ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: This case study describes knowledge management conducted by an enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultant in Vietnam. This paper addresses three important issues with respect to ERP: 1) their applicability to small businesses; 2) how consultancy knowledge bases can be developed; and 3) ERP training issues. Small businesses face severe limitations with respect to ERP due to the high cost of acquiring top-of-the-line ERP systems. The role of knowledge management and training is examined. This research is based on meetings with company personnel with the support of the company chief operation officer (COO). The case shows the importance of a consulting firm’s broad base of experience to enable small businesses to know whether an ERP system is appropriate, how to implement such systems if adopted, and training needed to make the systems effective. Knowledge gathered by the consulting firm is viewed from a systems perspective.
