An Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process to the Evaluation of Companies’ Data Maturity

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate data maturity of a sample of Italian firms of different sectors and sizes, obtained through an online assessment submitted to 261 professionals and entrepreneurs operating in the data/IT domain. The paper's objective is to assess the relative importance of the factors that determine the success of big data initiatives, according to the company structure and managerial perspective. The questionnaire was digitally submitted to IT professionals and decision-makers in Italy through the LinkedIn platform. The assessment was divided into two sections: the first focused on the assessment of 8 critical success factors for big data, whereas the second assigned weights based on an application of the analytic hierarchy process. The result of this process is a weighted-scores system that reflects the relative importance that managers and employees give to different domains. Respondents agreed to the importance of integrated architecture, data-friendly corporate culture, and integrated organization domains. Once the results consider the weights from the AHP, data friendliness becomes the most sought-after characteristic. The findings provide direction for further development of this assessment system.