THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMIC HO CHI MINH CITY
--------

DAO NHAT MINH

THE FACTORS IMPACT ON ACCOUNTING BENEFITS IN THE POSTIMPLEMENTATION PHASE IN ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING
(ERP) SYSTEM IN VIET NAM FIRMS

MAJOR

: ACCOUNTANCY

CODE

: 9340301

DOCTORAL THESIS - SUMMARY

Ho Chi Minh City - 2020


The thesis was complete at:
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City
Supervisor: 1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Nhi
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Cam Thanh
Reviewer 1: ...........................................................................................................
Reviewer 2: ............................................................................................................
Reviewer 3: ............................................................................................................
The Thesis will be presented to the University Dissertation Board at: ..................
................................................................................................................................

work result of people using the ERP system (Pham Tra Lam, 2018); or the response capacity of firms,
operational efficiency of firms (Bui Quang Hung, 2019) .... and studies in Vietnam often do not pay
attention to phases in the life cycle of the ERP system when researching about the problems of the ERP
system.
Another issue to consider is that in the context of constantly changing information technology, if
firms apply the latest technological advances such as cloud computing, Artificial intelligence,
Blockchain ... into the ERP system in the post-implementation phase, will these advances help firms
enhance the accounting benefits that the ERP system brings to firms? Or we just need maintain the
existing ERP system that is enough?
From the importance of this issue about the practical aspect, from little research on this issue; this
issue is still new and is a gap in research in Vietnam and the world. I have decided to choose the topic
“The factors impact on accounting benefits in the post-implementation phase in enterprise resource
planning (ERP) system in Viet Nam firms” as the thesis research topic.
2. Thesis Objectives and Questions
Overall Objective
The overall objective of this thesis is to identify the factors in the post-implementation phase and the
extent of their influence on accounting benefits which the ERP system brings to Viet Nam firms.
Specific Objectives
To achieve the overall objective, two specific objectives need to be conducted in this thesis:


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- Identify the factors in the post-implementation phase affecting accounting benefits in the ERP
system in Viet Nam firms.
- Assess the extent of factors' influence in the post-implementation phase on accounting benefits in
the ERP system in Viet Nam firms.
Questions
Starting from the above objectives, the research questions in this thesis should be answered as
follows:
1. In the post-implementation phase, which factors will affect accounting benefits in the ERP system

the post-implementation phase. Besides, the research results of this thesis are also a valuable reference
for ERP provider in building and training using the system and it also helps researchers, lecturers build
the curriculum about ERP more appropriate and quality.
6. The structure of this Thesis
The structure of this thesis includes 5 chapters as follows:
- Chapter 1. Literature Review.
- Chapter 2. Theoretical Framework.


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- Chapter 3. Research Methodology.
- Chapter 4. Research Results and Discussion.
- Chapter 5. Conclusions and Implications.
CHAPTER 1. LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1 Introduction
To have a comprehensive view of the research on the ERP field, I will present two overview studies
on the ERP field that use meta-analysis method. Based on these two studies, the author will clarify the
trends in current ERP research and future research directions in this field. Before this, the life cycle
phases of the ERP system will be mentioned to help readers understand the issues presented.
The life cycle of the ERP system consists of three phases: The pre-implementation phase refers to
system adoption decision and acquisition; The implementation phase of the system includes the
customization and adjustment of the system to help the purchased ERP system to meet the requirements
of firms and put the system into operation; And finally, the post-implementation phase refers to system
using and maintenance, the evolution and retirement activities also belong to this phase (Esteves and
Pastor, 1999). In this thesis, when referring to the post-implementation phase of the ERP system, the
author refers to the system using and maintenance activities in this phase. In particular, the thesis wants
to find out about the initial period of the system using and maintenance activities, when the ERP system
has just come into "Go-Live". According to Nolan and Norton (2000), firms have operated ERP systems
for 1 to 3 years belong to this period.
As summarized by Moon (2007), it was shown that all articles on ERP were surveyed in 79 journals

