generally analysed with respect to theme (Free article tutorial, 2011). It is one of the most commonly used methods of qualitative analysis. The characteristic of this analysis is that the data collection and the data analysis take place simultaneously.

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Tere (2006) says when information from different people are compared and contrasted then it is known as comparative analysis. This analysis technique is generally used by using comparisons between two variables or processes, etc depending upon the research. 7.2.3. Content Analysis As per Tere (2006), the analysis method in which the qualitative data has been taken, becomes more tedious until unless the whole data has not been collected. To save time, the best method of doing the above is to code the content and this is method is known as Content analysis. Content analysis technique is basically an analysis of communication. In this technique, the researcher is able to convert qualitative data into a quantitative data by categorizing and counting what appears in the data source. 7.2.4. Discourse Analysis Discourse analysis generally analyses the data by focusing on the patterns of speech, their linguistic behavior, patterns of pronunciation, etc. This analysis helps in providing a way on approaching and thinking about a problem, (Ischool, 2011). Dawson (2009) says, most of the analysis are either intuitive or reflective but it can involve some form of counting as well. Discourse analysts consider speech as a performance; this analysis does not describe any specific state of mind or specific state of affairs but it performs action, (Free article tutorial, 2011).

8. RESEARCH DESIGN 8.1 Data Collection

To carry out the research, the primary data is be collected by taking feedback of professionals on standard set of questionnaire while secondary data has been collected by comparing case studies, online journals and magazines. The

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respondents are employees who are currently working in the company and have experience on ERP. In addition, published material related to enterprise resource planning product has been compared with primary data. Since, the employees are facing the IT system and the employees productivity is being researched so their opinion and views are highly valuable and reliable. The case studies present the actual picture of the after effects of the implementation on the companys performance and overall productivity.

8.2

Sources of Data

The primary data has been collected from the survey questionnaire given to 30 professionals who are working within the companies. In this research probability sampling has been used as the professionals have been picked randomly. Whereas, the secondary source of data will be collected from online resource and local libraries. 8.3 Data Analysis

Primary data has been analysed by applying univariate analysis technique, so as to determine the response of respondents on each variable. The analysis is further presented in the form of graphs prepared in Microsoft excel. Similarly, the secondary data obtained from different sources are compared and contrasted and the results are shown using different graphs. Finally to approve or disapprove, both primary and secondary data has been compared.

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Ashish Kumar Mishra 8.4 GANTT CHART

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Task Start End Duration January February arch April M Research topic selection 1/ 15/ 20111/ 17/ 2011 1 Defining Aim & Objective 1/ 18/ 20111/ 20/ 2011 3 Complete literature review 2/ 5/ 2011 2/ 8/ 2011 2 Draft research methodology2/ 10/ 20112/ 15/ 2011 4 Preparation and distribution2/ 18/ 20112/ 25/ 2011 of questionnaire 6 Secondary data collection and26/ 2011 3/ 1/ 2011 2/ analysis 2 Primary data analysis 3/ 9/ 20113/ 10/ 2011 2 Research conclusion & recommendation 2011 3/ 11/ 20113/ 11/ 1 Final submission 4/ 14/ 20114/ 14/ 2011 1

9. PRESENTATION AND EVALAUTION OF PRELIMINARY RESEARCH 9.1 Analysis of Secondary Data Findings

Panorma Consulting Group published a document on 12 March 2009, which discussed the different reasons of implementing the ERP at organisation level. Improving the business performance, to make employee jobs easier, to standardize global business operations and to replace an old ERP or legacy system are some of the major reasons. As shown in the below diagram, ERP is implemented having one of the major aim of making the jobs of employees easier which in turn means to improve the employee work efficiency, (Search Manufacturing ERP, 2010). Figure 1: Reasons for ERP implementation

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Source:

search manufacturing, 2011

Similarly, according to the results of the US Worker Deficit poll conducted by Poll Stream (2008), 328 communication and HR professionals were questioned on the initiatives need to be implemented to improve the employee productivity and a whopping 40.6% respondents favoured initiatives in IT (see figure 2 below). Figure 2:

