ABSTRACT
Globalization has redefined business and paved the way for the creation of new paradigms and operational models. Business intelligence or the ability to gather and analyze information has become a critical tool for business success. Business intelligence has grown in prominence in the field of business. This heightened interest in business intelligence is anticipated to grow. The practice of business intelligence denotes an action orientation and quest for knowledge. It is grounded on data collection and its analysis. Business intelligence impacts business in profound ways. It has affected business planning, accounting, risk management, and management control systems. Intelligence can help identify emerging trends, competitive activities, as well as political and economic risks. Competitive intelligence comprises a set of initiatives designed to examine competitor activities. Several factors impede effective business intelligence. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
