International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887) Volume 116 – No. 22, April 2015 9 Validation of ERP Implementation Framework for Private Institution of Higher Learning (PIHL) in Malaysia: A Delphi Technique Raja Mohd Tariqi Raja Lope Ahmad 1 , Mohd Fahmi Mohamad Amran 1 , Zalinda Othman 2 , Muriati Mukhtar 2 Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Selangor, Malaysia 2Faculty of Information Science and Technology Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia ABSTRACT Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementations hold great potential for institutions of higher learning (IHL) despite of many literatures have shown that there are many failures during the implementation process. A further understanding of the proposed implementation framework of ERP system for private IHL in Malaysian environment that leads to the successful of the ERP system implementation would be beneficial. In this study, researcher has implemented the validation on the developed implementation framework and the result on the validation is based on the approval from all eight experts after implementing the two rounds of Delphi technique. General Terms Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Keywords Delphi Technique, Framework and Institution of higher learning 1. INTRODUCTION The establishment of the framework for the implementation of ERP system in private institution of higher learning (PIHL) environment is a complex study. Based on the study conducted on the literature review and field studies, the researchers has found that the function of the role played by institutions of higher learning (IHL) is very broad and different from other organizations. Therefore, the suggested framework here is based on the hybrid framework which was developed by previous scholars (through books, case studies and published ERP research articles which are being reviewed for the implementation), the constraints mentioned for the IHL as a unique environment and our own case study on the ERP system implementation that has been developed base on the PIHL in Malaysia environment, research output on the perception and barriers for the ERP system implementation throughout the fifty (50) private universities in Malaysia. Furthermore, the framework also includes the first author provided firsthand information based on his experiences as a key member on ERP system implementation over a period of five (5) years. All the above information has been gathered which then being systematically unified in order to identify phases, critical success factors (CSF), deliverables and responsibilities. This framework has four stages, which comprise of project initiation, project execution, realization and operation and maintenance in which for each phase or stage will have a combination of CSF, deliverables and responsibilities. This study will describe the validation result on the proposed framework. The validation study is to obtain feedback on the draft proposal of the framework and get the recommended improvements to rectify the weaknesses of the proposed framework. With the results of this study, researchers will examine whether the implementation of the framework is understandable, appropriate and accurate. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW A Delphi technique research method is a tool developed and based on the qualitative study in which it will use the opinions from the expert that focus on the areas to be reviewed or developed by the research objectives. [1] stated that the Delphi technique may be deemed as a method for structuring group communication process so that it becomes more effective. On the whole, dealing with complex problems, as indicated [2], the objective of most Delphi technique is the exploration of ideas that are creative and can be trusted to issue the appropriate information in making decision. Delphi method has been praised as a reliable method as well as a creative tool for exploring new ideas to recognize the results of human values [2]. [3] also added that the Delphi technique is a famous method and [4] also said that Delphi technique is a good method for qualitative research. In addition, using Delphi method has proven its value in diverse industries which include technology, education, and other disciplines [5], While [6] has added that Delphi has a rich history and has been used since time immemorial. [6] set the original features of the Delphi method in order to obtain reliable data on the approval of the opinion, the use of the clear and precise questionnaire, the ability to control the feedback received and extension of [7] which stated that the participation of members of the expert panel made anonymously important feature that separates the Delphi method from other qualitative research methods. Therefore, the main characteristics of the Delphi method, such as asynchronous method and nature anonymous allow this panel of experts to participate in the study group and communication processes within their schedules and availability. Next, the anonymous nature of the Delphi method has also allowed the identification and evaluation of ideas and at the same time to remove the tendency of partisanship in the process of interaction between these groups [1]. Delphi method is a valuable tool to use when there is a problem that