Discontinuance of ERP Systems: A Literature Review and Theory Extension

This paper examines the discontinuance of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in organizations in general and higher education institutions in particular using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. While ERP systems are critical for university operations, many institutions face challenges in upgrading or replacing legacy systems due to factors such as system performance degradation, organizational growth, and evolving regulatory requirements. By integrating industry-specific antecedents, such as academic-administrative duality and regulatory pressures, into the TOE framework, this research provides a more complete understanding of the drivers of ERP discontinuance. This work will thus guide higher education institutions in making informed decisions, potentially preventing costly failures and operational disruptions. This work thus contributes to both academic literature and practical strategies for ERP system management.