Abstract:

Organizations around the world are increasingly adopting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in order to achieve a high level of integration of their business functions, to allow real-time flow of information and to enhance the efficiency of business processes. This exploratory study investigates why organizations in developing countries adopt ERP systems and attempts to have a better understanding of the key benefits that organizations may achieve from their investments in ERP. A qualitative case study approach was employed in this study. Data were gathered from a wastewater company (Haya Water) in Oman using semi-structured interviews. Findings show that there are several factors that motivate organizations to adopt ERP systems, such as the need to integrate most of the existing systems into a single integrated information system and the need for real time information. Moreover, organizations adopt ERP systems in order to remain competitive in the market. This study will be of value to researchers who are interested in understanding the phenomenon of ERP adoption in developing countries.