Information networks and business intelligence: decision locus and political hotbed
In accomplishing my research on business intelligence, I had to engage different strategies which yielded different results based on my expectations. More specifically, the mere fact that primary and secondary sources would meet my expectations was not sufficient to yield sufficient results based on my expectations. Therefore, I exploited numerous sources of information and compiled different findings before evaluating the best based on my agenda. During the research process, I experienced different complexities and obscurities which limited my ability to quickly and exhaustively compile all my research findings. This essay will discuss the procedural criteria I applied to complete my research on information networks and business intelligence. It focuses on the advantageous attributes of my research based on what I learned and the demerits associated with the difficulties I experienced.
The first strategy entailed identifying the concept behind business intelligence. To achieve this, I sought to find the different meanings given for Business Intelligence. This necessitated the use of an online library to access different books and articles with information on this topic. The books and articles gave different definitions on the concept, yielding a comprehensible understanding on the subject. These books and articles were only partially accessible and were only useful in giving a rough idea of the topic. More so, the library sources limited the number of pages that I could read, and were therefore not fully reliable for the entire research process. However, having obtained the most critical information, I could confidently proceed with the research using different sources information.
The second step entailed identifying the process engaged in order to achieve great levels of business intelligence. From this, I learned that business intelligence solution breaks down the best combination of tools, techniques and technology in order to meet the level of business intelligence required by an institution (Vercellis, 2009). It was also learned that the ability to deliver timely and consistent information from the techniques and technologies was derivable from specific methodologies (Popovic, 2010). Some of these have been used in the past, while others have to be generated based on an organization’s structures, goals and objectives. Obtaining this information was possible through the use of the Google search engine as well as scholarly sources and books. The search engine directed me to a webpage of a website that contained the information regarding business intelligence strategy. As I analyzed all the information, I realized that it was relevant to my research and included it into my draft.
The next step entailed application of the concept. In this strategy, I researched on the best strategies that could be applied by business organizations to achieve successful business intelligence. This was possible through extensively exploiting all resources indiscriminately. Therefore, books, websites, journals and scholarly articles were all useful for this purpose. Most of these sources gave differing results based on the opinions of their authors, but the journals and scholarly articles identified the strategies that were used universally. My findings narrowed down the results for different levels including international organizational and small scale enterprise level. It was learned that depending on the size of an organization; the requirements differed, hence facilitating the application of different agendas and objectives.
Before I could sum up my research, I had to consult with fellow classmates to identify the credibility of my findings. I learned the different techniques used by different students to come up with the information they gathered. Having found out that my research findings were sufficient enough based on the requirements of the study; I used my draft to compile a neat final copy of my work, ready for forwarding to my professor.
This research was advantageous as I obtained great knowledge. In spite of the fact that much of the information on the topic has been covered in the classroom, I realized that there was much more to learn in order to diversify my knowledge on the topic. As I researched the information from the different reliable sources of information, I obtained much knowledge that will be applied throughout the course and later in life for me to be a successful business person. Further, performing this research was relevant in enhancing my ability to research. I was able to distinguish the significance of different sources and was able to identify the most reliable sources of information.
Suggestions
Despite the fact that the research was highly advantageous based on the knowledge and experience I obtained, the research process was tedious and time consuming, contrary to my expectations. It is based on this that these recommendations are relevant for future research.
1. Always gather the basic information and compile it before intensifying your research
2. Use reliable sources of information, avoiding general or unknown websites. For instance, avoid information from Yahoo answers and the Wikipedia website
3. Always make a rough draft before composing your final draft. This gives you the chance to eliminate mistakes in your work
4. Use current information for your research. Avoid sources that are no longer credible
5. As you do your research, make sure to cite the source of the information in your rough draft. This will save much of your time as you cite the final draft.
References
An Overview of Business Intelligence Technology. (2011). Communications of the ACM, 54(8), 88-98.
Popovic, A., Turk, T., & Jaklic, J. (2010). Conceptual Model of Business Value of Business Intelligence Systems. Management, 15(1), 5-29
Vercellis, C. (2009). Business intelligence: data mining and optimization for decision making. London: John Wiley and Sons.
