An analysis of the implementation of an Enterprise Content Management system : a pilot project of the South African National Parks.

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a study which analysed the implementation of the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system at the South African National Parks (Sanparks). The need to conduct the study arose due to the failure of a number of digitisation projects in South Africa. The study employed a qualitative research approach to address the research objective. Data were collected from a sample drawn purposively from the project team responsible for the implementation of the ECM system by means of a focus group interview. The general objective of the study was to do an analysis of the Sanparks ECM pilot project in order to identify gaps and challenges, based on key elements of an ECM system. The study was based on an Open Archival Information System (OAIS) reference model. While findings revealed some shortcomings in the project, including the issue of representivity of the project team, it was concluded that the implementation of the ECM system needed to continue.