Business intelligence and analytic (BIA) stage-of-practice in micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)

Abstract

PurposeWhile business intelligence and analytic (BIA) systems have been developed by large corporations around the world, micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have recently paid attention and deployed BIA adoption, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic disruption. This study sheds light on how MSMEs adopt the BIA systems and then proposes a framework for the BIA adoption process in the context of MSMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe multiple case research design and interpretivism approach are employed for expanding the theoretical boundary of the strategic management fields in BIA adoption by MSMEs. In total, 35 semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior managers and owners involved in BIA adoption from 17 participating MSMEs.FindingsThe research study identifies three BIA adoption stages with specific technical and managerial features in the path of BIA adoption in each stage, corresponding to the level of BIA maturity of MSMEs. The authors also highlight other factors that directly influence the successful adoption and transformation from each stage to another.Research limitations/implicationsThe research study identifies three BIA adoption stages with specific technical and managerial features in the path of BIA adoption at each stage that corresponds to the level of BIA maturity of MSMEs. Besides, this study also extends the current literature on BIA adoption in an organisation during the Covid-19 pandemic by identifying several contextual barriers that directly influence the BIA adoption.Practical implicationsResearch findings can help business leaders and owners of MSMEs to determine the BIA maturity of their organisation. Furthermore, the authors’ framework can also be used by consultancies and standard setters to develop detailed BIA adoption strategies and tactics that support MSMEs' digitalisation towards BIA adoption.Originality/valueThe research study’s results highlight that contextual factors, leadership competencies, motivations and barriers for BIA adoption can also be used to help MSMEs' leaders and owners to trigger, advance or eliminate challenges for the adoption of BIA initiatives in MSMEs.