Development of a framework for cloud-based ERP implementation in developing countries.

This research aims to provide a framework to support organizations in cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning implementation successfully based on benefits realization (BR) approach. The framework has been developed through benefits realization management with adopting the maturity concept to realize most of the expected benefits. The methodology covers four stages, namely, understanding context and current practices, data collection and analysis, framework development and validation. The interview technique has been used to collect data from industries in different sectors based on the qualitative research approach and case study strategy. The research methodology was applied on organizations (customer) and cloud service providers in developing countries during different times of cloud-based ERP post-implementation. The framework integrated maturity and benefit realization (BR) model for better realization; The benefit realization model has four phases, identifying, planning, assessing, and establishing of the benefits. BR approach required a proactive procedure that is maturity which consists of three phases: identification, evaluation, and action. The assessment tools for both models are conducted by using multi-grade fuzzy logic, that will provide indices which shows the organization where they are (maturity index) and where they are going to be (BR index). The developed framework has been validated using assessment tools with industrial experts and the result has been examined by Spearman rank correlation coefficient that shows a perfect positive correlation. The main contribution of this research focused on integrating the benefits realization approach and maturity concept of cloud-based ERP system implementation in the developing countries. The maturity helps organizations to improve the weaknesses area by assessing five enablers: (leadership, strategy, people, technology, and governance) before starting the implementation, to pave the way for realizing the benefits. While the benefit realization model assess organization to realize the expected benefits (operational, managerial, strategic, technology, and organizational) and establish potential for further benefits lead to investment objectives at the end.