Spathis (2013) is the most prominent research. Before this research, several other studies were looking
for the accounting benefits that firms achieved from the ERP system. However, these studies have not
built a complete scale as Kanellou and Spathis (2013), for example, Spathis and Constantinides (2004),
Spathis and Ananiadis (2005), Colmenares (2009) ...
Research orientation to find out whether the implementation of ERP has brought about positive
changes in accounting practice and the accountant's role in ERP are interested in many scholars.
However, the results of the change in accounting practice due to the impact of ERP are really unclear.
Many studies show that implementing integrated systems such as ERP does not bring about any change
in accounting practices such as the adoption of advanced management accounting methods: Booth et al.
(2000), Granlund and Malmi (2002), Hyvönen (2003), Despina Galani et al (2010). In contrast, a
number of other authors found out the impact of integrated information systems such as the ERP system
on management accounting practice: Rom and Rohde (2006), Granlund (2011), Steve G. Suton (2006),
Järvenpää (2007), Grabski et al (2011), Solmat Abbasi et al (2014). Thus, it can be seen that ERP
systems and accounting practices such as the adoption of new management accounting techniques are
correlated, but there is insufficient evidence to conclude their correlation level (Aernoudts et al., 2005).
Regarding the role of accountants in Enterprise Resource Planning System, all studies confirm that ERP
implementation will change the role of accountants: Mike Newman and Chris Westrup (2005), Scapens
and Jazayeri (2003), Hsueh-Ju Chen et al (2011), Caglio (2003), Sayed (2006).
1.2.2 Studies Abroad of the factors affecting the accounting benefits that the ERP system brings to
firms
Generally, Studies abroad have mentioned accounting benefits as a part in researches on the
overall benefits that the ERP system brings to firms. The number of studies which consider accounting
benefits as the main subject are very small. Therefore, in this overview, beside the studies that mention
directly the factors impact on accounting benefits in the ERP system, the studies of the factors affecting
overall benefits in the ERP system; Factors affecting ERP efficiency; Factors affecting the value which
the ERP system brings to the firms, or the factors affecting the accounting information system in the
ERP system will also be mentioned. The research phase the author wants to forcus on is the postimplementation phase, but a number of studies in the implementation phase will also be presented
because the factors in implementation phase will likely to continue to show that its influence in the postimplementation phase. These studies focus on the following 4 factors:
- ERP Quality: Majed Al-Mashari et al (2003), Hawking et al (2004), Spathis (2006), Oana
Velcu (2007), Shih-Wei Chou and Yu-Chieh Chang (2008), Lin Hsiu-Fen (2010), Henri Teittinen et al

- In the world, the research on ERP system in the post-implementation phase is still very limited,
while in Vietnam, the research on ERP system has hardly clarified the phases in the ERP system life
cycle when conducting research. The majority of researches in Vietnam and around the world has
focused on the implementation phase of the ERP system life cycle.
- The studies of the overall benefits which the ERP system brings to firms have been done a lot.
Meanwhile, Studies of specific benefits such as accounting benefits which the ERP system brings to
firms are rarely mentioned.
- Based on literature review, it can be seen that many authors believe that there is insufficient
conclusive evidence on the relationship between the ERP system and the accounting practice such as the
adoption of advanced management accounting techniques.
- Directly related to the research direction of the topic, the author has not found a study considered
the factors in the post-implementation phase affecting accounting benefits which the ERP system brings
to firms.
- Accounting benefits is a specific benefit, there is no evidence to show that accounting benefits
which the ERP system brings to firms will also be impacted by factors affecting overall benefits, ERP
efficiency, the values that ERP gives firms or accounting information system within the ERP system.
Therefore, it is necessary to check whether these factors affect accounting benefits in the ERP system.


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- The previous studies only interested in the behaviors of employees in the firms using ERP but did
not find out why they had such behaviors.
- The number of ERP studies in Vietnam is limited, especially in the field of accounting.
Therefore, the research direction of this thesis will be to find out which factors in the postimplementation phase of the ERP system affect accounting benefits in the ERP system in Viet Nam
firms.

