Bedingt durch oftmals schnelle und fortschreitende Änderungen im wirtschaftlichen Umfeld stehen Unternehmen vor zahlreichen externen sowie internen Anforderungen und Herausforderungen, was wiederum eine effektive Steuerung und Koordination der innerbetrieblichen aber auch der überbetrieblichen Geschäftsprozesse und -abläufe erfordert. Um diesen Herausforderungen zu begegnen, ist der Einsatz von adäquaten Anwendungssystemen zwingend. Speziell die Nutzung von Enterprise Resource Planning-(ERP-)Systemen, die als standardisierte Systeme die gesamten unternehmerischen Aktivitäten und Geschäftsprozesse unterstützen können, ist zu einem wichtigen Bestandteil der Unternehmen geworden. Ein richtig ausgewähltes und implementiertes ERP-System bietet zahlreiche Vorteile sowohl für Großunternehmen aber auch für klein- und mittelständische Unternehmen (KMU). Die Implementierung eines ERP-Systems stellt jedoch ein komplexes und zeitintensives Projekt dar, welches den Unternehmen große Möglichkeiten eröffnet, diese aber gleichzeitig mit enormen Risiken konfrontiert. Dabei realisieren immer mehr KMU die möglichen Vorteile dieser Systeme, woraus eine konstante Nachfrage nach ERP-Systemen für kleine und mittlere Unternehmen resultiert. Um jedoch von den Vorteilen zu profitieren anstatt von den Risiken „verschlungen“ zu werden, ist es zwingend erforderlich, sich genau auf die Faktoren zu fokussieren, die zur einer erfolgreichen Einführung eines ERP-Systems beitragen. An diesem Punkt knüpft die vorliegende Dissertation mit einem ersten Forschungsschwerpunkt an. Dieser Schwerpunkt befasst sich mit kritischen Erfolgsfaktoren im Zusammenhang mit der ERP-System-Einführung und der ERP-System-Nutzung in klein- und mittelständischen Unternehmen. Ziel dieses ersten Schwerpunktes ist es, einen Einblick in die Erfolgsfaktoren bei ERP-System-Implementierung in KMU zu geben und die Unterschiede zu den Faktoren bei ERP-Projekten in Großunternehmen aufzuzeigen. Als konkretes Ergebnis dieses Forschungsstrangs wird dabei ein Vorgehensmodell für ERP-Einführungen in KMU entwickelt, welches auf Basis der Erfolgsfaktoren von ERP-Projekten aus bestehenden Modellen abgeleitet und an die Bedürfnisse und Anforderungen der KMU angepasst wird. Hierbei werden die Erfolgsfaktoren direkt in das Modell mit einbezogen. Des Weiteren resultiert ein zweiter Schwerpunkt dieser Dissertation erneut aus der hohen und konstanten Nachfrage nach ERP-Systemen, welche zu einem sehr stark fragmentierten ERP-Markt vor allem im Bereich der KMU geführt hat mit einer Vielzahl von Herstellern und Systemen. Hier erschwert es diese hohe Marktfragmentierung den Anwenderunternehmen nicht nur, die „richtige“ Software zu finden, sondern auch für das von ihnen ausgewählte System entsprechende Fachkräfte an sich zu binden. Daraus ergibt sich unter anderem auch die Notwendigkeit für Hochschulen, ihren Studierenden und späteren Absolventen dieses geforderte und benötigte Fachwissen, insbesondere in informationssystembezogenen Studiengängen zu vermitteln. Jedoch gibt es dafür keinen standardisierten Ansatz. Die Systemwahl und die Anzahl der Systeme sowie der Aufbau und die Anzahl der ERP-Kurse divergieren von Hochschule zu Hochschule, wobei in diesem Punkt eine Dominanz großer ERP-System Hersteller zu verzeichnen ist. Allerdings ist eine diversifiziertere Einbindung von ERP-Systemen vor allem aus dem Bereich der KMU sinnvoll. An diesem Punkt stehen die Hochschulen und die Lehrenden vor der Herausforderung, wie viele Systeme in die Curricula integriert werden sollten und auf welche Art und Weise und in welchem Umfang diese Systeme vermittelt werden sollten. Daher werden im Rahmen dieses zweiten