How Data Analytics Competencies Can Foster Business Value– A Systematic Review and Way Forward

Abstract

Several authors have illustrated the benefits of data in organizations. For realizing benefits, we see two major challenges for organizations. First, there are necessary investments, which have to be justified. Second, adequate data analytics competencies can be seen as enablers for realizing benefits. We aim to support organizations by showing relevant competencies and achievable business values. We present theoretical propositions and a research agenda on how to move the field of data analytics competencies forward.

Big data analytics capabilities and value creation at the work-practice level: A South African case study

“…In addition to inductive versus deductive, we assert there is potential also for an abductive approach in big data analytics, which fits with attempts at utilising both inductive and deductive approaches (Günther et al, 2017). The goal in all cases is to use big data analytics to acquire new insights which have the potential to create business value (Klee et al, 2021).…”

“…Dremel, Herterich, Wulf and vom Brock (2020) state that the overall value of big data analytics is heavily influenced by the socio-technical context and therefore is deeply embedded in an organisation's strategic goals. Big data analytics can be utilised too in daily organisational operational working practices (Klee et al, 2021). A key aspect of big data analytics is measuring business value and realizing and advancing benefits (Günther et al, 2017).…”

“…Debates on realising value from big data analytics arise at the work-practice level, organisational level and supra-organisational level (Günther et al, 2017). The work-practice level is where the operational practice of big data analytics occurs and is therefore especially pertinent in understanding how big data analytics capabilities translate into business value (Klee et al, 2021). Günther et al, (2017) outline two debates at the work-practice level -(1) the debate concerning inductive versus deductive approaches to big data analytics and (2) the debate concerning algorithmic versus human-based intelligence approaches in big data analytics.…”

“…Figure 1 depicts the conceptual model. Whilst Klee et al, (2021) generated a similar model to understand how big data analytics competencies create business value by improving practices at the operational work level, we are interested in big data analytics capabilities required to create business value that arises from the work-practice level for various functions.…”

“…These tensions manifest at the work-practice level, organisational level and supra-organisational level (Günther et al, 2017). The work-practice level refers to the day-to-day work with big data analytics, and arguably has the most direct bearing on business value creation since it focuses on the operational level (Gunther et al, 2017;Klee, Janson and Leimeister, 2021). The goal of this research is therefore to better understand big data analytics capabilities required to create business value that arises from the work-practice level.…”