CHAPTER 2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Overview of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system
2.2.1 Evolution of ERP Systems

efficiency than small firms (Shehab et al., 2004).
Secondly, There is not a standard for ERP systems.
The third limitation of ERP is the difference or in other words, the gap between the requirements of
the organization using ERP regarding data management, processing and information as well as the form
of information provided and the functionality provided by ERP software.
Besides, in the ERP system, fraudulent activities for information, or assets of firms can occur more
sophisticated when users know how to use high technology to perform.
2.2.6 Phases of the ERP Life-cycle

The Pre-implementation phase
The Post-implementation phase
System adoption
decision

Acquisition

The
Implementation
phase

Use and

Evolution

Retirement

maintennance

Diagram 2.2 Phases of the ERP Life-cycle
(Esteves and Pastor, 1999)

during usage.
2.6.1.2 Accounting Information Quality
Accounting information quality is the characteristics of accounting module output information of an
ERP system.
2.6.2 Service Quality of ERP provider
The Service Quality of ERP provider represents the quality of support that users receive from
the company providing the ERP solution, such as training, hotlines, or assistance when needed.
2.6.3 Organization
2.6.3.1 The perfection of business processes
The perfection of business processes of firms in the post-implementation phase is the careful
control, inspection, and consecutive evaluation of activities or tasks related to each other or in the same
structure of firms in ERP in the post-implementation phase, thereby making adjustments if necessary to
ensure the business process is consistent with the current business situation of the firms.
2.6.3.2 The support of senior managers
The support of senior managers in the post-implementation phase shows the interest,
willingness to support, and direct participation if necessary in the operation of the ERP system in the
post-implementation phase of top-level firms leaders to help the ERP system in the firms operate
effectively.
2.6.4 User Satisfaction of the ERP system
User Satisfaction of the ERP system indicates the satisfaction about the ERP system of those
who have jobs related to the ERP system in firms when using the ERP system to perform their jobs.
2.7 Summary of the factors impacting on accounting benefits in the post-implementation phase in
ERP system in the thesis


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CHAPTER 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research framework and Research process
3.2.1 Research framework

discussion

Discussion with research
objects

First draft
scale

Preliminary
research
Preliminary
Quantitative research
(n=100)

The final draft scale

Cronbach alpha test

EFA test

Official Scale

Official
Quantitative
research (n=300)

Check the fit of the mesurement model with real data
(CFA)

Official

carry out discussions with chief accountants of firms that have operated ERP systems for 1 to 3 years to
complete the final draft scale. In this step, the author will use the technique in the scale development
process of MacKenzie, Podsakoff, and Fetter (1991).
3.3.2.1 Research Sample
The sample selected for Expert group discussion is a sample for the actual group comprising about
eight to ten participants (Nguyen Dinh Tho, 2014). The thesis is expected to carry out expert group
discussion with: (1) lecturers teaching ERP, (2) consultants from ERP provider, (3) chief accountant or
director in firms using ERP. This step will help perfect the research model and form the first draft scale
for research concepts.
The sample selected for discussion with research objects is the theoretical model. The theoretical
sampling process is conducted by selecting each research object until the saturation point is reached. The
object of research is that firms have operated ERP systems for 1 to 3 years, so the subject of discussion
will be the chief accountant of these firms. This step will help complete the final draft scale.
3.3.2.2 Data processing tool
According to Cresswell (2012), the qualitative data analysis process includes 6 steps as follows:
- Step 1: Sort and prepare the data
- Step 2: Reread all data.
- Step 3: Start analyzing by encrypting the data.
- Step 4: Use encrypted data to synthetic the answers to research problems.
- Step 5: Explain and present the meaning of the data based on the theoretical background made in
chapter 2. Compare the findings from the interview with the data collected during the research process.
- Step 6: Confirm the validity of the findings in the research, expressed through the criteria of
confirming the reliability and reliability of a verification process.
3.3.3 Quantitative preliminary research
This research step was conducted to check the reliability and value of the scales designed and
adjusted to suit Viet Nam firms.
3.3.3.1 Research Sample
The two tools used for the Quantitative preliminary research are Cronbach Alpha and Exploratory
factor analysis (EFA) method.
The data collection is conducted through direct surveys of objects: the chief accountants or the