Schwerpunktes Möglichkeiten und Kursmodelle beschrieben, durch die eine praktische Vermittlung einzelner oder auch mehrerer ERP-Systeme ermöglicht und unterstützt wird. Ziel dabei ist es, einen Beispielcurriculum zu entwickeln, in dem über verschiedene Kurse hinweg, Kenntnisse zu ERP-Systemen vermittelt werden. Die Kurse dieses Curriculums werden dabei auf Basis der Literatur und der Anforderungen von Unternehmen an spätere Absolventen (vor allem resultierend aus den Erfolgsfaktoren des ersten Forschungsstrangs) entwickelt. Des Weiteren werden diese Kurse und die darin eingesetzten Systeme mit den Ergebnissen einer Umfrage an Universitäten und Fachhochschulen zum ERP-System-Einsatz in der Lehre verglichen und auf Basis dieser Ergebnisse angepasst und modifiziert. Als konkrete Resultate dieses Forschungsstrangs werden mit dem zu entwickelnden Beispielcurriculum Handlungsempfehlungen gegeben, mit denen Hochschulen sowohl Kenntnisse zu ERP-Systemen für Großunternehmen als auch zu Systemen für KMU vermitteln können. Dabei steht auch die praktische Kenntnisvermittlung von kleineren Systemen im Fokus, um den Studierenden einen weiteren Blick auf die Verschiedenartigkeit von ERP-Systemen zu bieten.

The objective of the current study is to explore and identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs), which impact upon the effective implementation of Human Resource Development (HRD) initiatives in support of nationalisation, and to recommend a model for practical application and future research. Accordingly the study focused on identifying and analysing the various factors in the localisation of a workforce with regard to five broad categories, namely: national level factors, organisational (policies and practices related) factors, organisational (HR related) factors, individual level (expatriate and experienced staff related) factors and individual level (UAE national related) factors. The data for the study was collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative methods were used to develop an in-depth case study of the Emiratisation process in an oil and gas organisation, as well as for identifying the critical success factors to be included in the survey questionnaire for collecting the quantitative data. The results of the study indicated that the critical success factors identified in the study are part of a complicated reality and need to be managed to ensure success of the localisation of a workforce. The mean scores obtained on the various factors differed significantly across the organisations or sub groups of respondents used in the study. This indicates that the impact of various factors that facilitate or constrain the localisation efforts are highly contextual and organisation specific. The findings of the study revealed valuable insights that could enrich not only future research in the area, but also the practical application of HR tools and methods to support the localisation process. The current study also developed a model for practical application and future research in the area. The model identified the role of HR strategies and tools as critical for managing the CSFs and ensuring the success of the process of localisation. The model developed in the current study also emphasises the need to define the 'success' of localisation in much broader terms, by addressing complex issues such as, employee morale and motivation, expectations of all employees, including expatriates and so forth, rather than just focusing on the number of UAE nationals employed and their competencies. The current study also identified some of the limitations of the study and highlighted suggestions for future research.

