The theme of this research is to establish how South African companies evaluate the benefits of a capital investment, in terms of ERP implementations, to the organisation. The question of whether determinable value can be quantified and the methods used to calculate such value is explored. A search is conducted for critical success factors for successful ERP implementations, key metrics used for monitoring results, and the approach of South African companies to determining benefits. The research is designed to establish what post purchase analyses of completed projects are conducted and what percentage of completed implementations are considered successful in the South African environment, as well as the possible reasons for those successes and failures. The research consists of firstly a qualitative study of the goals of value creation of ERP decisions, which included a couple of interviews with IT and Process Engineering consultants to form a basis of knowledge for why companies implement ERP systems in the first place, followed by a quantitative descriptive study of the implementation success factors and post implementation analysis, by means of a survey of South African companies. The outcome of the research shows that ERP in South Africa has matured to a level where the majority of projects are judged by the key decision makers to be successful, in contrast to expectations created by the literature review performed. It also highlights that, in the capital budgeting decision making processes followed by companies of different sizes, qualitative factors play a slightly bigger role than quantitative factors in the motivation of an ERP implementation. In addition, this research concludes that companies who identify a clear business value goal with the proposed ERP implementation, ensures buy-in from top management, perform proper planning before embarking on the project, as well as follow some kind of rigorous measurement framework, experience higher levels of ERP success than those who do not. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Knowledge is a sustainable advantage and knowledge assets can increase value with use. A snowball effect of knowledge advantage advocates effective knowledge management and fosters its continual growth as it flows. Knowledge, however, flows unevenly throughout an organization and the problem is that the fundamental dynamics of these flows are still not well characterized in theoretical and computational models. This study built on existing work—knowledge-flow theory, need knowledge generation, and the critical success factors for enterprise resource planning implementation—to examine the multidimensional knowledge-flow phenomenon in context, and used the case study methodology for knowledge-flow theory building. The research question was two-pronged: how can need knowledge and its flow across stakeholders within an organization be explained using a multidimensional knowledge-flow model and how can Nissen’s five-dimensional knowledge-flow model be validated using a real-life immersion case? The researcher relied on three sources of evidence for this case study: project-related documentation, archival records, and interviews. Data triangulation yielded three results components: (a) a chronology of key events that obstructed knowledge flow, (b) a logic model depicting themes that contributed to knowledge-flow obstruction, and (c) explanations of the knowledge-flow patterns. This case study suggested enabling need knowledge determinants and obstructing conditions are in play that determine the path of need knowledge flow. These two research artifacts should be considered together to provide a fresh research avenue towards better understanding of knowledge flow dynamics.

Previous studies highlight the major technological advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the benefits of introducing artificial intelligence systems in the form of chatbots in, among other things, customer support. They also describe the impact of chatbots on organizations. Artificial intelligence technology provides computers with the ability to display human-like traits, such as reasoning, creativity, learning and planning. The advantages of artificial intelligence-based chatbots can be, for example, improved processes in customer support, reduced costs and less burden on employees regarding monotonous tasks. It is important beforehand, and also during the course of the project, to have a well-functioning operation from an organizational and technical perspective. If there are problems within the business that are not addressed, this can have consequences. It is therefore not only the implementation of the chatbot that should be focused on in order to succeed with the change, but also organizational and technical parts of the business that will very likely be affected by the implementation. About 87% of artificial intelligence system implementation projects fail. This is because several factors relating to the project or to the product implemented have not been taken into account. Therefore, this study investigates the research question: What critical success factors need to be considered when implementing chatbots in customer support? The purpose of this research question is to identify which critical success factors (CSFs) are most necessary for decision makers to be aware of. This is to have better conditions to succeed with the implementation and use of artificial intelligence-based chatbots in customer support. To answer this question, a qualitative study has been carried out in the form of a case study with interviews as a data collection method. Respondents relevant to the research area have been interviewed. In conducting this study, thematic analysis has been used as a data analysis method to identify, analyze and report patterns in the collected data. These have then been used to answer our question. The result generated 3 themes, 15 categories and 45 codes. The categories are divided according to critical success factors from previous studies identified using the codes extracted from the interviews. These critical success factors are in turn divided into three different themes that represent the different characteristic features among the factors, these are organizational, technical and resource factors. The critical success factors that are included in the theme organizational factors are: Lack of benefits visibility, Change management, Organizational culture, Organizational structure, Resistance and Ambiguous strategic vision. In the technical factors: Ethics issues, Insuf icient quantity of data, Integration complexity, Low data quality, Data governance issues, Security and confidentiality and Scalable and flexible system. The theme resource factors include: Selection of vendors and High cost of AI. The conclusion of this study suggests that there are a variety of critical success factors of organizational, technical, and resource-related nature that are important to consider when implementing chatbots in customer support. Those considered to be of the highest priority are the technical factors. Next in line are the organizational factors Organizational culture, Organizational structure and Resistance, followed by the rest of the factors in the same theme. The factors considered to be of the lowest priority are the ones included in the theme resource factors. There are also critical success factors from previous studies, that this study builds upon, that are considered not important enough to take into account. The critical success factors generated in this investigation are discussed regarding how the data extracted has a connection to a certain critical success factor. In the discussion, critical success factors generated are compared with the critical success factors from previous studies. Since this is a case study containing a limited number of respondents, there is of course a likelihood that there are more critical success factors affecting customer support chatbot implementation projects. However, the critical success factors that this study resulted in are considered to be of higher priority and can therefore have the greatest impact on such a project.

