A novel mechanism for business analytics value creation: improvement of knowledge-intensive business processes. Issue 1 (3rd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marjanovic, Olivera
• Is Part Of: Journal of knowledge management. Volume 26:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2021-06-03
• Subjects: BA value creation -- BA value creation mechanisms -- Knowledge-Intensive business processes (KIBPs) -- Knowledge-based view (KBV) -- Business analytics (BA) -- KIBP improvement -- Work systems theory (WST) -- Case study research; Knowledge management -- Periodicals; 658.4
• DOI: 10.1108/JKM-09-2020-0669
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-3270

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper focuses on the "how" of business analytics (BA) value creation, which remains an open research problem and a practical challenge. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a novel BA value creation mechanism that is BA-enabled improvement of Knowledge-intensive Business Processes (KIBPs), with experiential knowledge of decision makers as the key to a more sustainable BA-enabled competitive differentiation. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses a qualitative research case study, conducted in a large retail distribution company. The research insights were observed through a combined lens of work systems theory and the knowledge-based view (KBV) of the firm, using an interpretive approach. Findings: The proposed theoretical model identifies three stages of KIBP improvement through BA and explains how they lead to a sustainable BA-enabled competitive differentiation. Stage 1 focusses on BA support for individual knowledge-intensive tasks, Stage 2 focusses on individual decision makers and their ability to gain KIBP-related analytical insights and turn them into action; and Stage 3 on sharing of the acquired experiential knowledge amongst decision makers using BA. Originality/value: In addition to proposing a novel mechanism for BA value creation, this research demonstrates the importance of leveraging experiential knowledge of decision makers as a pathway to a more sustainable competitive differentiation through BA. This, in turn, creates new opportunities for knowledge management researchers to engage in BA-related research. It also opens a new approach for BA researchers to investigate BA value creation mechanisms through the lens of KBV, rather than more common resource-based or capability-based views.