Σκοπός της διπλωματικής είναι η ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας και η ανεύρεση των κυριότερων θεωρητικών – εννοιολογικών μοντέλων σχετικά με τη πολιτική ποιότητας 6σ. Ωστόσο ο σημαντικότερος σκοπός ήταν η κατασκευή ενός πλήρους και τεκμηριωμένου ερωτηματολογίου που να ανταποκρίνεται στο περιβάλλον που λειτουργούν οι ελληνικές επιχειρήσεις. Μεθοδολογία: ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας και πιο συγκεκριμένα των διεθνών ακαδημαϊκών βιβλιοθηκών (emerald) όπου έγινε αναζήτηση άρθρων χρησιμοποιώντας ως λέξεις κλειδιά: 6 σίγμα, κρίσιμοι παράγοντες 6σ, οφέλη του έξι σίγμα, εμπόδια και δυσκολίες του έξι σίγμα, το έξι σίγμα στη παροχή υπηρεσιών, λόγοι εφαρμογής – λόγοι μη εφαρμογής, η απόδοση του έξι σίγμα, εργαλεία και τεχνικές που χρησιμοποιούνται στη πρωτοβουλία έξι σίγμα, το έξι σίγα και η σύνδεσή του με άλλες προσεγγίσεις ποιότητας (TQM, BE, ISO) και lean έξι σίγμα. Αποτελέσματα: η παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζει τα κυριότερα εννοιολογικά μοντέλα πάνω στη πολιτική ποιότητας 6σ. Επίσης εξετάζει τα μοντέλα αυτά από την πλευρά των επιχειρήσεων παροχής υπηρεσιών και το πώς αυτά εφαρμόζονται επιτυχώς από αυτές. Το τελικό αποτέλεσμα της εργασίας είναι ένα τεκμηριωμένο ερωτηματολόγιο το οποίο προορίζεται για τις επιχειρήσεις παροχής υπηρεσιών και εξετάζει το κατά πόσο η πρωτοβουλία έξι σίγμα είναι γνωστή στα ελληνικά δεδομένα. Περιορισμοί: η εργασία παρέχει μόνο μία ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας και όχι ερευνητικά αποτελέσματα. Πρακτικές εφαρμογές: η εργασία παρέχει μία πλήρης εικόνα πάνω στα θεωρητικά - εννοιολογικά μοντέλα για την πολιτική ποιότητας έξι σίγμα στις επιχειρήσεις παροχής υπηρεσιών και μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί ως βάση για μελλοντικές εργασίες. Καλύπτει το κενό που υπάρχει στην κατασκευή ενός πλήρους και καλά τεκμηριωμένου ερωτηματολογίου Πρωτοτυπία – αξία: η εργασία αυτή καλύπτει σημαντικά το κενό που υπάρχει στην ελληνική βιβλιογραφία σχετικά με τη πολιτική ποιότητας έξι σίγμα. Συμβάλλει στη παροχή ενός εννοιολογικού πλαισίου για τη πολιτική ποιότητας έξι σίγμα από την πλευρά των επιχειρήσεων παροχής υπηρεσιών. / The purpose of the current thesis is to review the literature and finding the main theoretical - conceptual models on the quality policy 6s. However the most important goal was to build a complete and documented questionnaire to respond to the environment that Greek companies operate. Methodology : literature review and in particular searching at international academic libraries (emerald) of articles using keywords such as: six sigma critical success factors, six sigma benefits, obstacles and difficulties of six sigma, six sigma in the service sector, implementation reasons – reasons for no implementation, the performance of six sigma, tools and techniques used in the six sigma initiative, the six sigma’s connection with other quality approaches (TQM, BE, ISO) and lean six sigma. Results: This paper presents the main conceptual models on the quality policy 6s. Also considers these models from the perspective of service providers and how they apply them successfully. The final outcome of this study is a well documented questionnaire intended for service firms, which examines whether the six sigma initiative is known in Greek service sector. Limitations: The paper provides only an overview of the literature rather than research results. Practical applications: this study provides a complete overview on the theoretical - conceptual models for the quality system of Six Sigma in the service sector and can be used as a basis for future studies. It covers the gap that exists in providing a complete and well- documented questionnaire. Originality - value: this study covers the major gap in Greek literature on Six Sigma quality policy. It provides a conceptual framework for six sigma quality policy on the part of the service providers.

Title: Critical Success Factors for Integration of Enterprise Resource Planning System   Level: Student thesis, final assignment for Master Degree (one year) in Business Administration   Author: Kambiz Kafi   Supervisor: Dr. Maria Fregidou-Malama   Examiner: Dr. Ehsanul Huda Chowdhury   Date: 2018-11-26   Aim: This study examines the Critical Success Factor (CSF) model and its implementation in a case study where ERP Systems are integrated. The model includes Legacy System as a CSF.   Method: Deductive reasoning and case study were applied to support the research theory. Primary and secondary data were collected. Interviews with managers and staffs were performed.   Result & Conclusions: The study shows the factors that are critical in successful implementation of ERP project and how a successful implementation and integration of ERP projects is executed when two companies are being merged. It also shows how the ERP integration project can be implemented. This work studied an implementation of Holland and Light’s theoretical CSF model empirically and validated that the model is general and robust for successful ERP implementation and managing changes.   Contribution of the research: This study of integration of few Legacy Systems when companies are being merged is a contribution to the theory of CSF. The central role that Legacy Systems plays in ERP project implementation is shown empirically. This study presents Software Alignment (Software Configuration) based on two company’s business processes empirically and found it to be essential in success of ERP projects. The research shows how CSF model manages changes, assisting managers in merging two companies successfully. The research presents a modified Holland and Light CSF model to meet the merging situations.      Suggestions for future research: To gain more knowledge about CSFs for integration of ERPs, this study suggests further cross- industrial empirical studies in wholesale and retail industries with varied sizes. Research about identifying CFSs in extended ERP using e_CRM is recommended.

