The identification of risks in information systems projects has been the subjectof much research (Jiang et al., 1996; Zmud, 1980). A portfolio approach formanaging software development risk was discussed by McFarlan (1981). Priorresearch has looked at risk from a technological perspective (Anderson andNarasumhan, 1979) or from a software development perspective (Barki, et al.1993). Jiang and Klein (1999) examined risk as it related to a multidimensionalconcept of information success that included satisfaction with the developmentprocess, satisfaction with system use, satisfaction with system quality, and theimpact of the information system on the organization. In their study projectmanagers were asked about problems on a recently completed information systemsproject. The risks associated with the overall success of a systems project wereapplication complexity, lack of user experience, and lack of role clarity of roledefinitions of individuals on the project. Lack of user support was significant forthe organizational impact, while technological newness affected system qualitysatisfaction. Systems development was affected by the team’s general expertise,application complexity and user experience, and systems use was affected by roleclarity and user experience. Reel (1999) discussed the importance of understandinguser needs and mitigating user resistance, proper project management includingproject scope definition, top management sponsorship, and having a project teamthat possesses the appropriate skills. While these prior studies are relevant, noneexplicitly examined the environment of ERP systems. In these studies, the risksand controls were more technological focussing on software development ascompared to the implementation of packaged solutions that require thereengineering of business processes and limited software modificationsIn order to maximize the probability of success, the risks associated with atask must be minimized (Barki, et al. 1993; Jiang and Klein, 1999). As statedabove, audit firms minimize the risk of audit failure through the identification ofinherent, control and detection risks followed by the establishment of an acceptable,specified level of overall audit risk that is a function of those other risks (Arensand Loebbecke, 1997). The same rationale holds for the implementation of anERP system. In order to maximize the probability of success, the risks must beidentified and appropriate controls put in place to minimize those risks.The lack of alignment between the organization strategy, structure, andprocesses and the chosen ERP application is one risk that is repeatedly identifiedin the literature is (see, for example, (Davenport, 1998; 2000)). Both the businessprocess reengineering literature (Hammer, 1990; Hammer and Champy, 1993)and the ERP literature suggests that an ERP system alone cannot improve thecompany performance unless an organization restructures its operational
processes (Bingi et al., 1999; Davenport, 1998; Davenport, 2000). Further, the
ERP implementation project must be a business initiative. This requires the
organization to gain strategic clarity (i.e., know the business, how it delivers
value, etc.) and a constancy of purpose. Finally, an outcomes orientation is
required to achieve these goals.
Within an ERP project, the loss of control over the project is another major
risk. Loss of control can arise in at least two ways: the lack of control over the
project team, and the lack of control over employees once the system is
operational. Risks associated with controlling major projects existed prior to the
development of ERP software, and much has been written on project escalation
(see, for example, Brockner, 1992; Kanodia et al., 1989; Keil, 1995; Sharp and
Salter, 1997; Staw, 1976; 1981; Staw and Ross, 1987). The first risk is the lack
of control over the project team. This lack of control results from the
decentralization of decision-making and subsequent ineffective ratification of
decisions. Within the setting of an ERP project, in order to ensure the collocation
of knowledge with decision rights, it is common for an organization to form an
ERP system implementation project team that involves individuals who have
some relevant specific knowledge associated with the implementation of an ERP
system (such as information technology knowledge or change management
skills). Decision rights are then assigned to the team. However, where the project
team has complete control over the ratification of its own decisions creates a
potential business risk that the project team would act in their own interests
rather than act in the best interests of the organization. The second risk is that an
operational ERP system most always results in the devolution of responsibility
and empowerment of lower level employees. A lack of adequate controls over
this increased responsibility
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