Verified Document

Business Intelligence & Organisational Change Research Proposal

Combining the various BI definitions we will use the following definition for BI in this research: Business Intelligence consists of the use of analytical technologies and data stores by people in an organization to analyze business problems and produce related business recommendations to improve business performance. The key technologies that make up the technological components of BI are data warehousing, and related extraction transformation and load (ETL) tools; analysis tools, including statistical analysis and online analytical processing (OLAP) tools; and reporting/visualization tools. Based on this definition it becomes clear that the people/organizational component of BI is as important as the technological. Since BI is a relatively new topic, research specifically referring to BI is still sparse. However, the volume of DSS research is much larger. BI is considered a subset of DSS research by some (Arnott et al. 2005; Arnott et al. 2008), while others have suggested that DSS is a component of BI (Negash et al. 2003; Rajesh 2008). However you look at it, BI related research is still one of the least studied areas of DSS. BI related research accounted for only 7% of all of the DSS articles published between 1990 and 2004 (Arnott et al. 2008). We will examine the key research relative to DSS success and the major BI research that does exist. Research in DSS and BI can be categorized into four main areas; effectiveness, tools and technologies, algorithms and data mining, and organizational impacts. The next sections will examine research in each of these areas.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This research will use a retroductive methodology. Retroduction "refers to the process of building hypothetical models of structures and mechanisms that are assumed to produce empirical phenomena" (Blaikie 2007, pg 83). Bhaskar (1998) suggests that retroduction is the appropriate method to use when exploring social phenomena from a realist perspective. Retroduction starts with a model of the constructs to be studied. These models are then tested to determine if they represent the reality that the researcher is attempting to uncover. These tests are then used to modify the model based on understanding developed through testing. Finally a new model is postulated based on the revisions suggested by the evidence discovered during testing (Blaikie 2007).

This research will seek to understand the specific competencies that would allow an organization to gain business value from business intelligence systems. The question being studied is concerned with "how" and "why" questions regarding the relationship between competencies and BI. These types of questions can most effectively be addressed, especially in the early phases of a stream of research, via a case study approach (Benbasat et al. 1987; Yin 2003). A case study approach also allows one to examine a real world phenomenon in detail in a real life setting. Such an examination can lead to insights that could subsequently be used to develop generalized theories about the phenomenon in question.

Data Analysis Approach

In order to ensure validity of the data collected in this case study it will be necessary to follow a structured approach to data analysis. While the data collection will be done from the perspective of existing theory, it will still be important to structure analysis that ensures a deep understanding of underlying meanings. This will be accomplished by using the techniques of open and axial coding (Strauss et al. 1998). Open coding is the process by which "concepts are identified and their properties and dimensions are discovered in data" (Strauss et al. 1998, pg 102). Through this process underlying themes embodied in the interviews should emerge. These themes will be evaluated within the theoretical constructs of individual know-how and skills and purposeful heedful interactions. Once themes have emerged from the data, axial coding will be performed to align emergent themes within the overall theoretical model. Axial coding relates the categories identified through open coding "to subcategories along the lines of their properties and dimensions" (Strauss et al. 1998, pg 124). From these coding steps should emerge a model of competencies that will begin to explain successful BI.

As the coding of data will be performed new concepts may emerge that are not necessarily represented in the original theoretical model. These concepts will be explored by referring back to the literature to examine whether they have been studied. This iterative review of the research data and associated...

1998).
Developing an Assessment Tool

An additional goal of this research will be to develop a preliminary assessment tool that can be used to determine an organization-s level of competence for BI. The tool will be created using the individual elements of competence that emerge from the coding of the interview data. These elements should represent the various items that will be identified as antecedents to BI competence in our evaluation. Respondents will be asked to evaluate each of the elements in terms of the status of their organization on each item and the importance of each item. This process will allow the evaluation of the potential for this tool to be used by an organization to determine their current likelihood of attaining BI benefits and provide direction for steps to take to increase their BI success. Evaluating how respondents use this tool can provide insight into how it can be used and its potential impact.

