Determining the critical success factors in ERP systems implementations with fuzzy cognitive mapping: The case of Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting ERP implementation success by using fuzzy cognitive mapping method. Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) is used to determine critical success factors affecting ERP implementation. FCM is based on graph theory, which was formulized by mathematician Euler in 1736. Fuzz cognitive method is very useful method for exploring the subjective factors of subject and the relationships between them. In this study we draw 16 fuzzy cognitive maps with interviewers whose are the owner or manager of enterprises or ERP team managers of the ERP teams. By the constructive analysis of the individual cognitive maps, “giving ERP education to team or end users”, “Conformity and reliability of data” and “Support of top level management” variables are the most central variables. By the neural network analysis we find that if the ERP education increases, raises; “meeting the business needs of ERP system”, “the efficiency of project plan”, “project management and time schedule” variables increases too. And according to the second scenario if top level managers support the use of ERP system increases, raises; “meeting the business needs of ERP system”, “giving ERP education to team and last users”, “self-sacrifice of project team”, “existence responsible persons from each department in the project team” variables are increases too. Also, this paper represents a first attempt for using fuzzy cognitive mapping to determine the factors, which affect the success of ERP application.