Source: internal comms. hub, 2011 Enterprise resource planning implementation is a part of IT infrastructure. The changes in IT system impact the employee productivity heavily. Service Assurance Daily, published an article (Jan 19, 2011) determining the relationship between IT system and the employee productivity by deriving the impact of IT downtime on employee productivity. His paper contains the survey, sponsored by CA Technologies and conducted by Coleman Parkes across different European
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countries, showed that business loses are significant due when IT services are down. As per the survey, the employees working in bad IT system work at less than two thirds of their normal productivity. The below figure shows the percentage of companies affected by bad IT infrastructure (Service Assurance Daily, 2011). Figure: 3

Source: Service Assurance Daily, 2011 Based on the secondary data analysis, it could be concluded that employees work efficiency improves with improved IT infrastructure system. The work efficiency of staff is highly influenced by the IT system of the organisation.

9.2

Analysis of Primary Data Findings

9.2.1 Are you aware of enterprise resource planning system? Reason: The above question will help to determine the right target of the employees needs to be surveyed. This question helps in filtering the respondents and to focus on the relevant professionals.
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Majority answer: To carry out this research, we targeted professionals working in different industries and companies. The respondents are chosen from India. Based on the preliminary question of filtering out those people whose opinions should not be considered, the result tells that whopping 73% professional when contacted, responded positive towards the knowledge of enterprise resource planning, while still 27% of the total professionals interviews are unaware of ERP. Conclusion: Out of the total professionals chosen for the survey questionnaire, majority of the respondents are aware of the ERP, this means that the target employees opinion can be considered for further research.

9.2.2 Have you ever worked on ERP system in your professional career? Reason: Its important to find out the actual experience of professionals with respect to enterprise resource planning. Professionals only having knowledge of ERP cannot contribute to this research, as working experience are more important. This question further segregates the actual respondents who need to be considered for the research.

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Majority answers: 60% of the total professionals chosen for the survey said that they work experience on ERP, while 40% said that they have never used ERP. Conclusion: This shows that still a considerable percentage (40%) of the people have no work experience on ERP and henceforth, the opinion obtained from them will not be relevant to research. 9.2.3 Do you think, ERP has affected your work? Using the above mentioned two questions, finally 30 professionals were selected for the final survey. Reason: To understand the relationship between the two variables of the research topic, i.e. ERP and employee work efficiency, it is necessary to take the personal opinion of the professionals who are having work experience on ERP. This question helps to establish the relationship between two variables.

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Majority answers: 15 out of 30 respondents agreed that ERP has affected their work, while 10 professionals said that ERP did not impact their work and around 5 people said that they dont know about this impact and so have no opinion. Conclusion: This question helped us to determine, that there is a relationship between ERP and the employees work. 9.2.4 What is the impact of ERP system on your work? Reason: To understand the relationship between ERP and employee work efficiency, its important to further evaluate the impact of ERP the professionals work in organisation. Its becomes necessary to examine whether the ERP has negative or positive impact on the individuals work.

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Majority answers: When interviewed, majority of the respondents i.e. 13 out of 30 professionals said, their work was decreased while 12 people said that the work has increased by including ERP system as now they have to follow lengthier process in completing the same job. Whereas, 5 out of 30 people were not sure how their work has been affected. Conclusion: The feedbacks on this question helps to conclude that there is a strong relationship between ERP and the employees work efficiency as their work does get affected with ERP system. 9.2.5 What is your opinion on impact of ERP and timesaving in performing operational tasks? Reason: To understand, whether ERP has helped professionals in saving time in performing their regular tasks, its important to determine the effect of ERP system on the time factor in completing the job. To understand this, the above question holds high relevance.