PROPOSED REFERENCES

Ahituv, N. "A Systematic Approach Toward Assessing the Value of an Information System," MIS Quarterly (4:4) 1980, pp 61-75.

Ahn, H., and Kim, K.-j. "Using genetic algorithms to optimize nearest neighbors for data mining," Annals of Operations Research (163:1) 2008, pp 5-18.

Alavi, M., and Joachimsthaler, E.A. "REVISITING DSS IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH - a METAANALYSIS of the LITERATURE and SUGGESTIONS for RESEARCHERS," MIS Quarterly (16:1), Mar 1992, pp 95-116.

Alavi, M., and Leidner, D.E. "Review: Knowledge Management and Knowledge Management Systems: Conceptual Foundations ans Research Issues," MIS Quarterly (25:1), March 2001, pp 107-136.

Allport, G.W. "The psychology of participation," Psychological Review (52:3) 1945, pp 117-132. Alter, S.L. "A Study of Computer Aided Decision Making in Organizations," MIT, Cambridge, MA, 1975.

Alvesson, M. "ORGANIZATIONS as RHETORIC: KNOWLEDGE-INTENSIVE FIRMS and the STRUGGLE WITH AMBIGUITY," Journal of Management Studies (30:6) 1993, pp 997-1015.

Amidon, S.R. "WRITING the LEARNING ORGANIZATION," Business Communication Quarterly (68:4) 2005, pp 406-428.

Anderson, B. "G explained," Medical Hypotheses (45:6) 1995, pp 602-604. Andreu, R., and Ciborra, C. "Organisational learning and core capabilities development: the role of it," the Journal of Strategic Information Systems (5:2) 1996, pp 111-127.

Apte, C., Bing, L., Pednault, E.P.D., and Smyth, P. "Business APPLICATIONS of DATA MINING," in: Communications of the ACM, Association for Computing Machinery, 2002, p. 49.

Argyris, C. Strategy, Change and Defensive Routines Pitman Publishing Limited, Marshfield, MA, 1985. Argyris, C. "Teaching Smart People How to Learn," Harvard Business Review Reflections (4:2) 1991, pp 4-15.

Argyris, C. On Organizational Learning Blackwell Business, Cambridge, MA, 1992. Argyris, C. "Learning and Teaching: A theory of Action Perspective," Journal of Management Education (21:1) 1997, pp 9-26.

Argyris, C., and Schon, D. Organizational Learning: A Theory of Action Perspective Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Reading, MA, 1978.

Argyris, C., and Schon, D. Organizational Learning II: Theory, Method, and Practice Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Reading, MA, 1996.

Arnold, V., Clark, N., Collier, P.A., Leech, S.A., and Sutton, S.G. "THE DIFFERENTIAL USE and EFFECT of KNOWLEDGE-BASED SYSTEM EXPLANATIONS in NOVICE and EXPERT JUDGMENT DECISIONS," MIS Quarterly (30:1) 2006, pp 79-97.

Arnott, D., and Pervan, G. "A critical analysis of decision support systems research," Journal of Information Technology (20:2) 2005, pp 67-87.

Arnott, D., and Pervan, G. "Eight key issues for the decision support systems discipline," Decision Support Systems (44:3) 2008, pp 657-672.

Azvine, B., Cui, Z., and Nauck, D.D. "Towards real-time business intelligence," BT Technology Journal • Vol 23 No 3 • July 2005 (23:3) 2005, pp 214-225.

Bajema, C.J. "A Note on the Interrelations among Intellectual Ability, Educational Attainment, and Occupational Achievement: A Follow-up Study of a Male Kalamazoo Public School Population," Sociology of Education (41:3), Summer68 1968, pp 317-319.

Ballou, D.P., and Tayi, G.K. "Enhancing data quality in data warehouse environments," Communications of the ACM (42:1), January 1999, pp 73-78.

Barki, H., and Huff, S.L. "Change, attitude to change, and decision

Sources used in this document:
REFERENCES

Ahituv, N. "A Systematic Approach Toward Assessing the Value of an Information System," MIS Quarterly (4:4) 1980, pp 61-75.