H3: Service Quality of ERP provider has a positive impact on user satisfaction of the ERP system.
3.5.1.4 The impact of user satisfaction of the ERP system on accounting benefits in the ERP system
H4: User satisfaction of the ERP system has a positive impact on accounting benefits in the ERP
system
3.5.1.5 The impact of accounting information quality on accounting benefits in the ERP system
H5: Accounting information quality has a positive impact on accounting benefits in the ERP system.
3.5.1.6 The impact of ERP system Quality on accounting benefits in the ERP system
H6: ERP system Quality has a positive impact on accounting benefits in the ERP system.
3.5.1.7 The impact of Service Quality of ERP provider on accounting benefits in the ERP system
H7: Service Quality of ERP provider has a positive impact on accounting benefits in the ERP
system.
3.5.1.8 The impact of The support of senior managers on accounting benefits in the ERP system
H8: The support of senior managers has a positive impact on accounting benefits in the ERP system.
3.5.1.9 The impact of The perfection of business processes on accounting benefits in the ERP system
H9: The perfection of business processes has a positive impact on accounting benefits in the ERP
system.
3.5.1.10 Control factors related to accounting benefits in the ЕɌP system


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Based on Dynamic capabilities theory, the thesis will consider the factors Information technology
advances that firms apply as control factors in the thesis research model.
3.5.2 Research Model

Accounting Information
Quality (TT)
ERP
Quality

H5


3.6 The scale of research concepts
3.6.1 The scale of Accounting benefits in the ERP system

Variable control: Advances in
information technology applied by
the firm (TB)

The scale of Accounting benefits in ERP system in Viet Nam firms proposed in this thesis is the
scale of Accounting benefits of Kanellou and Spathis (2013). Besides, the author proposes to add to this
Diagram 3.3 Research Model

scale the aspect of Accounting benefits in terms of the role of accountants including an observation
variable ERP enhances the role of accountants in the firm, from focusing on jobs related to accounting
become consultants and analysts.
3.6.2 The scale of accounting information quality
The scale of accounting information quality in the thesis is inherited from the scale of information
quality concept of DeLone and McLean (2016), as well as combine some observed variables from Sedera
et al. (2004).
3.6.3 The scale of ERP System Quality
Similar to the scale of accounting information quality, The scale of ERP System Quality in the thesis
is inherited from the scale of system quality concept of DeLone and McLean (2016), as well as combine
some observed variables from Sedera et al. (2004).
3.6.4 The scale of Service Quality of ERP provider


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The thesis will use the scale of Service Quality of DeLone and McLean (2016).
3.6.5 The scale of The support of senior managers
The thesis will use the scale of Young Mok Haa, Hyung Jun Ahn (2014).

17
18
5 observed variables, adding 2 observed
in the ERP system
variables.
Accounting
Excluding 2 observed variables,
9
7
information quality
adjusting 1 observed variable.
ERP System Quality
12
10
Excluding 2 observed variables
Service Quality of
5
5
No adjustment
ERP provider
The support of senior
3
3
Adjusting 1 observed variable
managers
The perfection of
4
4
Adjusting 1 observed variable
business processes

According to the results of the preliminary quantitative research, the research model (Diagram 3.3) of the
thesis remains the same as presented in chapter 3, with no further adjustments.
4.3.2 The scale of Official research concepts
Regarding the scale of research concepts and variable control, the results of interviews with a group of
experts have proposed a number of changes such as adjusting the interpretation of observed variables in the
scale, eliminating unnecessary observation variables, or adding new observation variables ... in order to make
the scale of research concepts consistent with the characteristics of Viet Nam firms. The results of
preliminary quantitative research did not change the scale that was adjusted in qualitative research.
4.4 Official quantitative research results
A total of 300 questionnaires were sent, after collected and tested 18 were rejected for providing
heterogeneous information, firms that were not suitable for participating in the survey or answered
insufficient questions... Thus, the final sample is 282 units, satisfying more than 250 samples needed for the
thesis's research model to analyze SEM.
4.4.1 Descriptive statistics
4.4.2 Scale test
According to Hair J. et al. (2016), the SEM model analysis process consists of 4 steps: Step 1:
Testing the quality of the scale (Scale test); Step 2: analyze EFA; Step 3: analyze CFA; Step 4: analyze SEM
to test hypotheses.
4.4.2.1 Cronbach Alpha result
The results show that the scale of Accounting information quality has Cronbach's Alpha 0.875> 0.6,
however, the observed variable Accounting information provided by the ERP system is popular with my
company has Corrected item-total Correlation is 0.172
Ho et al (2018), the significance level of Chi-squared or adjusted Chi-squared depends on the sample size.
The larger the sample size, the higher the significance level and the higher the adjusted Chi-square. If the
sample size of the study is small, Significance (P-value) <= 0.05 or (CMIN / df)> 5, other conditions are
satisfied, the model is still acceptable. In conclusion, through CFA analysis, the measurement model fits well
with real data.
4.4.3 Summary of the scale of research concepts
Regarding the scale of research concepts, in the qualitative research step, experts have made some
adjustments, adding or excluding the variables in these scales to suit the characteristics of Viet Nam firms,
then interview with research objects to confirm these changes are appropriate. At the same time, through
preliminary and official quantitative research, the scale of research concepts also has some changes.
4.4.4 Testing the research model
4.4.4.1 Testing the integrated model