ERP system har de senaste åren uppträtt som en central faktor vid framgångsrik informationshantering och agerat som en grundpelare i många företagsorganisationer. Implementering av ett nytt affärssystem är en komplex process vilket bidrar till att organisationer får svårigheter med att genomföra processen. Implementering av affärssystem handlar om att kombinera tidigare separerade system med fokus på att tillhandahålla en mer komplett informationsresurs för en organisation. ERP systemen tog fart under millenniumskiftet y2k och många företag hade vid det laget svårt att implementera systemen med ett positivt slutresultat. Arton år senare så kvarstår problematiken trots att ERP systemen har utvecklats och företagen blivit mer kunniga inom området. Detta visar en studie från Panorama Consulting (2017) där det framkom att 26 procent av företagen misslyckats med implementeringen 74 procent går över budget samt att 59 procent passerade den tänkta tidsplanen. För att finna en lösning på problematiken så har flertalet forskare genomfört studier där fokus ligger på att identifiera de negativt bidragande faktorerna vid ERP implementering. Dessa faktorer kallas för ”Critical failure factors”. Det finns idag lite empirisk forskning där information har samlats från ERP leverantörer. Forskningen som finns grundar sig i gamla teorier för vilka faktorer som bidrar positivt respektive negativt för en implementeringsprocess. Dessa teorier utgår de flesta forskare från i sina studier kring implementeringen av ERP system. Denna studie fokuserar därför på ERP leverantörernas perspektiv kring negativt bidragande faktorer vid implementering av ERP system. Stor vikt har legat på att samla in faktorer från ERP leverantörer för att vid ett senare skede i studien ställa dessa mot de faktorer som nämnts i tidigare studier för att finna samband och eventuella avvikelser. Studien använde sig av intervjuer som datainsamlingsmetod och fem intervjuer har genomförts med erfarna ERP leverantörer. Resultatet av det insamlade materialet från ERP leverantörerna identifierar ett antal kritiska faktorer som kan sammankopplas med faktorer från tidigare studier. Intressant är att studien även identifierat ett antal faktorer som avviker från tidigare studier. Slutsatserna som går att dra från studien är att implementeringsprocesserna kan förbättras och bli avsevärt mycket mer effektiva med hjälp av den nya insikten i problematiken som ERP leverantörerna framför. Medvetenhet om dessa negativt bidragande faktorer vid implementering av ett ERP system bidrar med kunskap inom området för implementeringsprocesser som i sin tur kan användas av företag och privatpersoner för att underlätta och förhindra de problem som kan uppstå i en sådan process. / In recent years, the ERP system has been a key factor in successful information management and served as a foundation for many corporate organizations. Implementing a new business system is a complex process, which leads organizations having difficulties implementing the process. Implementation of business systems involves combining previously separated systems focusing on providing a more complete information resource for an organization. ERP systems accelerated during the millennium shift y2k, and many companies at the time had difficulties to implement the systems with a positive end result. Eighteen years later, the problem remains, despite the fact that ERP systems have evolved and businesses become more knowledgeable in the field. This shows a study from Panorama Consulting (2017) where it was found that 26 percent of companies failed with implementation. 74 percent exceed budget and 59 percent passed the intended schedule. To find a solution to the problem, most researchers have conducted studies focusing on identifying the negative contributing factors in ERP implementation. These factors are called "Critical failure factors". There is currently a lack of empirical research where information has been gathered from ERP providers. The research found is based on old theories for which factors contribute positively and negatively to an implementation process. These theories are being used by most researchers in their studies regarding the implementation of the ERP system. This study therefore focuses on ERP suppliers' perspectives on negative contributing factors in implementing ERP systems. Major emphasis has been placed on collecting factors from ERP providers in order that at a later stage in the study they can address the factors mentioned in previous studies to find relationships and possible deviations. The study used interviews as data collection method and five interviews have been