Research Articles (School of Accountancy)
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Browsing Research Articles (School of Accountancy) by Subject "Accounting -- Computer programs"
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- ItemAddressing the challenge of strategic alignment faced by small and medium-sized entities during the selection of accounting software packages(Clute Institute, 2016-12-27) Bishop, William ArthurENGLISH SUMMARY : Alignment between an entity’s strategic business objectives and its information systems (ISs) has recently received research attention. Currently, small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) still face the challenge of successfully aligning their strategic business objectives with their ISs. Various small generic accounting software packages are available for purchase by SMEs. These accounting packages all have functionalities that enable SMEs to keep proper accounting records. However, due to their generic nature, these accounting packages do not always have sufficient functionalities to drive the SMEs’ strategic business objectives, resulting in IS misalignment. Not selecting the correct accounting software package will result in the accounting software not addressing the strategic business needs of the SME. The purpose of this study is to review and discuss the challenges faced by SMEs when selecting generic accounting packages and to develop a mapping between strategic business objectives commonly found within SMEs and software package functionalities that SMEs can refer to during the selection and implementation of new accounting software packages. This is accomplished on a non-empirical basis through a review of pertinent literature. In order for a SME to select the correct accounting software package, it is important that it invest time and effort in considering the software functionalities provided by the software package and map it against its strategic business imperatives to prevent failure of the package.
- ItemA project management framework for small- and medium-sized entities : accounting software implementation(AOSIS Publishing, 2018-04-18) Bishop, William A.Small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs) continuously face the challenge of proper implementation of accounting packages. Not managing the package installation and configuration processes properly will result in the accounting software not working properly and not achieving the strategic goals of the SME. The purpose of this study was to examine, by means of an extensive literature review, the potential of PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) as a project-management framework for application by SMEs during the implementation of new accounting software. The potential of scaling down PRINCE2 to a version usable to SMEs was investigated. PRINCE2 was found to be a suitable framework for use by SMEs in the implementation of accounting software packages, but only if tailored properly to incorporate the specific needs of the SME and adjusted to specifically address strategic alignment issues. Recommendations by other researchers on the weaknesses and shortcomings of the PRINCE2 framework were also investigated and included in the development of a new model for SMEs. This article contributes to the academic literature by providing it with a standard tailored version of PRINCE2 that can be used by SMEs in the implementation of new accounting software.