Integrative Conceptual framework of factors affecting diffusion of ERP in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): A theoretical perspective in SMEs

Abstract

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system are found as the most popular system for business management with benefits of greater managerial control and real time capabilities in organizations. With current growth in SMEs, Gulf Cooperation Council observed that implementation of ERP system is necessary and common platform to influence their competitive advantage. Whereas, all implementation of ERP have not been successful since, it brings considerable changes in companies norms, people, processes and culture, still there are many challenges that organizations face in implementing ERP system. “Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs)” in Gulf region are the main drivers of employment, growth, and economy development. Government of Gulf countries has developed many programs and policies to support SMEs in different states but these are usually not updated like ERP system and hence efforts become useless. Focus of this study is to explore “critical success factors (CSFs)” of proposed framework for implementation of ERP systems in SMEs of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). These findings may help SMEs of gulf countries in improving success rate of ERP implementation.