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Although P-value = 0.000
impact, the two factors ERP System Quality and Accounting information quality also indirectly affected
Accounting benefits in the ERP system through the mediating variable User satisfaction of the ERP system.
Therefore, the degree of their overall impact on the dependent variable will increase.
If we consider the overall impact level in the post-implementation phase, the factor the perfection of
business processes still has the strongest impact on accounting benefits in the ERP system (21.71%). But the
support of senior managers has dropped to third place (17.71%). In the post-implementation phase, the
overall impact level of ERP System Quality on accounting benefits in the ERP system is at the second
position (18.97%). User satisfaction of the ERP system and Accounting information quality have the same
level of impact on the dependent variable (17.37%) and ranked in the fourth position. In the postimplementation phase, Service Quality of ERP provider only indirectly affects accounting benefits in ERP
system through User satisfaction of the ERP system, so it has the lowest impact level (6.87 %).
Conducting a discussion with the experts in the ERP field about the research results of the thesis, the
experts all evaluated the research results of the thesis that are suitable to the actual conditions in the postimplementation phase in the ERP system in Viet Nam firms. Accounting in the ERP system is different from
accounting in traditional information systems that accounting is no longer a starting point but a continuation
point of a series of processes in the firm to create information. Accounting is no longer just started at the
accounting department but can be started right at the division where activities begin. The way of accounting
entries, besides the contra entries as before, there are also other mediating entries, aiming to record the
operations in the production and business process into the system. Therefore, business processes need to be
designed to fully reflect the activities of the business, so that the accounting is effective, thereby helping
businesses achieve the accounting benefits that ERP system brings to firms. Although business processes in
the firms have been established during the implementation of the ERP system, in the post-implementation
phase, the completion of these business processes is extremely necessary. Because the ERP system is
enormous, there will be shortcomings during the implementation, which should be corrected in the postimplementation phase. At the same time, changes in production and business activities in firms will be
associated with the adjustment and refinement of business processes to suit those changes. Because it is
directly related to accounting activities, the perfection of business processes in the post-implementation
phase has the strongest impact on accounting benefits in the ERP system.
Many problems in using the ERP system in the post-implementation phase can only be done with the
support of senior managers. For example, The perfection of business processes in a firm is not possible
without the support of senior managers. The lack of support from senior managers is the cause of many
difficulties in the post-implementation phase in the ERP system in firms that cannot be resolved, leading to
the failure of many firms conducted ERP systems although they were very successful at the initial

that measures the success of information systems, discusses issues in the D&M model (2003)), Petter et al.
(2008) with the meta-method analysis also concluded in organizational analysis unit, there is not enough
evidence to show the impact of Service Quality on net benefits.
Conducting the expert interviews on the rejection of this hypothesis, the experts explained because the
research phase of the thesis is the post-implementation phase in the ERP system when the ERP system has
been stable. The supports that directly bring accounting benefits to firms such as training, system documents,
etc. were provided by the ERP providers during the implementation phase. Therefore, in the postimplementation phase, the supports of the ERP providers are only to maintain these accounting benefits,
supporting the efficient use of the ERP system for users in firms. Therefore, in the post-implementation
phase, Service Quality of ERP provider only has an indirect impact on accounting benefits in the ERP system
through User satisfaction of the ERP system, but no longer has an impact directly on this dependent variable.
Therefore, the research results are completely consistent with the practice of ERP system in Viet Nam firms
in the post-implementation phase.
4.5.3 Discuss the result of the control variable
SEM analysis results show that in the post-implementation phase, all three observed variables in the
control variable scale have a positive impact on accounting benefits which the ERP system gives firms, it has
statistical significance (P-value
The research results also show that in the post-implementation phase, the control variable
Advances in information technology applied by the firm have a positive impact on accounting benefits
in the ERP system. In particular, the ability to enhance the security of new technologies is the factor that
helps promote the most accounting benefits that firms obtained from the ERP system. In addition, new
technological advances have also helped the ERP system in firms enhance connectivity; the ability to


