Knowledge-Based Decision Support System (K-BDSS) are a group of tools capable of displaying variations and their relevant details, a variety of filtered knowledge, integrating traditional DSS with the advances of expert systems and various analyses of the available knowledge.

The basic objectives of this dissertation are to identify the important factors influencing the use of K-BDSS tools in medium sized companies in Sudan and to understand how the organizational performance are affected by the use of K-BDSS.

The researcher collected data from three medium sized companies (Sudan) staff. The data collection utilized a triangulation approach including both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A model derived from the literature review was developed to generate the research questions.

The research questionnaires were distributed to 600 staff in the three selected companies in Sudan (DAL motors, SUTRAC, and SAYGA). Out of the 600 questionnaires distributed, 268 usable questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 45%. A total of 34 in-depth interviews with directors, and other KB related staffs of these companies were conducted.

Descriptive Statistics, Factor analysis, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data collected. Statistical techniques such as Correlation Coefficient were used to test the data collected in line with the hypotheses of the study and to identify and verify factors that has influence on the use of K-BDSS.

The factors influencing the use of K-BDSS in medium sized companies in Sudan that were found significant were: Technology Infrastructure, Top Management Support, User Satisfaction, Staff Training, and the age of staff. Organization Culture, Knowledge Contents, Project Management, and K-BDSS Benefits had no significant effect on the use of K-BDSS tools. In qualitative analysis use of thematic analysis of transcripts and other related text data sources, were used to support quantitative results and to understand how the perceived performance will be affected by the use of K-BDSS tools. The use of K-BDSS tools was found to affect the perceived performance positively (increase in the personal efficiency, increase productivity, increase innovation, improve decision making), the agreeing with quantitative results in (Top Management and ICT infrastructure) factors influencing the use of K-BDSS tools.

The findings made a contribution in terms of verifying what factors influence the use of K-BDSS tools in medium sized companies in Sudan and in terms of understanding the effect of K-BDSS tools on the perceived performance in Sudanese medium organization, and by extension, how it shapes country development.