The Mediating Role of Absorptive Capacity in Knowledge Transfer: ERP Implementations in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Sub-Sahara Africa

Authors:
Femi Adisa;Jeremy Rose
Affiliations:
Department of IT & Management, Copenhagen Business School, Frederiksberg, Denmark;Department of Computer Science, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Venue:
International Journal of Enterprise Information Systems
Year:
2013

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Abstract

Knowledge transfer between consultants and organizational users influences the outcomes of an Enterprise Resource System ERP implementation. Configuration and implementation tasks are dependent on generating some level of shared understanding of both business practices and technology. These problems become acute in implementations in small and medium sized enterprises SMEs. SMEs often operate with non-standard business processes, making an effective interchange of process knowledge between consultants and end-users crucial. Using a multiple case study method and content analysis, the authors investigate the mediating role of absorptive capacity in knowledge transfer in SMEs ERP implementations. They present exploratory case studies from 3 Nigerian companies with varying outcomes, and hypothesize that knowledge transfer is complicated by acute information asymmetry, absence of pre-existing related knowledge and consequent difficulties in developing a shared understanding, and by a tendency to operate with lone consultants and lone organizational representatives.