Abstract:

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software provides a consistent integrated electronic business management environment for enterprises. Many companies are now reliant upon these systems for their daily operations. However, despite the various positive outcomes of adopting ERP systems, the implementation process poses a number of challenges for organizations. The value of knowledge management (KM), more specifically for the implementation of ERP systems, is steadily gaining more importance and managing ERP systems knowledge has been identified as a critical success factor. As such, the key research objective is to investigate the core challenges and dimensions of KM in large organizations in South Africa. A review of the existing literature reveals a lack of comprehensive KM research during the ERP implementation phase and particularly, in emerging economies. Initial findings include lack of process, technical and project knowledge as key challenges. Other concerns include lack of knowledge on the need for change, lack of contextualization and management support.This paper closes some of the identified research gaps in this area and should benefit large organizations in the South African economy.