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process and create information, thereby improving accounting benefits which the firms received from
the ERP system.
5.3 Implications
5.3.1 Managerial Implications
Firstly, the success of the initial implementation phase of the ERP system should not be the
ultimate goal of the firm.
Secondly, among the issues that firms need to pay attention to the post-implementation phase in
the ERP system, the most important is to continue to improve the business process in the firm and
maintain the support of senior managers. These are the two factors in the post-implementation phase
that have the strongest impact on accounting benefits which firms obtained from the ERP system.
Thirdly, firms need to pay attention to the satisfaction of users of the ERP system in firms in
the post-implementation phase in the ERP system. User satisfaction of the ERP system not only directly
affects accounting benefits which firms obtained from the ERP system, it also plays a mediating role,
enhancing the impact of the factors ERP system quality, Accounting Information quality on accounting
benefits which firms obtained from the ERP system.
Fourthly, in the post-implementation phase, Service Quality of ERP provider has only an
indirect impact on accounting benefits in the ERP system through user satisfaction of the ERP system,
but no longer has an impact directly on this dependent variable. Therefore, in post-implementation
phase in the ERP system, firms need to make a good connection between the EɌР provider and users in
the firm; When implementing ERP system, it is necessary to select suppliers of the ERP system with
good supportive mode, answering questions for firms not only in the implementation phase but also in
the post-implementation phase, in order to bring the highest satisfaction in the process of using the EɌР

Thirdly, the firms in the sample included large-sized and medium-sized firms. The
characteristics of the ERP system implemented in these two types of firms are very different. If these
two types of firms are separated for research, the research results will be more accurate.
Fourthly, the thesis is done based on the assumption that accounting benefits which firms
obtained from the ERP system will be maintained from the implementation phase to the postimplementation phase. However, in the post-implementation phase of the ERP system, with many
changes, accounting benefits which firms obtained from the ERP system may also change. Therefore, a
study of these changes should be conducted.
Based on the above limitations, the next research directions of this topic are:
1. Expand the scope of the thesis sample. Focus on areas with many firms operating, and expand
firms in the North.
2. Conduct a separate study on the impact of the factor User satisfaction of the ERP system in firms
on accounting benefits in the ERP system with the individual analytic unit in the post-implementation
phase.
3. Conduct an empirical study in which the sample of large-scale firms and medium-sized firms has
been split into two separate samples, to test the impact of ERP system characteristics in these two types
of firms on the issues of this thesis such as accounting benefits in the ERP system and the factors in the
post-implementation phase affects these accounting benefits.
4. Conduct an empirical study to investigate changes in accounting benefits in the ERP system in the
post-implementation phase compared to in the implementation phase.


AUTHOR’S RESEARCHES RELATED TO THE THESIS
1. Dao Nhat Minh, 2019. Accounting benefits in the ERP system in Viet Nam firms: The proposed
framework. Journal of accounting and auditing, 06/2019 (186), 46-49.
2. Tran Thi Cam Thanh, Đao Nhat Minh, Do Hoang Nhat Yen, 2018. Realising organizational overall
benefits from ERP (Enterprise resource planning): Which stage is important?, The International
conference on finance, accounting and auditing 2018: accounting, auditing and finance in the
digital age, 228-236. Ha Noi, 11/2018. National Economics University.
3. Tran Thi Cam Thanh, Le Thi My Kim, Đao Nhat Minh, 2017. The factors affecting the change of
accounting benefits in an ERP environment in small and medium Enterprises in Binh Dinh: a