HOW INTERACTIVE DASHBOARDS IMPROVE MANAGERIAL DECISION-MAKING IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

In today’s data-driven business environment, interactive dashboards play a crucial role in enhancing managerial decision-making by providing real-time analytics, performance tracking, and predictive insights. However, the complexity, usability, and adoption challenges associated with dashboards often affect their effectiveness in organizational decision-making processes. This study investigates the impact of dashboard complexity, user skepticism, training interventions, and governance frameworks on managerial decision-making by conducting an in-depth case study analysis across six industries: finance, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and technology. A total of six case studies were conducted, focusing on firms with varying levels of dashboard adoption, complexity, and customization. The study finds that excessively complex dashboards lead to cognitive overload, reducing decision efficiency, whereas streamlined, intuitive dashboards significantly enhance decision-making speed and accuracy. User skepticism and resistance to data-driven decision-making were prevalent, especially among senior managers, highlighting the need for structured training programs and transparent data governance policies. Organizations that invested in ongoing role-based training, AI-driven customization, and structured onboarding programs experienced higher adoption rates, improved decision accuracy, and reduced resistance. Furthermore, the study identifies that while automated alerts and AI-generated recommendations improve proactive decision-making, improper alert management can lead to alert fatigue and decision paralysis. Additionally, firms with robust governance frameworks, including role-based access control, data validation mechanisms, and encryption protocols, reported higher trust in dashboard-generated insights and improved decision consistency. The findings suggest that organizations must carefully balance dashboard functionality, usability, and security while prioritizing training and governance to maximize the benefits of dashboard-driven decision-making. By addressing these key challenges, businesses can effectively integrate dashboards into their strategic planning processes, leading to enhanced operational efficiency, data-riven decision-making, and competitive advantage in an increasingly complex business landscape.