Communities of practice in training: the missing link in Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation

Abstract

Purpose of this paper To examine which training methods are the most effective for an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation. Design/methodology/approach A casework methodology was used to investigate the role of training in an ERP implementation in a large multi-business corporation. Data were gathered from a variety of sources through multi-methods over a six month period. Findings Dominant ERP implementation training approaches overvalue formal processes and disregard the role played by Communities of Practice (CoP) in effective training. Research limitations/implications (if applicable) The limitation of the study is that it is a single case study and the findings need to be examined in a greater range of contexts to determine if they have the wider applicability. Practical implications (if applicable) This study suggests that greater engagement with CoP in training has the potential to assist in reducing the current high rate of ERP implementation failures. What is original/value of paper Provides an explanation in social theoretical terms of why the dominant ERP training approaches are often ineffective. This in turn could impact the effectiveness of logistics.