Background of the Study
Business intelligence (BI) has become an integral part of modern strategic decision-making processes, particularly in the banking sector. The rapid evolution of technology and the increasing complexity of financial markets necessitate data-driven approaches to decision-making. BI systems enable organizations to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and derive actionable insights. According to Yadav and Dwivedi (2024), the adoption of BI tools can significantly enhance organizational performance by providing accurate, real-time data for decision-making. In the banking sector, where market volatility and customer expectations are high, the ability to make informed strategic decisions is critical for maintaining competitiveness.
In Kaduna State, Nigerian banks are increasingly leveraging BI tools to address challenges such as fraud detection, customer retention, and regulatory compliance. These tools offer predictive analytics, performance monitoring, and risk management capabilities that align with the strategic objectives of financial institutions (Ibrahim & Musa, 2025). Despite the widespread adoption of BI systems globally, their impact on strategic decision-making within Nigerian banks remains underexplored. This gap in research underscores the need for localized studies to assess how BI influences strategic planning, resource allocation, and operational efficiency in Kaduna State.
Statement of the Problem
While business intelligence tools have demonstrated their potential in transforming organizational decision-making, their application in Nigerian banks faces several challenges. Limited infrastructure, high costs of implementation, and a lack of skilled personnel impede the full utilization of BI systems (Okafor & Eze, 2023). Furthermore, many banks in Kaduna State struggle with integrating BI solutions into their existing workflows, resulting in underutilization and suboptimal decision-making processes.
There is a pressing need to evaluate how effectively BI tools are being employed in the banking sector and to identify the factors that influence their successful adoption. This research aims to address these issues by examining the role of BI in strategic decision-making and its impact on organizational performance in Kaduna State.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on commercial banks operating in Kaduna State, Nigeria. It examines the use of BI tools in strategic decision-making processes over the period 2023–2025. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data and the unavailability of some proprietary BI performance metrics.
Definitions of Terms
Business Intelligence (BI): Technology-driven processes for analyzing data and delivering actionable information to aid decision-making.
Strategic Decision-Making: The process of defining strategy and making decisions that affect an organization's long-term direction.
Operational Efficiency: The ability of an organization to deliver products or services in the most cost-effective manner.