Enterprise Resource Planning: Global Opportunities and Challenges

Enterprise Resource Planning: Global Opportunities and Challenges provides a very readable and easily comprehendible insight into enterprise resource planning (ERP). The approach is from a socio‐technical perspective as opposed to a purely technical one and eases the reader into what many regard as a complex domain.

The introductory chapter sets the scene well, explaining the concept, the historical evolution and benefits/disadvantages of ERP in clear, non‐technical terms. An appropriate inclusion is the overview of the larger ERP brands in the marketplace together with a breakdown of the distinctive advantages of each.

The subsequent chapters provide a well‐balanced mixture of case studies, empirical research, interpretive studies and action research that deals with various aspects of, and perspectives on, ERP. Aspects such as the selection criteria, the selection process, the implementation and the evaluation of ERP systems are covered from a variety of departure disciplines – IS, economic, organizational and technical. All sizes of organizations are featured, as well as a variety of different countries from all over the world.

The chapters follow on well from one another, often appearing to pick up and expand on the previous chapter. Thus, for instance, the different brand vendors and their respective offerings are examined from at least three different perspectives.

Although each chapter holds individual merit, those on ERP and knowledge management by Huang et al. and Chan and Rosemann offer particularly refreshing insights into some topical and challenging concepts.

The global coverage of cases, as opposed to the global nature of organizations, into which ERP systems are installed could be regarded as one of the few weaknesses of the book. Given the global implication of the sub‐title, the reader might well expect to learn about ERP systems in global/multi‐national/international organizations. Unfortunately this was not the case.

Another weakness is a certain laxness in linguistic editing, particularly in the chapters about the Philippines and Sweden. There is also a misinterpretation of the push‐pull concept in the chapter on the Philippines. This is a marketing concept that has been incorrectly interpreted and applied.

Apart from these shortcomings, the chapters are generally well referenced and are suitably illustrated with clear, easy‐to‐interpret diagrams and tables. The physical format and layout of the book are appealing.

This volume will make ideal reading for both academia and practitioners alike. It provides a very uncomplicated insight into what could be a very complex and technically daunting subject. It should provide those with a less technical flair with confidence in getting to grips with the topic of ERP.