Exploring perceptions of open-source ERP applications as a compliance solution within NPO's in Gauteng Province

Abstract

At a most foundational level, this study is aimed at the pervasive lack of funding suffered by the majority of NPOs within South Africa. According to the literature on the matter, this issue stems from the inability to comply with financial regulations. Community-licensed open-source ERP systems have been identified as a potential solution to this problem. Exploring this potential solution and the perceptions surrounding it is, therefore, the overarching focus of this paper. In pursuing this aim, this study employs qualitative research methodologies entrenched within an interpretivist paradigm. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using the principles of thematic analysis outlined in Braun and Clarke (2021). The study culminates in the following recommendations: the implementation of a multi-tenant cloud-based, open-source ERP solution hosted by the department of social development and the further education of executives within NPOs to build financial literacy and business principles required to perform their duties and allow them to better interpret information held in the aforementioned software package.