Although nearly everyone agrees that principals need formal training to prepare for their positions, few agree on what the nature of this training should be. Advanced university education may teach examples of leadership behaviors, but is it likely to transmit the practical knowledge and behaviors that are the hallmarks of successful principals? This study focused on the 13 critical success factors for school leaders as created by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB, 2002). The purpose of the study was to identify the extent to which these 13 standards have been addressed in formal and informal development training experiences of school principals in Tennessee. Data were collected using an open-ended interview guide while interviewing principals. The findings from this study suggested that the use of scenarios, cohort groups, experienced staff, and using current research were strategies that universities can use to develop a strong principal training program and support effective teaching of the 13 critical success factors. Two university training limitations became evident during the interview process: (a) lack of some type of internship or hands-on programs and (b) not having experienced instructors. In addition, the study's results led to recommendations that the following critical success factors, although they are currently addressed, should be addressed more effectively. Those factors are time organization, current instructional practices, parent involvement, understanding data, use of resources, obtaining support from central office, and increased use of professional development.

This paper focuses on the importance of effective software development processes and a foundational understanding of success factors in the public sector. Although there has been significant investment in information technology, not all public sector software projects result in a successful return on investment. This study explores the crucial factors, referred to as Critical Success Factors (CSFs), that enable the success of public sector software development projects. Additionally, this study aims to discover if the CSFs, the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), or its methodologies are more impactful for the success of software projects. This study aims to also identify the challenges public sector developers face during their efforts. By analyzing empirical data collected from a US Department of Defense Research and Development organization, this research aims to provide essential information for improving the likelihood of successful software project outcomes. Ultimately, this research can enable decision-makers to create better training opportunities, standard operating procedures, and hiring processes for public sector software projects.

An uncertain business environment and increased competition have resulted in change being an inevitable aspect for modern organizations. Therefore, it's important to understand what factors have the most impact on a change project's outcome. Previous research found that as much as 70 percent of change projects do not achieve the desired results. To address this issue, research has been conducted to establish factors that are important to operationalize independent of the change projects characteristics. However, the success rate of change projects is still low and contemporary research suggests how factors that are important to operationalize are influenced by change characteristics. This study examined the relationship between critical success factors and change characteristics through an individual case study of a change project. The method was qualitative and semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees at the case company. The study found that certain critical success factors established by prior research were not considered important for the change project's outcome, while other factors, including the respondents own suggestions, were considered crucial. The study also found that certain phases of the change project were considered more important than others.

The market for maintenance of dwellings in the construction industry is only getting more significant due to the time factor. Dwellings are only getting older, and demands for refurbishment are getting more obligatory for tenant-owned cooperatives.  This study examines the project manager’s approach when dealing with tenant-owned cooperatives and the management of pipe replacement. What risks and factors that are important to identify to achieve a possible decrease in disturbances in pipe replacement projects. To answer the purpose and the research questions asked, eight interviews were conducted.  The interviews were project managers with different experience level in the field of pipe replacement. The questions asked were based on the theoretical aspect of this study to examine further strategies that could help to achieve a successful project. The result from the interviewees was then analyzed and compressed to understand main factors and identify strategies to decrease disturbance during a pipe replacement project. The result from this master thesis indicates that a well-functioned communication prevents unpredictable risks together with a comprehensive pre-study. When dealing with a non-professional client, the right approach and educational level have to be established in the first interaction. When asked to rank the critical success factors, the most important ones were; Human-related factors, Project procedures, and Project-related factors. This consequently, implies which areas that are important for a project manager. As for the result of using risk management in pipe replacement projects, it could be regarded as either the most important or one very important tool to generate a successful project. / Marknaden för underhåll av bostadsrättföreningars bostäder i byggbranschen blir bara allt större på grund av tidsfaktorn. Bostäder blir bara äldre och krav på renovering blir mer obligatorisk för bostadsrättsföreningarna.   Denna studie undersöker projektledarens synsätt om hur man hanterar bostadsrättföreningar och projektledningen av stambyte. Vilka risker och faktorer som är viktiga att identifiera för att uppnå så nära som möjligt ett störningsfritt projekt. För att svara på syftet och frågeställningar har åtta intervjuer genomförts. Intervjuerna var med projektledare med olika erfarenhetsnivåer inom stambyte. Frågorna var baserad på den teoretiska aspekten av denna studie för att undersöka strategier som skulle kunna bidra till att uppnå ett framgångsrikt projekt. Resultatet från intervjuerna analyserades och undersöktes för att sedan förstå huvudfaktorerna och därmed identifieringsstrategier för att minska störningarna under ett stambytesprojekt. Resultatet av detta examensarbete visar att en väl fungerande kommunikation hindrar oförutsägbara risker med en djup förstudie. När projekt ledarna arbetar med en icke-professionell beställare måste man redan från början etablera rätt inställning. När de som intervjuades frågades om att rangordna vilka av de kritiska framgångsfaktorerna som var de viktigaste, var följande resultat; Mänskliga faktorer, upphandlingsprocesser och Projektrelaterade faktorer. Följaktligen, innebär vilket område som är viktigt för en projektledare. När det gäller resultatet av att använda riskhantering i rörbytesprojekt, kan det betraktas som antingen det viktigaste eller ett mycket viktigt verktyg för att skapa ett framgångsrikt projekt.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are considered to be a most efficient tool which is able to push economic and social development to experience significant progress and development as they offer useful services to consumers, and provide much needed employment. With this in consideration, they are useful for training, acquiring experience and technical and managerial skills. The objectives of this research are to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Based on the literature review, 20 factors have been identified and subsequently structured into three groups, namely entrepreneurial, enterprise and environmental factors. The study also focuses on the SMEs Support Programme by identifying the current situation and accordingly providing recommendations based on those made by the support providers. Data have been collected by utilising a mixed method approach: first, 146 postal questionnaires with SME owners/managers have been analysed by using SPSS; second, in order to gain further understanding of the situation and particular challenges, 15 in-depth interviews with support providers have been conducted; and third, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) has been used to analyse the pairwise comparison of the factors. The main findings of this study are that, for the CSFs for SMEs in Saudi Arabia, three factors are deemed to be important both for owners/managers and support providers. These factors are quality of the product and service, customer satisfaction, and business planning. The findings also indicate that there are many ¿important support gaps¿ which show that existing support needs to be addressed in order to improve and develop the support structure. / Government of the Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Higher Education.