Majority answer: After concluding the survey interviews, it was observed that 13 out of 30 people agreed that they are now taking less time in completing the same job, while 12 people said that they are spending more time in completing their job. However, 5 people were still not sure of any answer.
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Conclusion: This question helped to analyse the impact of ERP with respect to time factor, which in turn has validated the relationship between two variables. The result obtained from this question was very mixed, equal number of people agreed and disagreed on the point that ERP helps in saving time in performing the work task. 9.2.6 What is your opinion of relation between ERP system and productivity of your company? Reason: The question further adds support to the relationship between tow variables at a broader level.

Majority answer:

When asked about the relationship between ERP system and

productivity of their company, majority of the respondents agreed with the fact that ERP is related with the companys overall productivity level. With 13 of 30 people, who were interviewed said that they believe ERP has direct relation with productivity of company, while 12 of them pointed out the indirect relationship between same. However, 8 people said that they see no relation between both the variables and 2 people had no opinion on same. Conclusion: This question helped to examine the personal opinion of the professionals working on ERP system with respect to the relationship between two variables of research. And it was successfully concluded that productivity bears relationship with ERP.

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Ashish Kumar Mishra 9.2.7 What is your opinion on impact of ERP on your work pressure?

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Reason: Employees work efficiency cannot be improved if an individual is under high work pressure. If a system is able to reduce the work pressure by simplifying the work task, then employee will be able to utilise the time in a better manner and hence improving the work efficiency. To examine the same cause, the above question has been asked from the respondents.

Majority answer: The survey says that majority of professionals (12 of 30 people) agrees, their work pressure has decreased after the implementation of ERP. While, 12 respondents said that their work pressure has increased due to ERP implementation and 5 people say that they see no effect of ERP on their work pressure. Conclusion: The above statistics confirms that ERP has impact of the work pressure. To validate this relationship, more research and a larger domain of people are required to complete this survey.

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Ashish Kumar Mishra 9.2.8 Has ERP impacted on prioritising your work task?

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Reason: Work becomes easier once task is completed as per the priorities. The employees productivity and work efficiency gets a boost, once the work task is prioritised properly. This question will help further in establishing relationship between two variables of research, as prioritising work task is directly related with the employees work efficiency. And if this factor is affected by ERP then the employees performance will also be affected.

Majority: As per the survey conducted through questionnaires, the majority of people, with 16 out of 30 employees agreed that, ERP system has impacted in prioritising their work task.While 11 people said it has no affect and 3 people said they dont know about the impact. Conclusion: The above feedback of employees shows that ERP has been helpful to employees in prioritising their work task and henceforth helping them to improve their work efficiency.

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9.2.9 What is your opinion on the impact of ERP on your work performance? Reason: This question is to find out ERPs impact on employees individual work performance. This is a direct question which relates both the variables of research. This question is more of a personal opinion.

Majority answer: When asked about the personal opinion on the impact of ERP on individuals work performance, a majority of the employees with 15 out of 30 respondents agreed that their individuals performance has improved. Though, 10 out of 30 had opinion that their performance got decreased due to following the processes in ERP, and 5 people said they experienced no effect on their performance due to ERP. Conclusion: This question has finally strengthened the basic link of relationship between two variables. The ERP impacts the employee performance, which could be either negative or positive. This could be a further researched upon. This question helped to determine the personal belief of the employees and how they have been impacted overall due to ERP. Since qualitative methodology gives an opportunity and helps to analyse the humanistic approach as well, so this question bears value in fulfilling that criteria.

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9.2.10 What is your suggestion to other professionals on experience of ERP with respect to work efficiency? Reason: If an individuals needs are fulfilled and they are happy with the system and process they will definitely suggest their peers and friends about their good experience. This human aspect was surveyed to focus on the individuals experience as far as their overall satisfaction is concerned with respect to work efficiency.

Majority answer: 12 out of 13 rated very satisfied, while 13 people said they were satisfied with the system as far as work efficiency is concerned. Though, 3 people said they are dissatisfied and 2 people said they have no opinion on same. This tells, that majority of the interviewed people are satisfied when ERP is talked with respect to work efficiency. Conclusion: Above question helps in concluding that, respondents agree with the relationship between ERP and work efficiency and majority of them are satisfied with ERP with respect to work efficiency. This means that research topic has professional relevance.

