Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between data-driven decision making and decision-making quality has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of data-driven decision making on decision-making quality, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While data-driven decision making is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on decision-making quality within Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to data-driven decision making are helping or hindering decision-making quality — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Data-Driven Decision Making on decision-making quality in Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria.
2. To assess the extent to which data-driven decision making influences decision-making quality within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with data-driven decision making in relation to decision-making quality.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing data-driven decision making in order to improve decision-making quality.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of data-driven decision making on decision-making quality in Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria?
2. To what extent does data-driven decision making influence decision-making quality within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with data-driven decision making in relation to decision-making quality?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize data-driven decision making in order to improve decision-making quality?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its academic contribution to the field of business analysis, this study has practical value for management teams within Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria seeking to understand how data-driven decision making translates into measurable outcomes around decision-making quality. It is equally useful to students and future researchers looking for a localized empirical reference on this relationship.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to an examination of Data-Driven Decision Making and its relationship with decision-making quality within the context of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. It reflects a MSc-level scope of analysis and relies on data and perspectives available within that scope; generalizing the findings beyond this specific context should therefore be done with appropriate caution.