These days, integrated business software is widely used in the private sector. As far as support processes are concerned, also governmental organisations are relying on the use of standard software. Integrated solutions like SAP meet more and more business requirements and offer a lot of flexibility.

In the recent past, a number of implementation projects caused massive cost overruns or failed completely. One of the potential reasons is the area of conflict between software and processes. The question arising is, to what extent standard software can be adapted to the company's actual organisation resp. what organisational changes are reasonable or even inevitable.

This sole question can't address the whole problem. The so called soft skills are similarly crucial to the success of a project, because every organisational change has considerable impact on the affected employees. This is why this report equally deals with psychological and cultural aspects as well as with the change process itself.

On one hand, this diploma thesis provides a comprehensive overview on the subject of standard software implementations and rollouts in general. On the other hand it also addresses the public sector with its characteristics. Even though the gap between public and private sector has been reduced through New Public Management, there are still substantial differences that have to be taken into account within an implementation project.

Besides theoretical fundamentals, this report also incorporates practical experience of different specialists. On this basis, specific recommendations are being addressed to both private and public corporations. These recommendations offer valuable help to executives and project leaders facing an implementation project.