BI dashboard to empower PAC with near real-time decision support

Abstract

This master's thesis focuses on the development and implementation of a Business Intelligence (BI) dashboard for an airline company. The objective is to provide a comprehensive data visualization solution that enables real-time monitoring and analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) in the aviation industry. The research design combines qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative approach involves gathering requirements from stakeholders through the Agile methodology and iterative user feedback. The quantitative approach includes data analysis and the construction of a data model and dashboard using MicroStrategy. The data model follows the star schema model, facilitating efficient data integration and optimized query performance. The requirement-gathering process involved capturing relevant KPIs and dimensions from existing reports and functional requirements from stakeholders. These requirements were categorized into topics such as general requirements, on-time performance (OTP), crew requirements, cancelled legs, aircraft on the ground (AOGs), maintenance, and spares. The results section showcases the developed BI dashboard, emphasizing the dashboard design, selected KPIs, and visualizations. The user interface offers intuitive navigation and interactive features to facilitate data exploration and decision-making. User testing and feedback were incorporated to improve the dashboard's usability and effectiveness. Furthermore, the physical data model based on the star schema model contributes to query performance optimization, meeting the requirement of response times below 5 seconds for live dashboard usage. The use of best practices and methodologies, particularly those advocated by Kimball and Caserta, enhances the data modelling process. In conclusion, this master's thesis project presents a business intelligence dashboard tailored for the airline industry. By leveraging the power of data visualization and analytics, the dashboard empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and gain valuable insights into various aspects of airline operations. The research contributes to the field of information management by showcasing the application of agile development, star schema modelling, and user-centric design in developing a robust BI solution for aviation.