Business Intelligence Implementation Obstacles in Saudi Public Universities

Business Intelligence (BI) is a powerful tool that integrates systems and processes to extract data from diverse sources, encompassing vast datasets in various formats. Its purpose is to present meaningful information through multiple platforms, employing meticulously designed dashboards. Previous research has revealed that organizations often embark on large-scale BI integration; however, the failure rate in meeting expectations surpasses 70%. Consequently, this study aims to uncover the obstacles and related issues pertaining to BI implementation at the organizational level within Selected Saudi Public Universities (SSPUs) that have been practicing BI since 2018. Employing a qualitative approach, the study utilizes semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data. The collected textual data is thematically analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach and NVivo software. The findings indicate that SSPUs follow a unified process comprising various implementation stages. The main themes within this process encompass the pre-implementation of BI, the implementation itself, the consequences of BI implementation, and the barriers encountered during implementation. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing comprehensive insights into BI implementation obstacles, specifically within SSPUs and, more broadly, within the mainstream of Saudi public universities. Additionally, it offers a roadmap for higher education institutions, enabling them to tailor their services and enhance revenue generation in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.