10. EVALUATION OF PRELIMINARY RESEARCH To complete this research qualitative methodology was used. Here surveys were conducted using survey questionnaire method. The methodology chosen was appropriate, as it focussed on the personal experience and belief of the employees
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who are experiencing the ERP system. The opinions and feedbacks of the employees are more relevant than methodologies involving statistics as; the selected method is more humanistic, it tells about the expectations and the problems at the employee level, who will be actually working on system. Completing this research was a major task, since it involved people of different industries and companies. Setting up time to get feedback on the survey questionnaire was a major issue as the respondents involved are working. But by following proper time management and with the help of Gantt chart, it became easier to prioritise the task one by one. The questionnaire was send through Email and they were asked to give their feedback through Email itself, meanwhile some of the respondents were able to fill the questionnaire on the sheet itself. 11. CONCLUSIONS The research undertaken is a success with the fact that it establishes link between the ERP and employee work efficiency. The research supports the hypothesis, as the majority of the respondents interviewed were of the opinion that ERP has had impacted their work performance directly or indirectly. The research achieved the aim and objectives. It succeeded in achieving the aim of the research, which was to investigate the impact of ERP on employee work efficiency. The research couldnt involve more respondents due to time constraints in the survey, which is a major drawback. But then this gives an opportunity to carry out this research proposal forward involving mixed methodologies to validate the hypothesis. As qualitative methodology of data collection will be more focussed on humanistic approach which is the major factor, the quantitative method of data collection will help to analyse the statistics and the numbers which will be helpful in evaluating the factors and relationship effectively. This research will help the Stovec Industries, to understand the impact of implementing the ERP on the employees work efficiency and henceforth analysing the impact on the companys productivity. This research will help the management in taking the strategic decision of implementing the ERP at organisational level, as it involves high capital and infrastructure.

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Ashish Kumar Mishra 12. RECOMMENDATIONS

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After conducting the research and evaluating the data by using qualitative method of primary data collection, it is recommended that mixed methodology should be used for the primary data collection as by involving both qualitative and quantitative methods, the data collected will help to provide greater insight on this topic. Moreover, probability sampling is more suggested as more appropriate carry out this research, where each and every employee with a work experience on ERP will have equal and fair opportunity of being part of survey. In the end, to get more accurate and unbiased results employees from different industries, regions and different work level should be involved in the survey.

13. REFERENCES Asian Journal of Management Research. (2011) ajmrvol1no1: at:

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Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering. (2011) Quantified benefit of implementing enterprise resource planning through process simulation [Online] Available at: http://rparticle.webp.cisti.nrc.ca/rparticle/AbstractTemplateServlet? calyLang=eng&journal=cjce&volume=31&year=2004&issue=2&msno=l03-100 (Accessed: 31 January 2011 )

Colorado State University .(2011) The Qualitative/Quantitative debate [Online].Available Feb 2011)
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Commonwealth of Learning.(2011) Mixed Methods[Online]. Available at: http://www.col.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/A5.pdf (Accessed: 27 Feb 2011)

Eresource.(2011) Growth in productivity and efficiency [Online].Available at: http://www.eresourceerp.com/ERP-implementation-and-ROI.html (Accessed: 5 Jan 2011)

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Leon Alexis, (2008) . Enterprise Resource Planning. 2nd Edition. New Delhi:Tata McGrew Hill

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Ashish Kumar Mishra Microsoft. (2011) Dynamics: Productivity [Online] .

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http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/productivity.aspx January 2011) Oracle . (2011) Press: Qatarsteel [Online] .

