Building data analytics capability to increase information processing capacity: The case of a professional service firm

Abstract

Supply chain literature has emphasised the importance of data analytics capability in driving supply chain outcomes. Additionally, along with knowledge and professional judgement, providing data-driven analyses has become a critical component of professional service operations. However, there remains little understanding of how organisations build data analytics capability to reduce supply network uncertainty. A single case study of a professional service firm revealed analytics capability to be a combination of three capabilities, each with its distinct micro-foundations. We argue that the development of analytics capability requires the interaction of individual abilities and knowledge-bases with social and technical inter-organisational processes and structures.