Knowledge Management Implications in ERP Implementations: Evidence from Sri Lankan Cases

Knowledge management (KM) plays a major role in the success of implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in business organizations. This research aims to provide an in-depth understanding of ERP implementation processes in Sri Lanka. The major issues associated with KM in ERP implementations are brought into light and possible strategies for overcoming such issues are identified. The research builds on the work of Baskerville et al. (2006), and focuses on the importance of 'operational level' knowledge practices of capturing, integrating and sharing during ERP system implementations. Results of multiple case study interviews have been analyzed using cognitive maps to determine the issues deem to have a major impact on the success of ERP implementations. Some of the key strategies that can be used to overcome the problems associated with KM in ERP implementations are presented.