An investigation of the integration of business intelligence tools with the roles of performance management of wholesale SMEs in the UK: to enhance decision making that maintains/improves operational performance

........................................................................................................... Chapter One: 1.0 Introduction................................................................................................... 1.1 Scope of research.................................................................................... 1.2 Research Problem Definition................................................................... 1.2.1 Research Questions.............................................................................. 1.2.2 Research Objectives.............................................................................. 1.3 Research design...................................................................................... 1.4 Structure of the thesis.............................................................................. 1.5 Summary.................................................................................................... Chapter Two: 2.0 Wholesale SMEs in the UK........................................................................ 2.1 Region Background................................................................................... 2.2 Wholesale and Retail Distribution Industry................................................ 2.3 Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) ........................................................ 2.3.1 Weaknesses of SMEs.............................................................................. 2.3.2 Threats of SMEs...................................................................................... 2.3.2.1 Training Needs..................................................................................... 2.3.2.2 Development Needs.............................................................................. 2.3.3 Strengths of SMEs.................................................................................. 2.3.4 Opportunities........................................................................................... 2.3.2.1 Innovation in SMEs.............................................................................. 2.3.2.2 Globalization in SMEs........................................................................... 2.4 Sector Specific Success Factors................................................................. 2.5 Summary.................................................................................................... Page 1 2 5 7 10 12 14 16 19 21 22 25 29 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 43 46 50