Assessing Information Needs

For the purposes of this survey we define a Business Intelligence system as a system that compiles key internal and external information and presents output (via a 'Management Dashboard') in a concise, pictorial format, to support decision-making, planning and strategic thinking. It provides easy interactive access to reliable, current, good quality interdepartmental information, when the manager needs it. It allows senior management to be confident in the integrity and completeness of the information as they move between an overview and a detailed view.

The on-line survey was hosted by JISC infoNet as part of our Strategic Management Information programme. The survey was run between March 25th and April 30th 2010.

These findings are based on 116 validated responses.

The purpose of this survey is to ascertain what information key decision-makers within universities and colleges would most like access to in order to assist them in their duties. This information will now be used to inform a more detailed process of information gathering with a view to achieving a greater understanding of how institutions can best utilise 'business intelligence' to deliver demonstrable organisational benefit.

The results of a second survey, designed to look in greater detail at current levels of business intelligence activity within the sector will be published in July.

For further information on this survey or the project to which it relates please contact Steve Bailey.

Categorisation

Two of the questions provided the opportunity for open-ended answers. In order to meaningfully analyse the data provided we have profiled the answers received into categories. The following table provides a list of the categories employed, together with a definition of how we have interpreted each category for the purpose of analysis.

The final three columns within this table indicate whether the category in question is applicable to Question 2 ("In relation to your current role what is the most burning question that you would most like to be able to answer within your institution which you are not currently able to? In short: What would you most like to know?"); Question 4 ("Do you have any projects or initiatives either planned or underway which may address any of the issues you have identified?") or both.