conducted with experienced ERP providers. The result of the collected material from ERP providers identifies a number of critical factors that can be linked to factors from previous studies. Interestingly, the study also identified a number of factors that differ from previous studies. The conclusions that can be deduced from the study are that the implementation processes can be improved and become significantly more efficient with the help of the new insight into the problems that the ERP providers lifts up. Awareness of these negative contributing factors in implementing an ERP system contributes knowledge in the field of implementation processes, which in turn can be used by companies and individuals to facilitate and prevent the problems that may arise in such a process.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify and develop relevant keyperformance indicators within the warehouse operations in amanufacturing company, and how they can be used for control. Research question: In a manufacturing company, which are the most important KPIs forcontrolling and monitoring the warehouse operations, and how can thoseKPIs be developed?Methodology: This master thesis is based on a case study at a pharmaceutical companynamed Fresenius Kabi. A qualitative approach has been used whereprimary data was collected through 10 structured & semi structuredinterviews and through observations in the warehouses to understand thecurrent state. Secondary data was used in form of academic papers to seewhat previous research had to say about KPIs and operation & processmanagement. Internal documents were also used as a secondary source. Findings: Two key performance indicators have been developed, productivity andcost efficiency. A template has been designed to produce the KPIs. Thisstudy contributes to the understanding of how to develop KPIs that fits amanufacturing company´s warehouse operations and a recommendation onhow you could develop a system for producing the data.

The need for information in real time and the technology development has become more fast and more efficient. Companies today need to be more responsive to their customers to stay on top. Also, companies’ business processes need effective support from information technology solutions. The fit, or alignment, between the business process and the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system design is crucial in order to leverage efforts within marketing and sales. If there is a misfit, companies do not take full advantage of the potential that CRM systems can leverage in terms of better managing relationships with customers, which in turn may result in higher rates of closed deals. The main purpose of this bachelor thesis in Information Systems is to identify and describe critical success factors influencing on the degree of alignment between a business process and a CRM system from an organisational perspective. The sub-purpose is to identify and describe the influence of process−system alignment on performance. The IT company Apica has been used as the case study company in the bachelor thesis. Apica is suitable for this study since it has already adopted a CRM system related to its sales process. A research literature-based analysis model was developed in order to be able to more precisely investigate the chosen purpose. The intention is to review critical success factors that influence the success of the process−system alignment. In the chosen qualitative approach, a semi-structured interview guide was developed, based on the analysis model. Five interviews with co-workers in the case study company were conducted. The analysis of the collected primary empirical data has led to the following conclusions. A high degree of process−system alignment concerning a well-defined and functional business process in relation to a CRM system has a positive influence on the company’s sales process performance. A higher degree of process−system alignment can improve the company’s process performance, increase the sales force productivity and lead to better decision making. According to the findings, the positive outcome of a process−system alignment depends mainly on three factors: management commitment, data management, and system integrations. The empirical results also suggests a new finding: A successfully aligned sales process with the CRM system also lead to knowledge sharing. Knowledge sharing contributes to that salespeople learn from deals made in the past. The historical data help salespeople in managing customer relationships, which may lead to shorter sales cycles and larger deal sizes, which implies increased sales.