Ahn, H., and Kim, K.-j. "Using genetic algorithms to optimize nearest neighbors for data mining," Annals of Operations Research (163:1) 2008, pp 5-18.

Alavi, M., and Joachimsthaler, E.A. "REVISITING DSS IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH - a METAANALYSIS of the LITERATURE and SUGGESTIONS for RESEARCHERS," MIS Quarterly (16:1), Mar 1992, pp 95-116.

Alavi, M., and Leidner, D.E. "Review: Knowledge Management and Knowledge Management Systems: Conceptual Foundations ans Research Issues," MIS Quarterly (25:1), March 2001, pp 107-136.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Business Plan: Bridal Salon Business Products and
Words: 3400 Length: 10 Document Type: Business Plan

Business Plan: Bridal Salon Business Products and services Keys to Success Company description Vision Statement Mission Statement Company background Products and Industry Product Description Industry Description The Market Market and Target Customer Market Segmentation Target Market Strategy Competition and Competitive Advantage Curbing Local Competition Curbing Regional Competition Marketing Strategy Overall Strategy Sales Plan Competitive Plan Research and Development (Growth Plan) The Organization Legal and Organization Structure Key Personnel Related Service Providers Location The Financials Critical Risks Income Statement Cash Flow Projection Balance Sheet Assumptions References Executive Summary Introduction Pace-setter is a bridal salon that rides on the theme of 'experience'. It creates an environment in which

Business Description Definition of the Market Description
Words: 1271 Length: 4 Document Type: Business Plan

Business Description Definition of the Market Description of the Products Organization and Management Descriptions Marketing Strategies Financial Management This paper presents business plan for a new leather garment manufacturing and retailing business. The business is being set up with an initial capital outlay of $53 million. The paper starts with a brief description of the business; its target market and product offerings, and then proceeds by proposing organizational and management strategies, marketing strategies, and financial management

Intelligence
Words: 2776 Length: 9 Document Type: Research Paper

IV-3). Each of these topics represents a crucial part of the larger evacuation plan, because as will be discussed in greater detail below, each single element of the plan influences and affects every other. All of this information should already be included in the embassy's emergency action plan, but it would likely be supplemented in a noncombatant evacuation plan with information and intelligence available via the Department of Defense and

Intelligence Policy Political Factors That
Words: 3186 Length: 10 Document Type: Term Paper

The necessity to safeguard intelligence information from parochialism and political pressures will be a strong argument in promoting a centralized and strong capability. This is contrary to leaving decisions that affect critical intelligence related concerns solely to the makers of policy. Centralization of policymaking process faces the politicization risk that stems from the department of DCI. It is only the Congress, the President, and Senior National Security Officials who can

Lesson Plan Amp; Reflection I Didn't Know
Words: 857 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Lesson Plan Amp; Reflection I didn't know what state you are in so was unable to do state/district standards! Lesson Plan Age/Grade Range; Developmental Level(s): 7-8/2nd Grade; Below grade level Anticipated Lesson Duration: 45 Minutes Lesson Foundations Pre-assessment (including cognitive and noncognitive measures): All students are reading below grade level (5-7 months) as measured by standardized assessments and teacher observation Curricular Focus, Theme, or Subject Area: Reading: Fluency, word recognition, and comprehension State/District Standards: Learning Objectives: Students will develop

Branding New Service Dominant Logic
Words: 12522 Length: 50 Document Type: Dissertation

Branding in Service Markets Amp Aim And Objectives Themes for AMP Characteristics Composing Branding Concept Branding Evolution S-D Logic and Service Markets Branding Challenges in Service Markets Considerations for Effective Service Branding Categories and Themes Branding Theory Evolution S-D Logic and Service Markets Branding Challenges in Service Markets Considerations for Effective Service Branding Branding Concept Characteristics Characteristics Composing Branding Concept Sampling of Studies Reviewed Evolution of Branding Theory Evolution of Marketing Service-Brand-Relationship-Value Triangle Brand Identity, Position & Image Just as marketing increasingly influences most aspects of the consumer's lives, brands

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now