Business Intelligence—Capturing an Elusive Concept

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive picture of the foregoing literature on business intelligence that can safely be characterized as fragmented. This chapter argues that this state of affairs is due primarily to the choice of disparate definitions that led to a disjointed literature, which continues to overlook the strategic thinking. In response, this chapter attempts to shed some light on the overlapping BI constructs, and offer a more unified BI definition that shall shift the fragmented and operational-oriented BI body of knowledge into a more synergetic research practice wary of the strategic challenges and expectations lying ahead. Finally, this chapter presents the future outlook of the BI industry in an effort to bridge research and managerial practice and direct their attention to the strategic element that seems to be a priority for business decision makers.