Instantiations of an ERP Implementation Methodology: A Critical Realist Case Study

Abstract

New or revised implementation methodologies are introduced by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems vendors to improve the results of ERP systems implementations. In spite of an implementation methodology’s potential and significance for practice, little attention has been paid to this object of study in enterprise systems literature. Moreover, current studies reveal contradictory findings and provide a fragmented understanding. The purpose of this paper is to describe and explain the emergence of an implementation methodology instantiations through the lens of a realist social theory underpinned by critical realism. Our qualitative study provides explanatory insights and a rich description of an implementation methodology instantiations generated over time. This study also provides guidance for practitioners, to anticipate potential implementation methodology instantiations and identify the conditions contributing to their occurrence and change, and contribute to a more coherent view on implementation methodology instantiations as an issue of organisational change.