Esta tese apresentada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Informática na Educação (PPGIE), linha de pesquisa ambientes informatizados e ensino a distância, tem como objetivo geral analisar os Fatores Críticos de Sucesso (FCS) relacionados com os elementos de gestão em cursos de educação a distância via internet. Como objetivos específicos busca identificar os FCS no gerenciamento dos recursos nos cursos em educação a distância via internet; e propor novos elementos que auxiliem o processo de gestão dos cursos de educação a distância via internet. Os elementos de gestão para a educação a distância (EAD) foram definidos com base na literatura e pela análise conjunta da autora e de especialistas. A partir disto destacam-se os elementos de gestão: qualidade, gerenciamento, infra-estrutura, recursos humanos, recursos financeiros, e modelo pedagógico. Estes elementos utilizados no protocolo do estudo de caso para a identificação dos FCS foram validados com especialistas em EAD e no Curso de Graduação em Administração a distância da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). A metodologia da pesquisa é o estudo de casos-múltiplos baseado no Curso de Graduação em Pedagogia - Licenciatura (PEAD), e no Curso de Graduação Tecnológica - Planejamento e Gestão Para o Desenvolvimento Rural (PLAGEDER) da UFRGS. A partir dos resultados obtidos nos estudos de caso constatou-se que alguns dos FCS identificados não estavam associados aos elementos correspondentes. Verificou-se também, que um mesmo FCS está ou pode estar relacionado a mais de um elemento de gestão. Neste sentido, os FCS identificados foram resgatados e reagrupados nas categorias dos elementos de gestão. Estas constatações possibilitaram uma nova reflexão sobre os FCS e os elementos de gestão. A partir do resgate teórico, percebe-se a existência de FCS que, embora não tenham sido identificados na pesquisa, merecem uma atenção especial. Dessa forma, alguns fatores foram incorporados, por estarem relacionados com os novos elementos de gestão da EAD. Assim, apresentam-se os novos elementos para auxiliar o processo de gestão em cursos de educação a distância via internet são: qualidade do ensino, responsabilidade da coordenação do curso, gerenciamento dos recursos e modelo pedagógico do curso. / The general objective of this thesis, which was presented at the Graduate Program in Computer Science in Education (PPGIE), line of research computed environments and distance learning, is to analyze Critical Success Factors (CSF) associated with management elements in distance learning courses via the Internet. The specific objective is to identify CSFs in the management of resources in distance learning courses via the Internet and to propose new elements to help the management process in distance learning courses via the Internet. Management elements for distance learning (DL) were defined based on the literature and on a conjoint analysis by the author and specialists. The following management elements stood out: quality, management, infrastructure, human resources, financial resources and pedagogical model. These elements, used in the case study protocol to identify CSFs, were validated by specialists in DL and by the Distance Business Undergraduate Course of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). The research methodology is the study of multiple cases based on the Undergraduate Course in Pedagogy - Teaching (PEAD) and on the Technological Undergraduate Course - Planning and Management for Rural Development (PLAGEDER) of UFRGS. Based on the results obtained from case studies, some CSFs identified were not associated with the corresponding elements. It was also observed that one CSF is or may be related to more than one management element. In this sense, identified CSFs were rescued and regrouped into the categories of management elements. Such findings allowed a new reflection on CSFs and management elements. Based on the theoretical background, there is an existence of CSFs that, although not being identified in the study, deserve special attention. Therefore, some factors were incorporated for being related to new management elements of DL. Thus, the new elements presented to aid the management process in distance learning courses via the Internet are as follows: teaching quality, responsibility of course coordination, resource management and course pedagogical model.

As with many new technology implementations before, Business Intelligence (BI) implementations have come under scrutiny in terms of the value added to organisations. The latest academic research uses various different ‘traditional financial methods’ such as the Return on Investment (ROI) calculations to determine the value of investments. In some instances customized measurement tools are proposed as a result of empirical studies conducted. The main objective of this study is to perform qualitative investigation on the theoretical value of BI implementations in organisations. If it is assumed that BI does add value to organisations, the primary research question aims to investigate how this value is added. A balanced scorecard second generation approach is used as theoretical framework in order to address the question. This approach is also known as strategy mapping. The research process starts with an extensive literature review on the topic of BI value evaluations and BI related balanced scorecards and strategy maps. As a result, various theoretical and practical research contributions are produced. One of the theoretical contributions includes an inventory of previous academic literature on the topic of BI value evaluations. This inventory is also presented diagrammatically. A preliminary version of the BI balanced scorecard is developed and used as foundation for a semi-structured interview template to investigate the value of BI in organisations.