Research - SAP Outsourcing & for less large companies

[msheard]

I am studying an MSc in Business Systems Analysis and Design at the City University London School of Informatics. A link to my LinkedIn page is at the bottom of this email in case you would like to learn more about me.

I am researching a dissertation on:

1. The cost effectiveness of large scale ERP systems such as Peoplesoft, Oracle e-Business Suite and SAP for less substantial organisations (with turnover < £150m). The scope of this research is restricted to these large scale systems and is not looking at the smaller scale ERP-lite software.
2. The reasons that user organisations have for outsourcing the operation of these ERP systems.
3. The extent to which these above two subjects are linked by studying the extent to which the ability to outsource makes ERP systems more accessible to less large organisations and whether it reduces the minimum size for cost effectiveness.

Part of the research will involve interviewing ERP consultancies, consultants who advise clients on the selection of ERP systems and outsourcing companies in order to gain a range of opinions and insights into these issues.

If you are a consultant or work for a company that provides these services and would be willing to be interviewed by me (either in person or by telephone) to discuss ERP systems for less large organisations, ERP outsourcing or both, I would like to hear from you.

In return for agreeing to be interviewed, I will offer respondents a copy of the final report.

The planned timescale for the research phase of project is the month of August, after which I will be analysing and reporting on the results of the research in order to finalise the dissertation in late September. For now I would like to identify consultants and companies who are willing to be interviewed.

You can view my LinkedIn profile or email me if you would like to learn more about me or have any queries about my research.

Regards,

Michael Sheard
michael.sheard.1@city.ac.uk
http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/michael-sheard/23/251/692
MSc Business Systems Analysis and Design 2009/10
City University London

[The Prince Of Darkness]

You could start with asking around your building. You implemented SAP in 1998.

[Al.]

If you've not done so already, take a look on the forum here: http://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/uac

[msheard]

I am still looking for consultants who are willing to share their professional knowledge on these subjects with me.

[Dr Sidewalk]

Here's a quick lesson for you, especially when collecting information that you will publish and you'll be assessed/marked on.
1). You most certainly should not publish or rely on anything that this lot tell you.
2). Gathering such information takes a lot of effort, there's no easy path. Relying on people to talk to on the subject just is not going to happen. Reality check here. What's in it for them?. Unfortunately that's the way life is nowadays and most people are far too busy to join in such debates with you on this subject. Except maybe the guys on this site, but again, you should reference point 1.
3). I just can't be bothered to waste anymore time thinking up valid points. Suffice to say, do your own homework and don't be lazy, there's loads of published material already out there. The internet is a marvelous invention, as is the Google search tool.

[msheard]

I am finding some consultants who are willing to talk to me, though (as you say) it has not been easy. I am offering a copy of my report to those who contribute.

There is some published material out there but I have found that it does not cover everythiing that I am researching. A literature review is one aspect of my project but I need to do my own research also. If I just summarised literature, I would be writing an essay and not performing research.