Understanding the determinants of big data analytics (BDA) adoption in logistics and supply chain management

Purpose: Based on previous literature on big data analytics (BDA) and supply chain (SC) management, the purpose of this paper is to address the factors determining firms’ intention to adopt BDA in their daily operations. Specifically, this study classifies potential factors into four categories: technological, organizational, environmental factors, and SC characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on the innovation diffusion theory, a model consisted of direct technological and organizational factors as well as moderators was proposed. Subsequently, survey data was collected from 210 organizations. Then we used SPSS and SmartPLS to analyze the collected data. Findings: The empirical results revealed that perceived benefits and top management support can significantly influence the adoption intention. And environmental factors, such as competitors’ adoption, government policy, and SC connectivity, can significantly moderate the direct relationships between driving factors and the adoption intention. Research limitations/implications: Given the fact that big data (BD) usage in logistics and SC management is still in the start-up stage, the interpretations toward BDA might vary from different perspectives, thus causing some ambiguity in understanding the meaning and potential BD has. In addition, we collected data through questionnaires completed by IT managers, whose viewpoint may not fully represent that of an organization. Practical implications: This paper tests the organizational adoption intention of BDA and extends the literature streams of BD and SC management simultaneously. Social implications: This research helps top managers assess the benefits of BDA as well as how to adjust their business strategy along the changes of environment and SC maturity. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the literature of organizational adoption intention of BDA and extends the literature streams of BD and SC management simultaneously.