THE INFLUENCE OF TOP MANAGEMENT SUPPORT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROJECT MANAGER LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES AND ERP SYSTEM PROJECT PERFORMANCE: FINDINGS FROM KENYA ENERGY SECTOR
Daniel Kemei - University of Nairobi, Kenya
Robert Oboko (PhD) - University of Nairobi, Kenya
Harriet Kidombo (PhD) - University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Over time, Enterprise Applications adoption have been on the increase globally, with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems become the most important Information Systems (IS) solution for both private and public-sector organizations. Though ERP systems are designed to help organizations gain a competitive advantage through integrated business processes and resource optimization, available literature paints a negative image of institutions struggling with ERP systems performance and value realization. This has necessitated the need to investigate critical success factors (CSFs) as far as ERP systems implementation and adoption is concern. Despite the significance of top management support in ERP system project success having been recognized by various researchers, literature is yet to provide a clear and compelling understanding of the top management support concept, and more specifically in relation to project manager leadership competence and ERP systems project performance. Management support entails; appointing competent team, committing sufficient resources, creating conducive environment and encouraging positive attitudes towards the ERP system project. This study is based on a sample drawn from Energy Sector State Parastatals in Kenya that had implemented SAP ERP system as at end of 2016. Questionnaire were used to collect data from respondent in their respective organizations, with key informant interviews guide used to collect data from Heads of ICT in these organizations for purposes of triangulation. Mixed methods was applied, and correlational design used to determine the extent to which the variables related. Census was used, given the study sample size, with both descriptive and inferential analysis techniques being applied. The study results show a positive influence of top management support on the relationship between project manager leadership competence and ERP system projects performance, a position consistent with other authors’ enquiries. The study is designed to make a contribution to organizations and project managers seeking to implement ERP systems, management science literature and future research.
