Using Business Intelligence to Make Business Strategic Decisions

Business Intelligence (BI) improves through the use of analytical data streams that help companies overcome market challenges and create internal growth mechanisms. Because the international business environment is complex and large it needs improved analytical tools to be successful. Small, medium, and large businesses are increasingly relying on BI to help them make strategic decisions. A paper by Khan & Quadri (2014) discusses the growing use of BI in everyday business decisions and how to improve on exiting models. 

Proper BI requires the collection of data, analysis of that data, and providing a conclusion on the meaning of that data. BI uses proper analytical methods based in scientific research to achieve its goals. The same principles that apply to any research study would also apply to the business intelligence and strategy formation; in theory anyways. 

BI has been defined as, “The process of collection, treatment, and diffusion of information that has an objective, the reduction of uncertainty in the making of all strategic decisions” (Zeng, et al. 2007). Such information is collected analyzed and then disseminated among those who can use the information to the advantage of the organization. 

BI relies in part on the collecting and analysis of information from the market environment. This can be difficult when there is data scattered all over the place. This is even more possible when even more data makes its way into cyber sphere and creates a type of data collection net that offers higher possibilities for global analysis. 

Data mining can be defined as the search for relationships and patterns that exist among data (Holsheimer & Sibes, 1994). In essence, data is an amebic entity that doesn’t necessary show anything in and of itself. It is up to the user to find patterns and make predictions of this information based upon what they understand and which type of data they can capture. 

The data’s fundamental practicality is the ability to put it to strong use. According to Stackowaik, et al. (2007), BI is the process of taking large sections of data, analyzing it, and then presenting useful report for managers to help them make accurate decisions. BI becomes more of an analytical tool that continually updates based on algorithms for real time decision making.  

BI has the ability to help companies grow and develop beyond their current decision-making processes. Proper strategy formation requires understanding how data can help narrow down the options and choose that which is most likely to influence and improve upon the successes of the business. Data is getting stronger and so will the need to analyze that data in new and more accurate ways. 

Holsheimer, M., & Siebes, A. (1994). Data mining: The search for knowledge in databases. CWI (Centre for Mathematics and Computer Science), Amsterdam, The Netherlands .

Khan, R. & Quadri, S. (2014). Business intelligence: an integrated approach. International Journal of Management & Innovation, 6 (2).

Stackowiak et. al. (2007). Oracle data warehousing and business intelligence solutions. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Zeng, et. al. (2007). Techniques, process, and enterprise solutions of business intelligence, 6, 4722.

Poetry Analysis: Palm Tree and Ocean Wave

Poetry is not common in the American culture as more immediate forms of entertainment takes precedence. However, poetry is a system of understanding and an effective method of learning. A poem according to the American poet Williams Carlos Williams are “machines made of words”. The ultimate goal of all poems is to create an image and feeling in a readers mind. The more skilled the poet the more successful they are in sharing their experiences and emotions with others.

Poems can be analyzed by taking apart the words of this machine for closer study. A poem can be studied by looking at which lines match with other lines in the sequence. This rhythm is denoted by letters such as AA, BB, CC, etc.. which means there are pairs of rhythm. ABAB would mean that the rhythm augments. There are various types of highly structured and free versus poems. Each has their benefits and detractors when developing this art form. 

As you can see from the poem below there are sequences being used.

Palm Tree and Ocean Wave

The palm tree stood proud by the sea,   (A)

Erect and tall against the skylight.           (B)

Its branches hang short but free             (A)

In front of the ocean blue in full sight.    (B)

This tree gives shade by the ocean wave,             (C)

The sand is hot and burning bright.                        (B)

Such a tree must be strong and brave,                   (C)

To grow its roots both day and night.                      (B)

The water crawls to wash it away,                            (D)

Yet it stands tomorrow and today.                           (D)

Fear not this slithering foe,                                     (E)

The roots are deep against its beckoning tow.           (E)

This palm tree will stand against the might of the wind,  (F)

For it will bend and not break if pinned.                        (F)

All the earths’ wonders are worthwhile,                        (G)

The strongest avoid the history pile.                              (G)

Poetry predates the written word and was first known to exist around 4,500 BC. It originally was designed to help pass history, tell a story, genealogy,  or transmit laws between people.  It was a way of transferring knowledge and information from one person to the next in a manner that could be understood and felt.  Such poetry created shared experiences that helped define group existence.

Poetry can be more superior as an information transference tool when compared to simple written or spoken language alone.  Think of Hooked on Phonics and how rhythm creates easy to remember learning. Since poetry also passes a feeling in the context of a story it has the ability to create multiple pathways of understanding and recall. 

If we think of how poetry was used since the beginning of human development we can understand the nature of storytelling that has occurred in every society. It was this passing of information, creation of culture stories, and the development of thought methods that defined tribes, societies and cultures.  Even though poetry in the information age has fallen out of style it truly is still a remarkable human tool of development.