Developing the ERP Pre-Mortem Framework: Addressing the Debate Over Organizational Learning

Organizational learning (OL) is a major weakness for ERP project implementation. Exploratory research interviews of ERP managers/consultants support this finding. Many organizations do not implement proper procedures that effectuate valid learning experiences from failures endured. The literature suggests that effective OL involves complex ongoing processes requiring pervasive knowledge management and organizational memory systems (Jennex and Olfman, 2002). One example of an OL failure is FEMA’s experience with the pre-Katrina “Hurricane Pam” exercise. Alternatively, an example of OL success is found in the U.S. Navy’s methods and procedures. There is considerable similarity between managing ERP systems and managing high reliability system environments like those of FEMA and the US Navy. Given both the failures and successes in the area of OL, it is evident that further research is required if the phenomena is to be more fully understood.