Towards an understanding of the influence of Big Data Analytics (BDA) on agility and resilience in Humanitarian Supply chains (HSCs)

Abstract

The increasing frequency and intensity of natural and human-made disasters have led to a surge in global humanitarian efforts, necessitating a deeper understanding of humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM). This sector's challenges underline the critical need for efficient and effective coordination, putting immense pressure on humanitarian non-governmental organisations (HNGOs) to improve their operational capabilities. Along with these challenges, the humanitarian sector must utilise data-driven decision-making processes, which poses an obstacle for HNGOs struggling to adopt and implement such technologies. This study aims to develop insights and a new understanding of the influence of big data analytics (BDA) on agility and resilience in humanitarian supply chains (HSCs). Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) increasingly adopt technology to improve their operations and efficiency. However, this process has its challenges, both internally and externally. External factors such as the operating environment and technology adoption trends can significantly impact an organisation's technology integration efforts. Internally, deliberate efforts need to be made to promote technology adoption. To ensure the successful implementation of BDA, it is essential to understand the possible outcomes, inhibitors, and enablers. By doing so, NGOs can establish a clear roadmap for BDA implementation, motivating them to embrace transformative processes that build their agility and resilience. This qualitative research study aimed to explore the enablers, inhibitors, and outcomes of implementing BDA through 18 semi-structured interviews. The participants were selected from local and global HNGOs, consultants, and donor agencies based on their expertise in BDA within HSCs. The study used thematic analysis of qualitative data to create a conceptual framework that illustrates how BDA impacts agencies' agility and resilience. The study also highlighted the challenges and enablers that affect the implementation of BDA. The study culminated in a conceptual framework of how BDA influences the agility and resilience of HSCs. In cases where there were similarities, this research confirmed and thus added to the existing body of knowledge by potentially contributing to the literature on the agility and resilience of HSCs that implement BDA. The differences identified five potential refinements to the literature relating to the importance of visionary leadership, lack of trust in technology, high employee turnover rates, complex donor funding structures and inadequate financial resource allocation.