Analysis of critical success factors for cloud ERP implementation in large companies – a comparison between consultants’ and client-side project managers’ perceptions

Abstract: Background: ERP systems constitute the technological ‘backbone’ for organisations since all business process are mapped within the system. In the recent years, there is a transition to cloud-based ERP systems that large companies consider following. The implementation of a CERP system is a joint effort between the adopting company and the consultancy. Therefore, CSFs need to be defined that are essential for the success of the CERP project from both the consultant and client-side project manager perspective.  Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to analyse how consultants and client-side project managers perceive CSFs for the successful implementation of a cloud-based ERP system in large companies. Herein, commonalties in perception as well as perception gaps were analysed. Method: This study adopted an abductive qualitative approach. A multiple case study including seven cases was carried out. The empirical data was collected through semi-structured interviews. A cross-case analysis was carried out to shed light on commonalties in perceptions as well as perception gap and the reasoning behind it. The findings were then compared to existing literature. Conclusion: The findings of these study discovered that there are commonalties in perceptions as well as perception gaps of the CSFs. Most importantly, the CSFs ‘Communication’, ‘Involvement of users and training’ as well as ‘System testing’ are deemed as critical by both consultants and client-side project managers.