Ph.D. Position in cost estimation modeling for cross-organizational ERP projects

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Twente educates, and conducts research with approximately 2000 students including 300 PhD-students. The faculty is also responsible for a large volume of service education for programmes of other faculties. The faculty has approximately 300 permanent staff.

The faculty of EEMCS conducts BSc-programmes in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Business Information Systems and MSc-programmes in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Mathematics, Business Information Technology, Computer Science, Telematics, Human Media Interaction en Embedded Systems and is partner in various programmes of other faculties.

www.ewi.utwente.nl

We have a vacancy in a Ph.D. Position in cost estimation modeling for cross-organizational ERP projects

Job opening number: 07/182

The University of Twente invites applications for a Ph.D. position in the COSMOS project (http://is.ewi.utwente.nl/research/requirements/cosmos.doc/index.html), a cooperation between the department of Business Information Systems (http://www.bbt.utwente.nl/iscm) chaired by Prof. Jos van Hillegersberg (http://www.mb.utwente.nl/iscm/staff/academic/Hillegersberg/) and the Information Systems group chaired by prof. Roel Wieringa (http://www.cs.utwente.nl/~roelw). The Ph.D. student will be employed in the Information Systems group.

In this project we will investigate, compare, and integrate functionality-driven approaches and economics-driven approaches to the problem of estimating cost for cross-organizational Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations. Specifically, the COSMOS project will seek to answer to the following key questions:

1. What are the essential cost drivers to be considered for inclusion in cost estimation models for a set of interdependent ERP projects carried out in cross-organizational settings?
2. How are ERP costs and benefits shared among the actors in a value network?
3. What is the relationship between organizational factors (e.g. the degree of project management control) and the accuracy of ERP project estimates?
4. How to measure size of cross-organizational ERP projects based on functionality
5. How to assess the goodness-of-fit of cost models in real life cross-organizational settings?
6. How elements of real-options thinking and portfolio management concepts could be incorporated into existing ERP effort estimation practices?
7. How to incorporate estimation activities into the requirements engineering process for cross-organizational ERP?

We will investigate these questions by a combination of quantitative research, case study research, action research, and qualitative research methods with our industrial partners.

The successful candidate will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary research team to deliver:

• a multidimensional size and effort estimation framework for cost estimation of networked ERP implementation projects,
• a requirements engineering approach to networked ERP projects that incorporates cost estimation and risk assessment activities, and
• a success model that will help network partners visualize and reason about what will distinguish a successful networked ERP project from a failed one.

The Ph.D. student will be actively involved in case studies with partners from industry to assess current ERP cost estimation practices, re-define and improve existing approaches, validate proposed methods, and define a cost-and-risk-driven requirements engineering process for networked ERP projects.

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• A Master Degree in information systems or a comparable discipline such as software engineering, software metrics, or computer science;
• good communication and interpersonal skills. The main task of the PhD student will be to carry out collaborative research at the interface between theory and industry practice, but he/she will be given the opportunity to acquire some teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate level.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to take actions that align objectives, tasks and resources with project priorities and drive issues to closure despite setbacks.
• Exhibit high levels of energy, enthusiasm and determination.
• Productively challenges the status quo and actively searches for solutions beyond traditional boundaries.
• Strong work ethic; capable of working independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Previous industry experience in ERP process engineering or in software metrics would be an asset.
• English language proficiency in writing and oral is required.
• Dutch language is an asset.

We offer:

• A four-year appointment at an interesting temporary research position in a dynamic and international environment.
• A salary starting at €1956 gross per month in the first year and grows up to €2502 gross per month in the fourth year.
• Support in getting involved in Dutch language courses.

Applicants should submit:

a curriculum vitae including a list of courses you have followed (with grades),
a cover letter with a statement of motivation and research interests,
names and contact details of two suggested referees

by e-mail to is_jobs@cs.utwente.nl.

Please indicate the job opening number in the subject heading.


To ensure consideration, interested individuals should send an application four weeks after posting this advertisement (that is, by Dec 1, 2007).

The University of Twente is strongly committed to diversity within its community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from everyone who may contribute to further diversification of ideas. Applicants near completion of their Master degree will also be considered.

More information can be obtained from Dr. Maya Daneva (email: m.daneva@utwente.nl, phone +31 53 489 2889)