Business Intelligence Strategy - HP - Case Study Example

Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Business Intelligence Strategy-HP Introduction In the past decades, entities have undertaken varied initiatives in enhancing intelligence and decision-making capabilities by investments in business and information technology projects. Some analysts claim that information technology is poorly managed as compared to other peer functions in enterprises such as supply chain management, human resource and research and new product development. In essence, business intelligence is formed around the assumption of collection and analysis of data, both internally and externally, to develop the appropriate knowledge and value necessary for the organization to achieve its strategic goals and objectives. In essence, effective business intelligence platforms and strategies lead to fact oriented decision-making and accurate understanding of problems provided by information in the organization. Statement of the Problem The primary aim of this research is to develop an understanding of some of the primary problems associated with business intelligence functions in organizations as in the case of Hewlett Packard (HP). Managerial and cultural problems are some of the significant impediments towards effective big data and analytics in organizations such as Hewlett Packard (HP). Objectives of the Study The objectives of this study will be to understand the role of cultural and managerial inadequacies in disruption of effective application of business intelligence strategies at Hewlett Packard. In addition, this study will also evaluate other aspects of business intelligence and associated opportunities and problems for modern organizations. Hypothesis It is evident from research conducted on the use of business intelligence systems that a majority of organizations are dedicated additional resources to enhanced execution of this function. This includes enhanced focus on insight and intelligence, employee skills and talent, client intimacy, internal collaboration and enhanced communication structures, risk management, enterprise model changes, industry model shifts and revenue model changes that are some of the imminent challenges and opportunities present in organizations. Scope and Limitations of the Study This study is limited in terms of availability of information on the business intelligence strategies and models applied by HP due to various reasons. The available information notes that the entity has its focus on uptake of market information with respect to client needs and changes in business or enterprise models. Importance/Significance of the Study  This study is relatively important towards developing an overarching view on the adoption of business intelligence strategies in a variety of modern entities. It focuses on the opportunities and challenges experienced by entities as they seek to optimize such strategies for improved business environments and achievement of organizational goals and objectives. Definition of Terms Review of Related Studies In essence, a study by Boyer et al, (2010) in Business Intelligence Strategy: A Practical Guide For Achieving BI Excellence noted that some of the most significant hurdles towards efficacious adoption and use of business intelligence systems and strategies was hindered by issues such as: I. Lack of strategies and direction II. Lack of metrics that would provide a definition and measure o achievement of success with respect to adoption and implementation of business intelligence strategies III. Politics and culture also derail the adoption and efficacious use of business intelligence systems and strategies in modern entities. This is manifested as low adoption by users in the organization, lack of initiative towards change in the organization and lack of executive incentives and initiatives. IV. Lack of organization structures to accommodate business intelligence functions, within specific emphasis on communication to provide skills and management strategies for business intelligence strategies. V. Disconnection in strategies, which results in costly and ineffective business intelligence functions. Business intelligence demands for integration of all functions as a means of sourcing for information and analysis of the same. Synthesis Technology is one of the primary advantages of the business, as it will provide a means of achieving high levels of business efficiency. In addition, the entity is provided with a means to store and source for information on customer trends, needs, wants, and preferences in the market. Additionally, this also takes the form of an appraisal process that is conducted annually as a means of providing customers with quality products and introduction of other innovative dishes that will encourage and induce sales. The entity will also seek information using business intelligence systems and strategies from clients on possible services and adjustments or improvements that can be made in terms of services and dishes prepared by the entity. This will ensure that the entity is able to enhance the provision of satisfactory dishes and services to its variety of clients. This will be achieved through regular surveys, insight forums, and suggestion platforms for sourcing of views from existing clients and potential clients. In addition, the staff is tasked of engaging and interacting with clients as a means of obtaining customer feedback on the quality of service provided. The entity also seeks to engage in extensive research and development activities to come with possible strategies, products, and service levels that will enhance the entity’s level of success through customer satisfaction and product quality. Enhanced packaging techniques will also provide a means of attracting customers and illustrating exceptional product quality. The delivery business segment will enhance the revenues of the entity by complimenting the revenues for the services provided. Successful interaction and engagement between technology and employees is a means of ensuring high levels of organizational efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. New technology enhances employee engagement with one another as well as with the clients towards provision of excellent services. The employees are also tasked with undertaking research on new technologies and ideas that can drive the entity to achieve its strategic goals and objectives. In addition, they are also tasked with providing suggestions on technologies and other innovations that can improve service delivery and brand image to the customers in the market Methodology Given the presence of complex limitations in terms of access to suitable data, it is relatively challenging to find appropriate strategies to conduct tests. A case study approach is relatively effective for this study. This will focus on the use of business intelligence strategies in information technology firms, and more so at Hewlett Packard (HP). Research Design The case study research design will provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by entities with respect to use of business intelligence systems and strategies. The case study design is effective, as it will narrow the vast field of business intelligence challenges as faced by modern organizations. This will use various events as applied by organizations with respect to the use of business intelligence systems. A survey will also be used by evaluating the use of business intelligence systems in specific information technology related entities. This will be effective in providing additional information as to the use of such systems in aiding decision-making and competitiveness in modern entities. Respondents of the Study Research Instrument There is need to use both qualitative and quantitative techniques in the evaluation of the use of business intelligence systems and strategies in organizations, and more so at HP. Data Gathering Procedure Survey Reliability and Validity of the Instrument The survey is adequate and appropriate for this study as it involves first hand interactions with the concerned parties. In addition, it delivers important information as to the use of business intelligence systems and strategies. Furthermore, it takes note of the prevalence of application of such systems in modern entities and the subsequent effects of adoption of the same. The information presented in the research notes of the exemplary benefits accruable to entities applying these strategies. it was relatively easy to take the survey given that questionnaires were used with limits to the number of questions set to be used to deliver answers on the prevalence of use of business intelligence systems and strategies in collection of strategy oriented information. Statistical Tool Analysis Communication amongst the employees, communication with the management and communication with the customers is essential for efficient service delivery, achievement of organization goals and objectives and overall satisfaction of customers. This involves communication of strategies with the management and communication of ideas, expectations, preferences, needs and wants between the clients to the employees of the entity. In addition, ensuring effective communication through channels between the management and the subordinates would ensure that the needs of the employees are meet for optimum productivity. Entities that are able to adapt to diverse consumer needs and rapid or volatile market shifts rely on business intelligence systems. In essence, business intelligence is formed around the assumption of collection and analysis of data, both internally and externally, to develop the appropriate knowledge and value necessary for the organization to achieve its strategic goals and objectives. In essence, effective business intelligence platforms and strategies lead to fact oriented decision-making and accurate understanding of problems provided by information in the organization. Challenges associated with adequate implementation of business intelligence systems include the inadequacy of devotion of appropriate resources to such systems. References Boyer, John. Business Intelligence Strategy: A Practical Guide for Achieving Bi Excellence. Ketchum, ID: MC Press, 2010. Print. Michalewicz, Zbigniew. Adaptive Business Intelligence. Berlin: Springer, 2007. Print. Marjanovic, Olivera. "The Importance of Process Thinking in Business Intelligence." International Journal of Business Intelligence Research. 1.4 (2010): 29-46. Print. Yermish, Ira, Virginia Miori, John Yi, Rashmi Malhotra, and Ronald Klimberg. "Business Plus Intelligence Plus Technology Equals Business Intelligence." International Journal of Business Intelligence Research. 1.1 (2010): 48-63. Print. Appendices (i.e. Research Instrument) Read More