Florida bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) were surveyed for the purpose of discovering the attitudes, beliefs, and actual behaviors of B&B owners and operators that contribute to an operation’s success. This study had several objectives: 1) to provide an analysis of attitudes and beliefs perceived to be necessary for success and the actual behaviors exhibited by operators based upon their self-definition of success, 2) to collect demographic information from various bed and breakfasts in Florida, and 3) to expand the limited amount of research that has addressed issues in the bed and breakfast industry. Between July 2009 and August 2009, data was collected by using a mailed survey. After collecting and compiling all of the information, Pearson’s correlation was used to determine if any correlations existed between owners and operator’s attitudes and beliefs and actual behaviors. Furthermore, the total sample was separated into a “successful” group and an “other” group in order to discover disparities between each group’s attitudes/beliefs and behaviors. This study was modeled after Bed and Breakfasts in Virginia: Identification of Success Factors (Kaufman, 1994), and had many correlations that were similar to Virginia’s bed and breakfast industry. In addition to the similar correlations found in the previous study, this study found several more attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that have deemed necessary for success by Florida’s bed and breakfast industry leaders. The study concluded that several attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors were necessary for success: bed and breakfast owners and operators must understand the B&B industry, have had past work experience in the hospitality industry, understand the basic functions of running a business, and maintain a positive relationship with employees and guests.

Många ERP-implementeringsprojekt går över planerad budget och planerade tidsramar. Tidigare forskning har resulterat i ett ramverk av kritiska framgångsfaktorer som bör beaktas under ett implementeringsprojekt. Hur väl stämmer denna tidigare utvecklade teoretiska bild av kritiska framgångsfaktorer överens med svenska ERP-konsulters bild av implementeringsarbetet idag? Syftet är att klargöra om ett tidigare utvecklat ramverk av kritiska framgångsfaktorer är aktuellt för dagens ERP-implementeringar. En litteraturstudie utfördes och följdes av fem kvalitativa semistrukturerade intervjuer på fem etablerade svenska ERP-konsultfirmor. Studien noterade flera likheter mellan det teoretiska ramverket samt uppfattningarna hos de svenska affärssystemskonsulterna. Områden som projektplanering ansågs vara av yttersta vikt. Ett antal skillnader upptäcktes också. Det ansågs kritiskt att personal har möjlighet att lägga ner den tid som behövs. Vidare ansågs god kommunikation vara en grundläggande komponent. / Many ERP-implementation projects require more time and money than expected. Previous research has developed a framework consisting of several critical success factors that need to be considered during implementation projects. How well does the earlier developed theoretical picture of critical success factors align with the picture of several Swedish ERP-consultants today? The purpose is to clarify if a previously developed framework of critical success factors are applicable to current ERP-implementation projects. A literature study was performed and followed by five qualitative semi structured interviews at five established Swedish ERP-consulting firms. The study noted several similarities between the theoretical framework and the opinions of the Swedish ERP-consultants. Areas such as project planning proved to be of vast importance. A few differences were also revealed, such as the great significance of having the time necessary as well as proper communication.