ERP Configuration: Does Situation Awareness Impact Team Performance?

Globalization, tougher competition and increasing customer expectations have led many organizations to adopt enterprise resource planning systems (ERP). However, organizations are beginning to realize the real impacts of ERP systems can be less than expected and that there is a need to better utilize ERP systems. This has led to greater focus on improved configuration and implementation. An important part of implementation is the configuration process carried out by teams. In this study, we present our research model and examine performance in ERP configuration teams. The research model posits that Team Situation Awareness (TSA) affects the performance of ERP configuration teams and that process conflict, deadlines and sharing common languages and codes will impact TSA. We then empirically tested the model in a quasi-field study involving 26 ERP/SAP student configurations teams. The results support our research model and offer insight into configuration team performance. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.