Lessons Learnt - Week 4

Leadership

The first topic discussed this week was the concept of leadership, and how specifically this relates to the environment of self managing virtual teams (SMV teams). In these environments there is often no assigned leader. However, natural leaders will always begin to emerge. An interesting finding of the study was that although leaders are often perceived as showing more ‘leadership’, actual leadership is performed by many different team members; with ‘non-leaders’ often contributing more real leadership.

Strategic ERP implementation

Big Bang vs. Phased: is it better to implement in one big hit? Or one business unit at a time?

Big Bang implementation carries significant risk. If something goes wrong, the consequences are significant. However, Big Bang may be less costly than a phased implementation and the momentum and significance of the event can help motivate to employees.

Under this phased implementation, the ERP system is introduced to one unit of the business at a time. Phased implementation is significantly less risky and allows the business time to make adjustments to the system over the course of the implementation. However, there are some significant drawbacks. Phased implementation may have higher costs and users may have to use both the old system and new ERP system simultaneously (double entry). In addition, temporary networks between the old and new systems may have to be created. Also, during the implementation, the company does not benefit from the value of ERP integration (different units are still using different systems).

Implementing with ASAP method

Accelerated SAP methodology is a systematic approach for implementing SAP systems. It works on a 5 stage process:

1. Project Preparation: This is the high-level planning stage. Teams are trained, hardware is ordered. Deliverables are set.
2. Business Blue Print: This stage is concerned with the determining the details of how the business functions; it’s processes, work flows, etc.
3. Realisation: Training begins in this stage. Business process developments from the blue print stage are also implemented.
4. Final Preparation: Testing, rehearsal and end user training in preparation for go-live
5. Go-Live and Support: This phase encompasses the launch and the period immediately following. The system should be carefully analysed after go-live to monitor and address any issues.

Finally, the company should plan for continuous improvement, where systems and processes are periodically reviewed and updated.