Implementation Evaluation Metrics for ERP Solution: A Case of Kibabii University

Implementation Evaluation Metrics for ERP Solution: A Case of Kibabii University

Samwel Mungai Mbuguah (Kibabii University, Kenya), Franklin Wabwoba (Kibabii University, Kenya) and Chrispus Kimingichi Wanjala (Kibabii University, Kenya)
Copyright: © 2020 |Pages: 42
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-7678-5.ch011

Abstract

Most institution of higher learning are implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) in automating various activities. The architecture of most of the ERP is based on the service-oriented architecture (SOA) where each module can be called as service. In most of the contracts signed between the vendor and the university, payment is tied to the level of implementation. The question is how to then measure the level of implementation. This chapter proposes a metric that could be used. The metric was derived based on an acceptance test on each of functionality of module as per terms of reference. The result of a test was rated as a fail; the result was then coded such that a fail was assigned a zero (0), pass one (1), and query a half (½), from which a metric was derived which measures the level implementation.
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Organization Background

Kibabii University was granted a charter in 24 November 2015 with his Excellency President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta becoming the first Chancellor of the University (Webmaster, 2018).

Kibabii University Strategic Directions are (DICT 2019)

  • 1.

    To promote and maintain excellence in teaching and learning;

  • 2.

    Support and sustain advancement in consultancy, Research and Extension;

  • 3.

    Enhanced Administrative, Financial and Human Resource Management systems;

  • 4.

    Invest in marketing, public relations and linkages;

  • 5.

    Expand, maintain and improve physical facilities and infrastructure;

  • 6.

    Develop and implement policies on Health services

Management Structure

The University is managed through a Council, Senate and University management board. The each are defined University Statute, 2017 and the Kibabii University Charter

Setting the Stage

On inception in 2012, the University had incomplete, unfurnished classrooms; laboratories and offices. The ICT infrastructure had been laid in the Administration block and University Library only. Several computers were purchased for student and staff on which basic Microsoft application was installed. The Finance department used Quick Books and payroll software. The University subcontracted for website development that was hosted at DeepAfrica.

The ICT infrastructure was later enhanced by the last mile radio link was to provide internet to the organization at 10Mbs. This was enhanced to 21Mbs then 66Mbs, 82Mbs, then 110 and the present speed is 264 Mbs. The University now receives internet bandwidth through a last mile fibre link. The Campus network continues to be enhanced with campus fibre backbone in place. The radio link is now used as backup. Several hotspots have been installed to allow the students and member of staff access the net. The University has a Directorate of ICT whose mandate are to (Mbuguah SM 2018):

  • •

    Establish and maintain ICT infrastructure and services.

  • •

    To advance the intellectual and human resource capacity through use of E-resources.

  • •

    To publicize University programmers, activities and promote its public image.

  • •

    Automate University wide services

The Directorate has purposed continue automating most services through the use of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution.

Enterprise Resource Planning System

An Enterprise resource planning system is a fully integrated business management system covering functional areas of an enterprise like Student management, Procurement, Finance, Accounting and Human Resources. It organizes and integrates operation processes and information flows to make optimum use of resources such as men, material, money and machine. Enterprise resource planning uses single database, single application and single user interface for the entire enterprise, where once discrete systems (Rohit R.(ud))

The ERP should be flexible, module based to allow of integration from more module. The architecture should be open like in service-oriented architecture such the module called be called as services. These will lead to reduced coupling among the modules, leading software system which are not easy to attack.

The objective of the chapter is to identify challenges that could be encountered as one implements an ERP system, using Kibabii University as case Study. Then suggests solution to these challenges.

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