Big data analytics capability in supply chain agility

TLDR

The study contributes to the literature on big data analytics capability, supply chain agility, organizational flexibility, and competitive advantage. The paper examines when and how organizations build BDAC to enhance supply chain agility and competitive advantage, and suggests future research should replicate the findings longitudinally. The authors grounded their framework in dynamic capabilities and contingency theory and tested hypotheses with 173 questionnaire responses. Results show BDAC positively and significantly improves supply chain agility and competitive advantage, with organizational flexibility moderating the BDAC–SCA link but not the BDAC–competitive advantage link.

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine when and how organizations build big data analytics capability (BDAC) to improve supply chain agility (SCA) and gain competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach The authors grounded the theoretical framework in two perspectives: the dynamic capabilities view and contingency theory. To test the research hypotheses, the authors gathered 173 usable responses using a pre-tested questionnaire. Findings The results suggest that BDAC has a positive and significant effect on SCA and competitive advantage. Further, the results support the hypothesis that organizational flexibility (OF) has a positive and significant moderation effect on the path joining BDAC and SCA. However, contrary to the belief, the authors found no support for the moderation effect of OF on the path joining BDAC and competitive advantage. Originality/value The study makes some useful contributions to the literature on BDAC, SCA, OF, and competitive advantage. Moreover, the results may further motivate future scholars to replicate the findings using longitudinal data.