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method[Online].Available

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http://www.revisionworld.co.uk/node/8508 (Accessed: 3 Jan 2011) SAP . (2011) Events: Worldtour [Online]. Available at:

http://www.sap.com/uk/about/events/worldtour10/pdf/2010_WT_SME_004.pdf (Accessed: 30 January 2011) SAP. (2011) Success Story: LKK [Online] Available at:

http://www.sap.com/hk/about/company/pdf/success/LKK.pdf (Accessed: 30 Jan 2011) Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research methods for business students. 5th edn. Italy : Rotolito Lombarda Saunders, Mark., Lewis, Philip. and Thornhill, Adrian. (2009) Research Methods for Business Students. 5th edn. London: Prentice Hall. Search Business Analytics.(2011) Increasing operational efficiency [Online]. Available at:http://searchbusinessanalytics.techtarget.com/tutorial/Increasingoperational-efficiency-still-the-biggest-BI-spending-driver (Accessed 6 March 2011) Service Assurance Daily . (2011) IT downtime wreaks havoc [Online].Avalable at:http://www.serviceassurancedaily.com/2011/01/it_downtime_wreaks_havoc _on_em_1.html (Accessed: 10 March 2011) Shtub, A.(2003). Enterprise resource planning(ERP): the dynamics of operation.6th Edition.Massachusetts:Kluwer Academic Publishers

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Shtub, A.(2003). Enterprise resource planning(ERP): the dynamics of operation.6th Edition.Massachusetts:Kluwer Academic Publishers

Slack N, Chambers S, Johnston R .(2010) Operations Management: Enterprise Resource Planning. 6th edn. Italy:FT Prentice Hall

Sociology & Political Science Quantitative Research Laboratory.(2011) Univariate[Online].Available http://www.socqrl.niu.edu/myers/univariate.htm (Accessed: 12 March 2011) at:

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http://www.spgprints.com (Accessed: 29 January 2011) TopBits.(2011).Enterprise March 2011) University of California. (2011) psychology department: fact sample [Online]. Available at: http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/fact_sample.html (Accessed: 13 Feb 2011) Upx Success.(2011) Survey design[Online]. Available at: resource planning.[Online].Available (Accessed: at: 5

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publications Ltd. ZD net asia. (2011) Whitepaper:Stanley Case Study [online] Available at: http://www.zdnetasia.com/whitepaper/stanley-case-study-solutions-providerimproves-productivity-with-flexible-implementation-methodology_wp343114.htm (Accessed: 30 January 2011 )

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15. APPENDIX Appendix 1 Questionnaire 1. Are you aware of enterprise resource planning system? o Yes o No 2. Have you ever worked on erp system in your professional career? o Yes o No 3. Do you think, ERP has affected your work? o Yes o No o Dont Know

4.

What is the impact of ERP system on your work? o Increased the work o Decreased the work o Dont Know

5.

What is your opinion on impact of ERP and timesaving in performing operational tasks?
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Ashish Kumar Mishra o Takes more time o Saves time o Dont Know 6.

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What is your opinion of relation between ERP system and productivity of your company?

o Direct relation o Indirect relation o No relation o Dont Know 7. What is your opinion on impact of ERP on your work pressure? o Increased work pressure o Decreased work pressure o No effect 8. Has ERP impacted on prioritising your work task? o Yes o No o Dont Know

9.

What is your opinion on the impact of ERP on your work performance? o Performance has increased

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Ashish Kumar Mishra o Performance has decreased o No effect on performance

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10. What is your suggestion to other professionals on experience of ERP with respect to work efficiency? o Very satisfied o Satisfied o Dissatisfied o No opinion Appendix 2 Gantt chart
Task Start End Duration January February arch April M Research topic selection 1/ 15/ 20111/ 17/ 2011 1 Defining Aim & Objective 1/ 18/ 20111/ 20/ 2011 3 Complete literature review 2/ 5/ 2011 2/ 8/ 2011 2 Draft research methodology2/ 10/ 20112/ 15/ 2011 4 Preparation and distribution2/ 18/ 20112/ 25/ 2011 of questionnaire 6 Secondary data collection and26/ 2011 3/ 1/ 2011 2/ analysis 2 Primary data analysis 3/ 9/ 20113/ 10/ 2011 2 Research conclusion & recommendation 2011 3/ 11/ 20113/ 11/ 1 Final submission 4/ 14/ 20114/ 14/ 2011 1

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