The Implementation of OilCO and ExploreCO - Case Study Example

The paper "Similarities and Differences between the Implementation of OilCO and ExploreCO" is a wonderful example of an assignment on management. Compare and contrast the implementation of OilCO and ExploreCO. What were the similarities and differences between the two implementations? The companies realized the need for making fundamental changes in the business process to enhance the operations of their business functions. The companies did not undertake an internal analysis of the business processes to ascertain the necessity for changing the processes.

The implementation of the systems was undertaken on the basis of the changing trends within the industry. The organizations implemented the systems as a strategic positioning measure in seeking to ensure competitiveness within the industry. The strategic decisions which the organizations adopted were based on the industry changes which necessitated the transformation of the business processes utilized by the companies. The implementation approaches were all strategic options which sought to change the business operations for the companies.

The companies implemented ERP systems seeking to change the business processes and improve the functions of the business. The similarities in the implementation include the following Implementation of ERP systems was undertaken as a measure for implementing strategic changes following changes within the industry. There was limited consideration for the need to make an internal analysis of the company processes to determine the elements which need fundamental transformations. There were significant differences in the implementation process of the ERP system within the companies.

These discrepancies resulted in the implementation results becoming different despite the implementation of the same system. The ERP1 has implemented a part of the organizational restructuring process, while ERP2 was implemented as an upgrade of the existing system within the organization. While ERP1 resulted in failure and going beyond the budget provisions, ERP2 is within the range of the budget and the system suited the budget perfectly. Why do you think the projects were successful? Was it the articulation of CSFs?

Was it their strategy of minimal customization? Or something else? Explain The feasibility study undertaken before the process of implementing the ERP system became the fundamental element that enhanced the successful implementation. After undertaking the feasibility study the companies appointed a project team that would be actively involved in the implementation process. The team would be involved in undertaking all the management aspects of the project implementation process. The assessment of the old system and implementation of the upgraded system enable the successful implementation of the project.

The critical success factors which were identified and addressed became fundamental elements for enhancing the implementation process and consequently enabling the successful implementation of the project. Identification and definition of the success factors was an essential aspect which enhanced the implementation. This process enabled the implementation challenges to be identified early for successful consideration. Effective articulation of the CSFs can be defined as a fundamental source of success since it enabled the team to anticipate the implementation problems.

The implementation strategy included minimal customization of the business processes in seeking to integrate them with the other business processes. Many of the business processes involved in the previous systems were changed in seeking to implement radical changes to the business processes. The systems were based on the organizational requirement for a complete transformation of the business process. This resulted in the process becoming totally different from the previous business processes, radically transforming the business processes.

The fundamental purpose of the implementation of the systems was seeking to change the business processes. The successful implementation of the system became an indication of the changes which had been implemented. What can we learn from this case? Also, provide suggestions for improvement This case indicates the necessity for organizations to undertake feasibility studies before the implementations of the projects. Undertaking the internal analysis of the processes is essential in establishing the requirements which should be included within the project implementation.

The analysis will enable the organizations to understand and establish the need requirements for the desired project. Making organizational changes requires an immense analysis of the internal processes to identify the weaknesses and strengths existing within the organization. These analyses enable the involved stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the various elements which require changes, for successful improvement of the business operations. Despite the companies being related to the operations undertaken, the installation of the systems was approached differently within the organization.

This seeks to ensure that organization should rely on the assessment of the organizational requirements in making the decision regarding the processes which require transformation or radical changes. The organizations can effectively implement different aspects of process improvement systems within their business functions. The organizations should consider internal factors in making system implementation decisions as opposed to industry trends which could not be necessary. The implementation following industry trends is the significant cause of the failures experienced in the implementation process of the project (Thompson & Motiwalla, 2012).

Analysis of the internal capabilities of the organization can effectively determine the aspects which require changes and the capacities of the companies in funding the projects and ensuring successful implementation of the process.