Understanding supply chain analytics capabilities and agility for data-rich environments

Abstract

Purpose Big data-driven supply chain analytics capability (SCAC) is now emerging as the next frontier of supply chain transformation. Yet, very few studies have been directed to identify its dimensions, subdimensions and model their holistic impact on supply chain agility (SCAG) and firm performance (FPER). Therefore, to fill this gap, the purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a dynamic SCAC model and assess both its direct and indirect impact on FPER using analytics-driven SCAG as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach The study draws on the emerging literature on big data, the resource-based view and the dynamic capability theory to develop a multi-dimensional, hierarchical SCAC model. Then, the model is tested using data collected from supply chain analytics professionals, managers and mid-level manager in the USA. The study uses the partial least squares-based structural equation modeling to prove the research model. Findings The findings of the study identify supply chain management (i.e. planning, investment, coordination and control), supply chain technology (i.e. connectivity, compatibility and modularity) and supply chain talent (i.e. technology management knowledge, technical knowledge, relational knowledge and business knowledge) as the significant antecedents of a dynamic SCAC model. The study also identifies analytics-driven SCAG as the significant mediator between overall SCAC and FPER. Based on these key findings, the paper discusses their implications for theory, methods and practice. Finally, limitations and future research directions are presented. Originality/value The study fills an important gap in supply chain management research by estimating the significance of various dimensions and subdimensions of a dynamic SCAC model and their overall effects on SCAG and FPER.

Determining the antecedents of dynamic supply chain capabilities

“…It consisted of five items measured on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). In line with the research in the area of SAG (Al-Shboul, 2017;Dubey et al, 2018;Qrunfleh and Tarafdar, 2013;Fosso Wamba and Akter, 2019), the items of this scale measure the ability of the firm to handle demand-side and supply-side changes in a timely manner.…”

Impact of Internal Integration, Supply Chain Partnership, Supply Chain Agility, and Supply Chain Resilience on Sustainable Advantage

“…Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies whose products are badly needed need to pay attention to agility, resilience, and sustainability in producing drugs for the international community [6]. SC agility is a strategic capability established by the company to respond quickly to external changes in the company [12,29]. SC agility shows a company's ability to compile mindset, intelligence, and fast processes throughout the supply chain organization to respond to environmental uncertainty [43].…”

“…SC agility can balance supply and demand to improve operational performance [28]. The company's SC agility, supported by its SC capability, can improve the company's competitiveness [29]. SC agility reduces instability and increases response to customers with rapid environmental changes [30,31].…”

On relating big data analytics to supply chain planning: towards a research agenda

“…These dimensions are typically referred to as the “ V ”s of big data, ranging from volume, variety and velocity (e.g. Boone et al , 2019; Hou et al , 2017; Nguyen et al , 2018) to veracity (Richey et al , 2016; Sodero et al , 2019) and value (Fosso Wamba and Akter, 2019; Lai et al , 2018; Nguyen et al , 2018; Yu et al , 2018). These features of big data exceed the management and processing capability of traditional data systems, thus presenting substantial challenges.…”

“…These theories are commonly applied to understand the relationship between BDA capabilities and supply chain performance. For instance, Fosso Wamba and Akter (2019) investigated the impact of supply chain analytics capability on company performance with RBV, under the moderating effect of supply chain agility. Mandal (2018) explored the link between BDA personnel capability (i.e.…”