Since the aim of this study is to identify new insights on ERP customization in the SME
context, an exploratory qualitative research approach employing a multiple case study
design was applied. Case studies allow collection of rich data and are appropriate to
study a contemporary phenomenon within its natural setting (Yin, 2009). Moreover, an
exploratory approach prevents limiting the research to only confirming previously
identified findings (Rothenberger and Srite, 2009). Case studies have also been widely
used in ERP research (Schlichter and Kraemmergaard, 2010). The main reason for
choosing a multiple case study was to enable a cross-case comparison of the reasons
for ERP. A multiple case study approach has been applied in a number of recent
ERP studies (e.g. Poba-Nzaou and Raymond, 2011; Snider et al., 2009). For example,
Rothenberger and Srite (2009) investigated customization in ERP system
implementation based on a multiple case study of eight organizatons. Our study
falls into this research stream of employing a multiple case study research method.