title: Change readiness for SAP in the Canadian healthcare system.
abstract: The study described in this article was designed to assess the change readiness for e-business cost management systems (particularly SAP) within the Canadian healthcare system. Previous studies and experts suggest that change readiness is an important variable in the application of e-business cost management system implementation. One hundred and fifty-four chief executive officers within the Canadian healthcare system were surveyed. The response rate was 25.9 percent. The survey included a demographic sheet, which supported a better understanding of the profile of Canadian healthcare CEOs, their operational budget responsibilities, and their feelings toward e-business cost management systems. A change readiness instrument reviewed CEOs' change readiness scores in relation to four independent variables (implementation of an e-business cost management system, healthcare restructuring, budget size and tenure of the CEO). There was a significant difference between change readiness scores and the implementation of an e-business cost management system. Given the small sample size (n = 40), findings are limited. However the study offers more information on this issue than is found in the Canadian healthcare literature to date.
authors.affiliation: Memorial University of Newfoundland.
authors.forename: Mary Lou
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Downer
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003363:Cost Control / Q000379:methods*; D003625:Data Collection; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000191:economics*; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000639:trends; D020407:Internet; D009313:National Health Programs