Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Organizations that depend on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are under increasing pressure to modernize, and Heuristic Evaluation Methods has emerged as one of the more promising avenues for doing so, given its demonstrated impact in related domains.

Despite this potential, many existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems were not originally designed with heuristic evaluation methods in mind, resulting in persistent gaps in navigation efficiency that limit their overall effectiveness. This study examines how Heuristic Evaluation Methods can be applied to help close that gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Existing approaches to navigation efficiency within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems remain largely reactive and fragmented, with little systematic use of heuristic evaluation methods despite its demonstrated value elsewhere. This study addresses the resulting gap by designing and evaluating a solution built specifically around heuristic evaluation methods.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a heuristic evaluation methods-based approach to improving navigation efficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Heuristic Evaluation Methods in enhancing navigation efficiency within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying heuristic evaluation methods in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can heuristic evaluation methods be applied to improve navigation efficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems?
2. How effective is Heuristic Evaluation Methods at enhancing navigation efficiency within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying heuristic evaluation methods in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in heuristic evaluation methods for their own enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and contributes to the broader literature on applied UI/UX design by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

As a MSc-level study, its scope is confined to designing and evaluating a heuristic evaluation methods-based solution for enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, focused specifically on navigation efficiency; broader deployment considerations fall outside this scope.