Information and Knowledge Management using ArcGIS ModelBuilder

Type
Sharina Tajul Urus, Alemayehu Molla and Say Yen Teoh
Types of Application Purpose of
Application
Feral
Inf
o
Sy
st
e
m
Feral
D
a
t
a
Feral
Us
e
of
Technolo
gy
Suppl
a
-
n
t
Supplem
e
nt
Description of Types
5 X X Feral use of
technology by
end user to
supplant some of
the functionality
of ERP system
and not
sanctioned by
authorised IT
body.
6 X X Feral use of
technology by
end user to
supplement
some of the
functionality of
ERP system and
not sanctioned
by authorised IT
body.
Example from case
studies and/ Or
Previous Studies
Petty Cash,
Journal Voucher,
Creditors Ageing,
Sales Order (case
studies)
Management Report ,
Planning, Service
Order (case
studies)/
(Ignatiadis &
Nandhakumar
2009; Kerr,
Houghton &
Burgess 2007)
From the theoretical perspective, this paper contributes to ERP and IS research by developing
comprehensive feral system taxonomy. Using examples from multiple cases, we arrive at the post–
ERP feral system taxonomy that explains different classification and manifestation of feral system into
six different classes. By citing examples from previous literature, we have shown that the developed
taxonomy has validity. Although previous study have identified “feral systems” concept like Behrens &
Sedera (2004) , Houghton and Kerr (2006), Kerr, Houghton et al (2007), Kerr and Houghton (2010),
this study extends the feral system conceptualisation in a wider scope by classifying them in a more
comprehensive approach. This will facilitate future research in this area.
On the practical point side, this paper could facilitate managers to recognise the ‘feral system
phenomenon’ that might influence the use of ERP system in the organisation either in a positive or
negative manner. For instance, supplement feral systems can provide a positive outcome in terms of
providing information and functionality that meets the needs of the individual department within the
organisation, the capacity to foster creativity, perceived innovativeness qualities and ability to bring
stability and order (Behrens 2009; Behrens & Sedera 2004). Thus managers can tolerate, even if not
encourage, such systems. On the other hand, supplant feral systems can have negative impacts as
they can undermine installed ERP systems. In addition, such systems can increase workload, create
redundant work, and raise data integrity and quality problem (Behrens & Sedera 2004). Thus
managers need to carefully manage and control feral system.
References
Behrens, S 2009, 'Shadow Systems: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly', Communication of the ACM, vol. 52, no.
2, pp. 124-9.
Behrens, S & Sedera, W 2004, 'Why Do Shadow Systems Exists after an ERP implementation? Lesson From a
Case Study', paper presented to Association for Information System
Bendoly, E & Cotteleer, MJ 2008, 'Understanding behavioural sources of process variation following enterprise
system deployment', Journal of Operations Management, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 23-44.
Eisenhardt, KM 1989, 'Building Theories from Case Study Research', Academy o/Management Review, vol. 14,
no. 4, pp. 532-50.
Ferneley, EH & Sobreperez, P 2006, 'Resist, comply or workaround? An examination of different facets of user
engagement with information systems ', European Journal of Information Systems, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. pp.
345-56
465