Title: Semi-star schema for operational and analytical requirements of SMEs

Authors: Khurram Shahzad

Addresses: Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)/Stockholm University, Forum 100, SE 164 40 Kista, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract: Decision-making is a very complex process, as it requires complete knowledge and analysis of the business happenings. Large organisations are using data warehouse for analysis of their business because of its specialised properties. But, these organisations bear high maintenance cost, if operational sources are changed. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) cannot afford development and maintenance cost of data warehouse therefore their decision quality suffers. In order to equip these enterprises with data warehousing functionalities, key-properties of DW are analysed and decision-support (analytical) requirements of SMEs are collected. Based on the analysis, semi-star schema is proposed and evaluated for its advantages. In our study, we have found that semi-star schema can be used for fulfilling operational and analytical requirements of SME.

Keywords: decision support systems; DSS; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; data warehousing; SME decision making; semi-star schema.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2009.023913

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2009 Vol.10 No.1/2, pp.33 - 52

Published online: 18 Mar 2009 *

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