by Gloria J. Miller, Managing Consultant and Dr. Thomas D. Queisser, Director Troy University Heidelberg.
A January 2008 internet survey on “Decision-making Using Systems & Technology” shows that organizations with an “internal unit that helps people use software in decision-making” – a business intelligence competency center – improved the organizations’ business performance, increased the collaboration between business and IT units, increased user satisfaction with business intelligence software and solutions, as well as lowered the cost of ownership for business intelligence software. The survey analysis, relevant literature and interview cases revealed how to establish an effective business intelligence organization and provided considerations about the organizational authorities and responsibilities.