Helmut Klaus

Bio: Helmut Klaus is an academic researcher from Queensland University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information system & Enterprise architecture. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 10 publications receiving 861 citations.

What is ERP

Abstract: Though enterprise resource planning (ERP) has gained some prominence in the information systems (IS) literature over the past few years and is a significant phenomenon in practice, through (a) historical analysis, (b) meta-analysis of representative IS literature, and (c) a survey of academic experts, we reveal dissenting views on the phenomenon. Given this diversity of perspectives, it is unlikely that at this stage a broadly agreed definition of ERP can be achieved. We thus seek to increase awareness of the issues and stimulate further discussion, with the ultimate aim being to: (1) aid communication amongst researchers and between researchers and practitioners; (2) inform development of teaching materials on ERP and related concepts in university curricula and in commercial education and training; and (3) aid communication amongst clients, consultants and vendors. Increased transparency of the ERP-concept within IS may also benefit other aligned fields of knowledge.

Open Source Enterprise Systems: Towards a Viable Alternative

Abstract: Enterprise systems are located within the antinomy of appearing as generic product, while being means of multiple integrations for the user through configuration and customisation Technological and organisational integrations are defined by architectures and standardised interfaces Until recently, technological integration of enterprise systems has been supported largely by monolithic architectures that were designed, and maintained by the respective developers From a technical perspective, this approach had been challenged by the suggestion of component-based enterprise systems that would allow for a more user-focused system through strict modularisation Lately, the product nature of software as proprietary item has been questioned through the rapid increase of open source programs that are being used in business computing in general, and also within the overall portfolio that makes up enterprise systems This suggests the potential for altered technological and commercial constellations for the design of enterprise systems, which are presented in different scenarios The technological and commercial decomposition of enterprise software and systems may also address some concerns emerging from the users' experience of those systems, and which may have arisen from their proprietary or product nature

Senior Managers' Understanding of Knowledge Management in the Context of Enterprise Systems

Abstract: Employing an interpretative method, three conceptions of knowledge management have been identified among senior managers who are ‘immersed’ in ERP. Managers understand knowledge management as: (1) change management for implementing and maintaining an ERP system; (2) corporate information management based on and beyond an ERP system; (3) the integration of change management and corporate information management by means of an ERP system. The results may inform further research, such as case studies, higher education and practice.

On the Foundation of the Ontological Foundation of Conceptual Modeling Grammars: The Construction of the Bunge-Wand-Weber Ontology

Abstract: In response to constant criticism that methods for conceptual modeling in information systems lack theoretical foundations, several approaches have been proposed. Among these, ontological approaches have recently received considerable attention. Though MCCARTHY and HAYES already in 1969 had called for ‘‘metaphysically adequate modeling,’’ it was not before 1986 that WAND and WEBER commenced working out an ontological foundation of conceptual modeling, drawing on an ontology by BUNGE; thus later named Bunge-Wand--Weber (BWW) ontology. Nonetheless, its application triggered questions regarding its grounding, which remain open yet. Addressing some of these, a first review of the BWW ontology is being offered----putting it in the context of ontological foundations of conceptual modeling----as a bid for increased rigor in theory development. The emergence of conceptual modeling, BUNGE’s ontology, and its adaptation by WAND and WEBER are summarized, concluding with questions regarding the overall project of ontological foundations of conceptual modeling.

A Model of Organizational Integration, Implementation Effort, and Performance

Abstract: The notion of integration is central to the understanding of organizations in general as well as of contemporary phenomena such as e-commerce, virtual organizations, virtual teams, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. Yet, the concept of integration is ill-defined in the literature, and the impact of achieving high levels of integration is not well understood. The present paper addresses these issues. Drawing on the literature of several fields, this paper proposes the concept oforganizational integration (OI), which is defined as the extent to which distinct and interdependent organizational components constitute a unified whole. Six types of OI are identified: two intraorganizational OI (internal-operational, internal-functional) and four interorganizational OI (external-operational-forward, external-operational-backward, external-operational-lateral, and external-functional). This paper then presents a model and develops 14 propositions to predict (1) the effort needed to implement different types of OI, (2) the impact different types of OI will have on organizational performance, and (3) how six factors (interdependence, barriers to OI, mechanisms for achieving OI, environmental turbulence, complexity reduction mechanisms, and organizational configurations) influence the relationship between OI types, implementation effort, and organizational performance. The OI framework and model are then used to develop 14 propositions for ERP implementation research and to explain the findings of recent research on integration.