1.4 Research hypotheses
The research hypotheses will be thoroughly scrutinised in a
subsequent chapter. They pertain to whether or not the system addressed is
technically compatible with MNEs with a competitiveness impact. The research
hypotheses formulated in this study are:
H 1 The value chain integration through ERP
software helps MNEs to operate efficiently due to
the software's multifunctional, integrated and modular
characteristics, which meet the general model of an ERP system as a value chain
system.
H 2 The use of strategic IT plan theory in ERP
evaluation determines MNE competitiveness
impact and IS usage.
H 3 Users, managers and CEOs/CIOs are positive
about ERP system matters relating to strategic
management and the value chain concept.
H 4 Axapta Microsoft software architecture,
through a strategy techniques planning model such
as the value chain, is a strategic IT tool and an ERP system
designed for MNEs.
H 5 ERP software meets the basic requirements
of the value chain concept and architecture, and is a value chain system with
the IT mechanism facilitating integration, relationship and coordination of all
activities within the MNE's value chain.
H 6 The relationship between an ERP system and
e-business benefits the supply chain for the
company's expansion.
The report of this study will therefore be based on the
analysis of Axapta, as an IT tool designed for an MNE, which requires the
ability to integrate business information within the multisites' value chains,
manage resources and accommodate diverse business practices and processes
across the entire MNE.
1.5 Research design
The research design is a plan or blueprint of how the
researcher intends conducting the research (Mouton, 2001:55). A descriptive
study is a type of conclusive research that has as its major objective the
collection of data that could be used to describe something and is often marked
by the formulation of specific hypotheses prior to the research being conducted
(Malhotra, 1996:89).
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According to Leedy (1997:111), the most widely used technique
for gathering data in business and sociology is a descriptive survey. It is
used to describe the incidence, frequency and distribution of specific
characteristics of a population. The concerns in the design of a survey are
with respect to errors of estimation, including measurement errors, frames
errors, non-response errors, selection errors and sampling errors.
Data collection tools for descriptive surveys include
interviews and questionnaires. For this study, a questionnaire was used, based
on the exploratory and descriptive question format. The details on the research
design are discussed under the research methodology section (in chapter 5). The
analysis of this study comprises mainly a literature review of the various
technical and strategic planning models to evaluate IT and a discussion of the
technical side of the different value chains' architecture on which most ERP
systems are built and based. The literature review of the ERP concept is
analysed under the value chain concept theory, and compared with the attributes
and specifications of Axapta under the case study section of this study (in
chapter 4). In chapter 5, the methodology and the design for this study are
highlighted. The comparison of the literature review on the different aspects
of Axapta is highlighted in chapter 6 in order to determine the qualitative
outcome of this study. This will reveal whether the system addressed has
adhered to the principles of the value chain concept with a competitiveness
impact within an MNE. The quantitative outcome established through the
self-administered questionnaire survey will also be highlighted. This is
followed by conclusions and recommendations.
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