Title: Proposal of a method for performance measurement system design and implementation of a software application in SMEs

Authors: Rafael Henrique Palma Lima, Luiz Cesar Ribeiro Carpinetti

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, School of Engineering of Sao Carlos, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo 13566-590, Brazil. ' Department of Production Engineering, School of Engineering of Sao Carlos, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo 13566-590, Brazil

Abstract: This paper proposes a method for PMS design in SMEs and an information system (IS) compatible with the PMS formulated using this method. It also discusses the barriers for PMS and software implementation in SMEs. Both the PMS design method and the IS requirements were based on a literature review. The software was then developed and a pilot case was conducted in an SME using action research to evaluate the factors influencing its adoption. After the pilot case, it was possible to identify important factors that may enable or hinder PMS and software implementation. One main finding is that an incremental approach is more suitable to the needs of SMEs, since it increases PMS buy-in and facilitates organisational learning concerning performance measurement fundamentals. As for the pilot case, the organisation|s IS manager proved to be indispensable for implementing the PMS due to his holistic view of the company.

Keywords: performance measurement; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; information systems; design methods; action research; software applications; incremental approaches; buy-ins; organisational learning; holistic views; managers; Brazil; business performance; performance management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2010.038236

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2010 Vol.12 No.2, pp.182 - 202

Received: 28 Apr 2010
Accepted: 27 Oct 2010

Published online: 24 Jan 2011 *

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