organizational variables considered did indeed have an impact,
although limited, on the SPMS variables. The collaborative
decision-making style was the variable that most influenced the
system design variable. The information processing requirements
(measured in our study by scope and size) have a stronger influence
on the IT characteristics than on IT outcomes; conversely, the
information processing capabilities (measured by a collaborative
management style and structure) have a stronger relationship with
SPMS effectiveness and system design.
The results showed that organization scope had an impact on
Internet and ERP usage, and was in fact the variable that had the
most impact on ERP usage in this study. Organization size also
had a limited impact on ERP usage, as well as on system design.
Both information processing capability variables were shown
to have an impact on Internet usage, and having a collaborative
management style was also shown to have the highest impact of
the variables in this study on the design of the SPMS.
The study provides interesting implications for research and
practice of information systems, particularly for SPMS. Our
findings on the importance of system effectiveness and design
on the impact of SPMS on business results are significant to
future research, since these variables need to be considered in
upcoming studies of the performance effects of SPMS. The results
showing system design as the single most important influence
on the effectiveness of SPMS may also show the need
for future research on what other variables, other than collaborative
decision-making style, may explain system design in
the SPMS context.
Future interdisciplinary researchers may explore what other
variables may further explain the SPMS impact on business
results, and test alternative specifications of the model proposed
in Figure 1, thus extending existing theories of how systems can
impact performance. Given the limited ability of the organizational
variables used in this study to explain the SPMS variables in the
model, further research could also focus on identifying other
organizational variables that would better explain the variation of
the SPMS variables and their impact on business results.
The study also presents a number of insights relevant to
practice. A main implication for practice is that to obtain an
impact of SPMS on business results, the SPMS must be effective,
rather than simply efficient. To achieve SPMS effectiveness, the
system must be designed to ensure that it fulfills the purposes
intended by the organization. A collaborative decision-making
style will contribute towards this system design goal, ensuring the
enhanced effectiveness of the SPMS.
Two other important implications for practice to obtain an
impact of SPMS on business results are: (a) assure that the level
of use of the Internet and ERP corresponds to the size and scope of
the organization; and (b) ensure an adequate level of information
quality to achieve system effectiveness and usefulness of IT
tools.