CCE Theses and Dissertations

Identification of Critical Success Factors for the Implementation of Electronic Data Interchange

Date of Award

1997

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences

Advisor

Michael A. Moody

Committee Member

Steven R. Terrell

Committee Member

S. Rollins Guild

Abstract

This dissertation examines the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for successfully implementing Electronic Data Interchange systems (EDI).

Today, firms do not consider CSFs as part of the overall plan for deploying EDI systems (Sokol, 1994). Organizations focus on re-engineering their business processes because they want to become more competitive, but most organizations fail to consider EDI as a strategic technology. The most obvious problems with EDI are legal issues, security and auditing, standards, networking, training, and system integration with legacy systems.

EDI is one way to optimize the business process and to offer products and services to customers in the most cost-effective way possible. Therefore, EDI must be taken into account in determining the strategy of the business (Hendry, 1993).

The research conducted clearly demonstrated that undertaking the key implementation factors is critical to successful project management of ED I technology deployment. EDI should be designed in the context of key inter organizational and Intra organizational CSFs.

This study empirically investigated the CSFs for implementing EDI systems. A survey instrument was developed based on the literature research. Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha was used to asses’ internal consistency of the questionnaire. Factor Analysis was performed for each measure containing two or more composite items. Questionnaire items were grouped by EDI Hub and non-Hub adopters to compare question homogeneity. Validity was performed to assess the quality of the survey instrument according to De Vellis (1991) guidelines. The outcome of this study will contribute to the enhancement of knowledge in the implementation of ED I systems and increase top management's understanding of the phenomenon. On a practical level, this research delineated the CSFs most significant to top management and IS managers in deploying EDI systems. The study provides IS managers with guidance concerning situations which are most appropriate for deploying EDI systems. The study also examines implementation of ED I can be better managed and what factors should be considered to achieve a better relationship with internal EDI users as well as with business partners. Appropriate suggestions are given for future research in the area.

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