Sustainable Intelligence –A managerial approach to support sustainability through business intelligence

Abstract

Problem background: Despite a growing demand of transparency companies are struggling with moving the focus from financial to sustainable performance. To be successful in the long run organizations need to fulfill the sustainability of economic, ecologic and social dimensions all together. Countless existing corporate managers lack vital skills and tools to manage sustainability issues. Further, literature regarding the conjunction between sustainability and business intelligence is negligible. Therefore it is important to shed light on factors that can assist organizations combine sustainability and business intelligence. Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to explore what managerial actions are necessary for the implementation of sustainability, in terms of the triple bottom-line, through business intelligence. Furthermore, previous research of implementation success factors is advanced in an attempt to contribute with managerial business practices for sustainability.

Overall research question: What is necessary, from a managerial perspective, for an organization to implement sustainability, in the context of the triple bottom line, through business intelligence? Delimitations: In this thesis we emphasis with the managerial perspective since we lack technological skills needed to understand the business intelligence systems. Methodology: The methodology used in this thesis is in line with a qualitative research method and an abductive approach. Henceforth, we have accomplished a case study on Schenker AB. The empirical findings derive from five interviews at Schenker AB and, in addition, one interview with an expert in the area of business intelligence, at Advectas AB.

Results and Conclusions: Sustainability is an important subject and much effort is focused on advancing sustainability practice. Moreover, managers and employees are striving for sustainability, and is thereby a great prerequisite for the implementation of sustainability through business intelligence. The communication and collaboration between business units is found vital for implementation success. This must include education and training in both sustainability and business intelligence. Further, finding a correlation between profitability and sustainability is a challenge, but in mastering the challenge the probability of top management commitment to sustainability through business intelligence will increase. Management control has to be based on one unison system, where information is displayed similarly to all users. In addition, the implementation process should be handled stepwise in order to move the entire organization in the same direction.