Dynamic capabilities and complementarity in complex IT projects in Brazil: Dataprev's experience

Valter Moreno; Rodrigo Ferreira; Fernando Filardi

doi:10.5585/riae.v19i3.14288

Authors

Valter Moreno Ibmec Business School https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1782-2401
Rodrigo Ferreira Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) Ibmec Business School https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1766-0094
Fernando Filardi Ibmec Business School https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9333-0871

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/riae.v19i3.14288

Keywords:

Resource-Based View (RBV), Complementarity, Dynamic capabilities, Information technology investments, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

Abstract

Objective of the study: Large IT projects are admittedly complex, expensive, and risky, and not always produce the desired business results. In this study, we draw on the Resource-Based View and the theory of dynamic capabilities to elucidate the dynamics that allow a company to extract value continuously from an investment in a large corporate system.

Methodology / approach: To accomplish this, we developed a case study on the implementation and post-implementation of an ERP system by Dataprev, a large Brazilian public company.

Originality / Relevance: Our study provides empirical evidence of the interplay among complementary IT and organizational resources and capabilities, and dynamic capabilities in a large ERP implementation project and subsequent events in a Brazilian public company. There is still a paucity of research on these three issues, especially in the context of emerging economies.

Main results: Our analysis of the primary and secondary qualitative data we collected showed that, over time, the company's dynamic capabilities worked to improve the complementarity of IT and organizational resources and capabilities. This allowed Dataprev to develop new synergistic resources and capabilities and thereby, increase its performance and competitiveness continuously.

Theoretical / methodological contributions: We describe these resources and capabilities, as well as the dynamics of their interactions, and discuss its theoretical and practical implications.

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Author Biographies

Valter Moreno, Ibmec Business School

Master in Business at Ibmec Business School

Rodrigo Ferreira, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) Ibmec Business School

Professor at Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)

Ibmec Business School

Fernando Filardi, Ibmec Business School

Professor at Ibmec Business School

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