\ The semi-structured interview template was used as primary data generation instrument to gather data for this multiple-case study project. Four organisations participated in the study. The data obtained from the study was analysed and presented using an updated version of the theoretical framework of the study and was labelled as the intermediate version of the scorecard. The intermediate version of the BI balanced scorecard provided valuable input towards investigating how value was achieved as a result of BI implementations. These results were verified as part of a final verification process through a consultation process with the same study participants. A final version of the BI balanced scorecard is presented and included in a complete BI value solution. This version of the balanced scorecard is also a valuable practical contribution of the study. The verified results of the investigation indicated the following:- (1) BI adds value to organisations in all four perspectives of the organisation, namely the business value perspective, user orientation perspective, operational excellence perspective as well as the future orientation perspective. (2) Furthermore, the study confirmed that BI adds value to organisations through a number of benefits including an increase in sales and compliance to regulatory requirements (to name a few). (3) However, the study also indicated that value-related studies must adopt a holistic approach in an attempt to cater for the many facets of the topic. (4) Despite the challenge of implementing BI in organisations, the perceived value of BI implementations amongst senior management remained positive. This was supported by the continuous implementation of new BI projects in organisations. (5) There was a definite relationship between BI implementations and organisational performance. This is evident through the positive impact on sales figures, risk and compliance management and operational management. The study contributes to the broader field of Information Systems (IS) in numerous ways. Firstly the research discovers gaps in existing research, then proposes a method to investigate the research question as a result of the gaps identified, and -iiiuses this method as a tool to investigate the problem. The main contribution of the study is to contribute to the body of knowledge by investigating the value of business intelligence to organisations. / College of Engineering, Science and Technology / D. Litt et. Phil. (Information Systems)

This present study aims to identify the critical success factors in corporate distance education programs, based on the case study of SICREDI, Cooperative Credit System with more than 10.000 employees and 1.000 units around Brazil. The study characterizes itself as descriptive-exploratory, due to the no validation of research instruments to measure the critical success factors in distance education, being mostly quantitative. Thus, the present study seeked, through the application of Reeves´ model (1997) and adapted by Joia (2005), to identify the relation of the 10 dimensions (constructs), defining and characterizing the variables, with the dependent variable success (goals achievement). The results founded showed 35% of relation with the factors Motivation Source, Structural Flexibility, Pedagogical Philosophy and Cultural Sensibility with the dependent variable success (goals achievement). The study is aligned with Joia and Costa (2005) in the factor Motivation Source and with Joia and Lima (2007) at the factor Pedagogical Philosophy. Otherwise, the few research developed till now with the present model show that the projects change in each company when referring to the factors that lead to success in distance education initiatives. Therefore, is necessary, by the limitations of case studies (used in all the researches with the present model), to proceed with multi-cases with a higher number of organizations and respondents, permitting, then, the theory consolidation about the critical success factors in corporate distance education programs. / O presente estudo tem por objetivo identificar os fatores determinantes do sucesso em programas de educação corporativa a distância, com base no estudo de caso do SICREDI, Sistema Cooperativo de Crédito com mais de 10.000 colaboradores e 1.000 unidades no Brasil. O estudo caracteriza-se por ser de natureza descritivoexploratória, devido a não validação de instrumentos para mensuração dos fatores críticos de sucesso em educação a distância, sendo eminentemente quantitativo. Dessa forma, o trabalho em questão buscou, através da aplicação do modelo de Reeves (1997) e adaptado por Joia (2005), identificar a relação das 10 dimensões (constructos), com a definição e caracterização das variáveis, com a variável dependente sucesso (atingimento dos objetivos). Os resultados encontrados mostraram uma relação de 35% dos fatores Fonte de Motivação, Flexibilidade Estrutural, Filosofia Pedagógica e Sensibilidade Cultural com a variável dependente sucesso (atingimento dos objetivos). O trabalho alinha-se com Joia e Costa (2005) no fator Fonte de Motivação e com Joia e Lima (2007) no fator Filosofia Pedagógica. Entretanto, as poucas pesquisas realizadas até então com o presente modelo mostram que os projetos mudam em cada empresa no que se refere aos fatores que levam ao sucesso das iniciativas de educação a distância. Dessa forma, é necessário, pelas limitações dos estudos de caso (usados em todas as pesquisas com o modelo), proceder-se com estudos multi-casos com um número bem maior de organizações e respondentes, podendo-se então, começar-se a consolidação da teoria acerca dos fatores chaves do sucesso em educação corporativa a distância.