The Use of Business Intelligence Systems to Support Managerial Decision-Making Among Smes in the Digital Economy

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) examine the level of Business Intelligence (BI) system utilization among small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs, (2) investigate the level of managerial decision-making quality, and (3) analyze the influence of BI system utilization on managerial decision-making quality. The sample consisted of 388 SME entrepreneurs or executives in Thailand. Data were collected using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.

           The results indicated that the overall level of BI system utilization was high (Mean = 4.08, S.D. = 0.49), with top management support showing the highest mean (Mean = 4.18). Managerial decision-making quality was also at a high level (Mean = 4.16, S.D. = 0.48), with decision confidence having the highest mean (Mean = 4.22). Multiple regression analysis revealed that data quality (β = 0.268), system capability (β = 0.214), ease of use (β = 0.172), and top management support (β = 0.301) had a statistically significant positive effect on managerial decision-making quality at the .05 level. The model explained 62% of the variance in managerial decision-making quality (R² = 0.62).

The findings highlight that BI system utilization, particularly top management support, plays a crucial role in enhancing managerial decision-making quality and strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs in the digital economy.