A scientific methodology for MIS case studies
MIS Quarterly
Qualitative research in information systems
MIS Quarterly
The illusion of ‘best practice’ in information systems for operations management
European Journal of Information Systems
Portfolios of Control in Outsourced Software Development Projects
Information Systems Research
Effects of internal support and consultant quality on the consulting process and ERP system quality
Decision Support Systems
The consistency among facilitating factors and ERP implementation success: A holistic view of fit
Journal of Systems and Software
Achieving it consultant objectives through client project success
Information and Management
Control in Internal and Outsourced Software Projects
Journal of Management Information Systems
Innovating mindfully with information technology
MIS Quarterly
Journal of Systems and Software
Journal of Management Information Systems
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Hiring consultants to implement the multiple components of an ERP installation is a common practice for securing expertise not found in client organizations. Ensuring the consultants work to the benefit of their client is potentially problematic as the consultants must adopt the goals of the client, coordinate with stakeholders within the client organization, and coordinate with those installing other components of the ERP. Controls are mechanisms that keep consultants on track with the objectives of client organizations. Control forms vary depending on the nature of the activity and the levels of expertise across clients and consultants. Just what forms of control are typically employed over consultants to promote the likelihood of a successful ERP implementation is not identified in the prior literature. Control theory is employed by this study to formulate an expectation of control, which is then examined through a multiple case study. Interviews of consultants, project managers in the client organizations, and project managers in the consulting firms confirm that client organizations employ performance controls on specified outcomes while the provider firms employ both outcome controls and behavioral controls to keep the ERP implementation project in line with client goals.