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What is ERP?

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Abstract

Though enterprise resource planning (ERP) has gained some prominence in the information systems (IS) literature over the past few years and is a significant phenomenon in practice, through (a) historical analysis, (b) meta-analysis of representative IS literature, and (c) a survey of academic experts, we reveal dissenting views on the phenomenon. Given this diversity of perspectives, it is unlikely that at this stage a broadly agreed definition of ERP can be achieved. We thus seek to increase awareness of the issues and stimulate further discussion, with the ultimate aim being to: (1) aid communication amongst researchers and between researchers and practitioners; (2) inform development of teaching materials on ERP and related concepts in university curricula and in commercial education and training; and (3) aid communication amongst clients, consultants and vendors. Increased transparency of the ERP-concept within IS may also benefit other aligned fields of knowledge.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Information Systems Management Research Center, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

    Helmut Klaus, Michael Rosemann & Guy G. Gable

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  1. Helmut Klaus
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  2. Michael Rosemann
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  3. Guy G. Gable
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Klaus, H., Rosemann, M. & Gable, G.G. What is ERP?. Information Systems Frontiers 2, 141–162 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026543906354

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