4. Methodology
This study adopts key informants interview based qualitative method approach. Qualitative methods is suitable for this
study since it assists in determining the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions. Benbasat et al. (1987, p.368) explained that a method
such as this allows examination of ‘a phenomenon in its natural setting, employing multiple methods of data collection to
gather information from one or few entities (people, groups or organisation)’. The key purpose of this method is to obtain
in-depth understanding of the complex phenomenon, both in and of itself and in relation to its broader context [24].
Four participants were selected using convenience sampling. For the interview process, two sets of questions were
designed. First set, called the ‘warm-up’, was structured and designed to collect basic information about the participants,
SMEs and ERP implementation. The warm-up questions were sent to the participants in advance before the main interviews
take place. For the main interview, the second set of questions was designed in a semi-structured interview format. In semistructured
interviews, the researcher had a list of themes and questions to be covered. The interviewee was given an
opportunity to talk freely about events and behaviour. This is also called as an informant interview since it is the
interviewee’s perception that guides the conduct of the interview. This semi-structured format is suitable for this research
since the interview process was performed to elicit participant’s views on the role simulation model based decision support
system (DSS) can play during ERP implementation, critical factors to consider in model development and performance
measures. In addition, information about participants’ experiences, their views on viability of generic DSS and suggestion
for model improvement were also obtained.
The interviews were audio recorded with participant’s consent and they were assured of complete confidentiality. Each
interview process lasted for 45-90 minutes. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using a narrative method in
NVivo 9 software. A narrative method of qualitative data analysis is based on data being coded and analysed to identify and
explore themes, patterns and relationship.