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Project IV
Final Research Report

Rory Coert
208164987
Supervisor: T. Makhurane

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Contents
1 Research topic ................................................................................................................... 2
2 Research process .............................................................................................................. 2
2.1 Problem statement ...................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Research methodology ................................................................................................ 2
2.3 Literature with regards to the research ........................................................................ 2
2.4 Availability of information on the topic .......................................................................... 2
2.5 Finding relevant references ......................................................................................... 2
2.6 Empirical work ............................................................................................................. 3
2.7 Presenting results of the research ............................................................................... 3
(findings, framework, literature review, etc.)....................................................................... 3
3 Value of the deliverables .................................................................................................... 3
3.1 Research question model ............................................................................................ 3
3.2 Logic model ................................................................................................................. 3
3.3 Poster .......................................................................................................................... 3
4 Limitations experienced ..................................................................................................... 3
5 Research contribution ........................................................................................................ 4
6 Relationship with supervisor............................................................................................... 4
7 Own growth as a researcher .............................................................................................. 4

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1 Research topic
The feasibility of applying Business Intelligence(BI) to meet the information needs of serviceoriented Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) in the Western Cape

2 Research process
2.1 Problem statement
The feasibility of applying a BI System to meet the information needs of SME's in the
Western Cape, specifically service-oriented Business to Business and Business to Customer
enterprises.

2.2 Research methodology

Research Type:

Qualitative

Research Approach:

Field Interviews of three SME owners

Sampling Technique:

Snowball Sampling

Method of Analysis:

Analytical comparison using Method of Agreement and

Difference

2.3 Literature with regards to the research

The literature was resourced from journal based databases and the internet.

2.4 Availability of information on the topic

There was a sufficient amount of research available for BI and the theory behind it.
There was an insufficient amount of research available for service-oriented SME's
specifically in the Western Cape or how an SME in the Western Cape could make use of a
BI system. This lack of research includes topics like the ICT infrastructure prevalent in
service-oriented SME's in the Western Caper, the information needs of SME's in the
Western Cape and the value that SME owners place on effective decision supporting
information.
The research did also not illustrate a clear consensus on the definition of a SME in the
Western Cape.

2.5 Finding relevant references

Finding relevant references was challenging as there was a lack of research done on certain
specific topics, namely research about service-oriented SME's specifically in the Western
Cape, the use of BI systems in SME's specifically in the Western Cape.
Another factor was the recentness of the research available. Only very recent sources were
allowed to be referenced; some of the relevant research found could not be used as it was
too old.

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2.6 Empirical work

Data was collected via field interviews that were conducted at the respondent's homes after
working hours. All interviews were recorded with a voice recorder and saved in a digital
format.
Data, for the research paper, was analysed using an analytical comparison in conjunction
with the methods of agreement and difference. In the research paper, the cases were the
three SME's and their owners, with the causal factors being how their respective businesses
utilise ICT, what the informational needs of their businesses are, and how much value they
place on business information. The outcome being whether or not the SME owners feel that
adopting a BI system would be beneficial to managing the business' information and running
the business, thereby identifying how feasible the adoption of a BI system will be for serviceoriented SME's in the Western Cape.

2.7 Presenting results of the research

(findings, framework, literature review, etc.)
The research was presented in the following ways:
A research paper
A poster summarising the research
A PowerPoint presentation, presented to a panel of industry professionals and
lecturers

3 Value of the deliverables

3.1 Research question model
The research question model helped formulate the questions that were posed to the
respondents in the field interviews, the main research question and the sub-questions.

3.2 Logic model

The logic model helped to give the researcher a structured outline of how to go about doing
the research, collecting the data and analysing the data. The logic model also helped with
managing the scope of the project and highlighting the success factors for project
completion.

3.3 Poster
The poster helped to represent the research in a more visual way. Through the poster, the
researcher was able to summarise the entire research paper.

4 Limitations experienced
Limitations of the research include:
the time constraints for the research to be conducted;

the number of agreeable SME owner's available for interviews;

the SME owner's lack of understanding of technical ICT terminology and theory.

The research paper lacks sufficient cited references with regards to service-oriented SME's
in the Western Cape. Adding references from more research papers and sources from
authority figures/ authors in all fields covered in the research, would be beneficial to the
legitimacy of the conclusion and recommendations posed at the end of the research paper.
The researchers own lack of understanding of business theories and concepts may have
impacted the research negatively.

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5 Research contribution
The information needs, of the SME's researched, reflected that a BI system could add value
to the decision making processes. The ICT infrastructure of the Medium enterprises
interviewed, reflected that a BI system could be incorporated. However, the owners
responded that they have no interest in adopting a BI system. The major reasons for the
afore mentioned, being both that the owner's belief that a BI system would unnecessarily
replace their own decision making and that the cost involved with a dedicated BI system is
currently too high.
Ultimately, the biggest barrier to BI adoption in service-oriented SME's is the lack of
understanding of ICT concepts the business owners currently possess and the attitude they
have towards outsourcing IT expertise. The business owner needs to be made aware that a
BI system is meant to support and enhance their decision making and it is not meant to
replace it.
This research paper recommended that BI in its' current form, the form of professional BI
systems and products, is not suitable for use in SME's. There is however, a clear need for
improved support for managing decision supporting information. Support and 'hands on'
management, are the key words here, as the owners interviewed felt that no ICT system can
ever know more about how to run a business or what decisions to make for that business,
than the owners of those service-oriented businesses themselves.

6 Relationship with supervisor

The supervisor to the research was a great resource for both sources of information and how
to structure a research paper.

7 Own growth as a researcher

The researcher learnt how to conduct research in a structured manner; while looking at
theories, views and opinions from many different perspectives and sources.
The researcher learnt how to co-ordinate and manage field interviews, with many
respondents.
The researcher learnt how to efficiently collect data from many sources and critically analyse
that data.
The researcher learnt how to structure and write a formal and professional research paper,
design a professional research poster and conduct a research presentation.